Why Every 3D Artist NEEDS a Personal Project | Duncan Rudd | TVFXP #62

Video Description

The VFX Process Podcast #62 | Freelance 3D artist Duncan Rudd reveals how he built his solo short Deep Rooted in Blender using Geometry Nodes and why personal projects matter. WANT EXCLUSIVE CONTENT? BECOME A MEMBER: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClq3NACBINjxTP0Hz8BC7jg/join TVFXP NEWSLETTER - https://www.thevfxprocess.co.uk/getnotified If you enjoyed this video, check out the latest episodes of The VFX Process Podcast: https://youtu.be/TAYIMaAg4xk https://youtu.be/ckygkXaXVI0 The VFX Process... Getting Intimate With Your Industry! Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes looks at the world of animation, VFX and filmmaking. Don't forget to like, share, and leave your questions and comments below! https://www.youtube.com/@thevfxprocess?sub_confirmation=1 🎙️ EXTENDED VERSION AVAILABLE AS A PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-vfx-process/id1664787741 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jamie Bakewell sits down with Duncan Rudd, a seasoned CG animator, rigger, and generalist with over 20 years in the industry, to talk about Deep Rooted, his fourth animated short and his first created entirely in Blender. Duncan dives into how Geometry Nodes, open-source tools, and pure passion helped him bring this ambitious 10-minute film to life. We explore Duncan’s full creative process, from character design to rigging, scene construction, and rendering—all powered by Blender. He shares why personal projects are essential for freelance 3D artists, giving you a chance to express your unique voice and stand out in a competitive landscape. His insights are gold for any aspiring 3D generalist or animator looking to grow creatively and professionally. Duncan has spent the last decade freelancing for top UK studios including Aardman, Nexus, Studio Liddell, and many more. Recently, he brought together everything he’s learned—alongside some of the best talent he’s worked with—to launch 3DR, a full-service animation studio based in South Manchester. We also dive into the shifting animation landscape, with the collapse of major VFX studios creating new opportunities for small studios and freelancers. Whether you're into indie animation, Blender workflows, or building a sustainable 3D career—this episode is packed with real talk and valuable advice. WATCH DEEP ROOTED: https://youtu.be/Q0QM1Ral-7s?feature=shared ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH DUNCAN: https://www.instagram.com/duncanrudd https://www.3drstudio.co.uk/ @duncanrudd348 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH US https://www.tiktok.com/@thevfxprocess https://www.instagram.com/thevfxprocess https://twitter.com/bigtoothstudios https://discord.gg/V37kWumKgx https://www.thevfxprocess.co.uk/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ⏰TIMECODES⏰ 00:00 - INTRO TO DUNCAN 02:32 - LEARNING 3D IN THE 90'S 05:14 - PROJECT: DEEP ROUTED 09:10 - PICKING UP BLENDER FOR THE FIRST TIME 10:15 - A LOT OF GEOMETRY NODES! 12:40 - WHY I CHOSE EEVEE TO RENDER THIS FILM 14:40 - HARDEST SCENE TO ANIMATE 15:33 - TEXTURING & USING 2D ELEMENTS 18:04 - MAKING A SHORT WITH NO DIALOGUE 20:19 - THE IMPORTANCE OF ANIMATICS 23:31 - TOP 3 TIPS FOR BLENDER FILMMAKERS 24:58 - FREELANCE ANIMATION CAREER ADVICE 27:39 - IMPOSTER SYNDROME & WORK LIFE BALANCE 31:34 - MY NEXT PROJECTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MUSIC: Motion Array - https://motionarray.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This video is NOT sponsored. some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we will receive a small commission. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #vfx #blender3d #film #visualisation #animation #vfxpodcast #animationpodcast #b3d #maya #thevfxprocess #3dartist #unrealengine #preproduction #filmindustry #blenderanimation #blendercommunity #blenderrender #blendercon #eeveerender #cyclesrender #filmmaker #flowmovie #indieanimation #stylised3D #geometrynodes #cgi