Reply To: Which 3D Design Software is Most Used?

Your frustration is common with job seekers throughout the profession because there is no single, universal answer. The high-end 3D design software is expensive and hence cost prohibitive for most firms. It also isn’t necessary for most projects, so it’s wasteful to have it sitting idle or hiring someone who only specializes in that particular software package. For that reason, a lot of firms outsource intensive 3D work.

As a student / employee it can be difficult / expensive to gain access to the software and log the hours necessary to become proficient with it. If you invest the time/money and your skills are not utilized or you’re not compensated for those skills/investment it would be a real bummer.  

If you really want to get into the high-end 3D software you might be better off working for an illustration studio. Most LA offices can get by with SketchUp and Photoshop. Rhino or Maya would be the most marketable 3D skills you could develop for a high-end LA office if you’re more into illustration/visualization. Civil 3D or Revit would be good also but are geared towards more technical applications like Architecture and Engineering.