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Entry Level 3D Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Create and revise 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation using SolidWorks ... Support prototype, testing, verification, and documentation of designs. * Collaborate with cross ...

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Entry Level 3D Designer information

What are some common challenges faced by entry level 3D designers when working on collaborative projects?

Entry level 3D designers often find that collaborating on projects requires strong communication and adaptability, as they need to align their creative vision with the broader goals of a team that may include senior designers, engineers, and project managers. Learning to interpret feedback constructively and manage multiple revisions is a key challenge, especially when balancing deadlines and project standards. Familiarity with version control tools and asset management systems is beneficial, as these are commonly used to streamline teamwork and avoid conflicts in shared files. Embracing feedback and proactively seeking clarification can help new designers grow their skills and contribute effectively to collaborative efforts.

What is the difference between Entry Level 3D Designer vs Junior 3D Artist?

AspectEntry Level 3D DesignerJunior 3D Artist
CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationSimilar educational background, often with portfolio
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, advertising agencies, gaming companiesGame development, animation studios, visual effects
Job FocusBasic 3D modeling, concept visualization, assisting senior designersCreating assets, modeling, texturing under supervision

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work in creative environments. The Entry Level 3D Designer often focuses on foundational tasks and supporting projects, while the Junior 3D Artist may have more hands-on responsibilities in asset creation. The roles are closely aligned, with the main difference being the specific job titles used by employers.

What is an Entry Level 3D Designer?

An Entry Level 3D Designer is a professional who creates three-dimensional models, visuals, and animations using specialized software, typically at the beginning of their career. They work under the guidance of senior designers and contribute to projects in industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design. Their tasks often include modeling objects, texturing, rendering, and assisting with design revisions. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and familiarity with 3D design software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max are important skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level 3D Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 3D Designer, you need a solid understanding of 3D modeling principles, basic design theory, and proficiency in relevant software such as Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max, usually supported by a portfolio or relevant coursework. Familiarity with rendering engines, texture mapping, and sometimes industry certifications like Autodesk Certified User can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with teams are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing visually compelling designs and contributing productively to creative projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of 3D Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level 3D Designer jobs in California? For Entry Level 3D Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level 3D Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 3D Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level 3D Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level 3D Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Vans: Associate Designer, Visualization 3D & Innovation

Vans

Costa Mesa, CA • Hybrid

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 19 days ago


Vans rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Now that you've found the job description, what's next?

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live "Off The Wall" - embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday's "Off The Wall" moment is today's new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us - our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live "Off the Wall," Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com.

What will you do?

A day in the life of a Associate Designer, Visualization 3D & Innovation for Footwear, Apparel and Accessories at Vans looks a little like this.

This is an entry level role that sits on the design and innovation team and will be responsible for high quality 3D models, agenticAI and will help lead adoption of new and cutting-edge visualization tools and design methods. This role will work closely with internal innovation teams, merchandising, development, as well as external vendors and co-creators to optimize design and visualize future concepts and that create impactful representations of seasonal designs. This role reports to the director of digital innovation, AI, and innovation center.

Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

  • Leverage GenAI, Adobe, and CAD to generate innovative and advanced footwear, apparel, accessories concepts based on new technology developments

  • Leverage AgenticAI to optimize design visualization, innovation inputs/outputs, and deliver rich visual assets

  • Collaborate with 3D modelers to generate high quality visuals/presentations from 3D assets for various departments

  • Assist product teams in various categories incorporating digital tools in their design process (vizcom, blender, substance painter, photoshop, etc.)

  • Research new technologies, materials and applications to share with the product teams

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you'll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 1-3 years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent education in Industrial Design, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or digital arts

  • Experience with texturing/rendering software (e.g., Rhino, Unreal, blender, etc) and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, or similar programs

  • Skilled with business software, including Microsoft Suite, Figma, Figjam, etc.

  • Demonstrates strong teamwork skills and the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues across design, development, merchandising, and other departments.

  • Exhibits self-motivation and can work independently with some collaboration with the team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

  • Periodic travel required (approx. 10-20%), including air travel

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

  • Preferred software experience: GenAI (MidJourney, Claude, Copilot Suite, ChatGPT, Freepic, Vizcom, and other AI tools), CAD/Render (Rhino, Maya, Blender, Unreal, etc.)

  • Experience with 3D printing files and outputs a plus

  • While the focus will be on AI optimization and visualization, experience with footwear and apparel is a plus

  • Bend, lift, open and move product and related office items varying in weight from 1 to 60lbs, depending on need

Location requirement: Hybrid schedule, 3 days a week (more as needed) out of our HQ in Costa Mesa, CA.

Hiring Range:

$60,480.00 USD - $75,600.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, orcommissionpotential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.


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About Vans

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Vans is a reputable company in the footwear industry with its headquarters located in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Established in 1966 by James Van Doren, Paul Van Doren, Gordon C. Lee, and Serge Delia, it started as Van Doren Rubber Company. Vans specializes in producing uniquely-designed shoes, although they also offer apparel and accessories for action sports like skateboarding and BMX. Known globally, the company operates in the consumer goods sector, particularly focusing on the fashion and apparel segment. Central to the company's values is the expression of creativity, individuality, and authenticity. Its mission is to deliver high-quality products that convey personal style while maintaining robustness for sports activities.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

1966

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