Featured Groups

Written By Scott Rafferty

All of these groups mentioned below are heavyweights in their own right and within their own fields. 


  • www.polycount.com

    Platform: Web forum 
    Focus: Game art and real-time 3D graphics Target 
    Audience: Game artists, 3D modelers, texture artists, and real-time CGI professionals

     Overview:

    • One of the most respected online communities for game artists and real-time 3D professionals

    • Covers a wide range of topics related to game art creation and real-time graphics

    • Known for in-depth technical discussions and high-quality work showcases

    Key Features:

    • Comprehensive forum categories covering various aspects of game art production

    • Active job boards featuring opportunities from game studios

    • Regular community challenges and contests

    • Work-in-Progress (WIP) sections for feedback and critiques

    • User galleries for showcasing finished work

    How to Join:

    • Free registration on the Polycount website

    • No premium membership — all features are available to all registered users

    Notable Benefits:

    • Access to a wealth of knowledge from industry professionals and experienced artists

    • Exposure to current industry standards and cutting-edge techniques

    • Opportunities for portfolio visibility among peers and potential employers

    • Insight into game development processes and industry trends

    Polycount remains a vital hub for game artists and those working in real-time 3D graphics. Its focus on technical excellence and industry-relevant discussions makes it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and veterans in the field. The community’s emphasis on constructive feedback and sharing of knowledge contributes significantly to the professional growth of its members.

  • www.blenderartists.org

    Platform: Web forum and Discord 
    Focus: Blender-specific discussions and resources 
    Target Audience: Blender users of all levels 

    Overview:

    • The official community for Blender, a popular open-source 3D creation suite

    • Covers all aspects of 3D creation using Blender

    Key Features:

    • Extensive tutorials and learning resources

    • Works in Progress (WIP) section for feedback

    • Active job market for Blender-specific roles

    How to Join:

    • Free registration on the Blender Artists website

    • Discord link available on the forum for real-time chat

    Notable Benefits:

    • Direct interaction with Blender developers

    • Early access to Blender development builds

    • Large library of Blender-specific resources and add-ons

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your Blender projects, no matter your skill level

    • Contribute to open-source Blender development if you have coding skills

    • Engage in the critique section to improve your work

  • https://www.reddit.com/r/vfx/

    Platform: Reddit 
    Focus: Visual effects industry discussions 
    Target Audience: VFX professionals and students 

    Overview:

    • A subreddit dedicated to the visual effects industry

    • Covers both technical and career-related topics

    Key Features:

    • AMAs with industry professionals

    • Weekly reel share and feedback threads

    • Discussions on industry news and trends

    How to Join:

    • Free Reddit account required

    • Join the subreddit by clicking ‘Join’ button

    Notable Benefits:

    • Anonymity allows for frank discussions about industry issues

    • Quick access to breaking news and job opportunities

    • Diverse perspectives from professionals worldwide

    Participation Tips:

    • Read the subreddit rules before posting

    • Use appropriate flair for your posts

    • Contribute meaningfully to discussions, not just self-promotion

  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/HoudiniArtists/

    Facebook Group 
    Focus: SideFX Houdini software 
    Target Audience: Houdini users and FX artists 

    Overview:

    • Community for users of Houdini, a powerful 3D animation and VFX software

    • Covers all aspects of Houdini from basics to advanced FX

    Key Features:

    • Daily showcases of Houdini work

    • Sharing of Houdini tips, tricks, and tutorials

    • Discussions on new Houdini releases and features

    How to Join:

    • Requires a Facebook account

    • Request to join the group (approval required)

    Notable Benefits:

    • Direct interaction with Houdini developers and power users

    • Access to shared Houdini files and setups

    • Insights into Houdini’s use in film, TV, and game production

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your Houdini work, even work-in-progress

    • Ask specific, well-formulated questions when seeking help

    • Contribute by sharing your own Houdini discoveries and techniques

  • www.artstation.com

    Platform: Web platform and mobile app

    Focus: Portfolio showcase and networking for digital artists

    Target Audience: CGI artists, concept artists, game developers, and art directors

    Overview:

    • A premier platform for showcasing and discovering digital art

    • Combines elements of a portfolio site, social network, and job board

    Key Features:

    • High-quality artwork galleries with customizable portfolio pages

    • Learning section with tutorials and workshops from industry professionals

    • Challenges sponsored by major studios and brands

    • Marketplace for selling digital assets and prints

    How to Join:

    • Free registration for basic features

    • Pro accounts available for enhanced portfolio options and analytics

    Notable Benefits:

    • High visibility to potential employers and clients

    • Exposure to cutting-edge work from top industry artists

    • Networking opportunities with artists and studios worldwide

    Participation Tips:

    • Regularly update your portfolio with your best work

    • Engage with other artists by liking and commenting on their work

    • Participate in ArtStation challenges to gain exposure

  • https://www.dinustyempire.com/

    Platform: Discord 

    Focus: 3D environment art and level design 

    Target Audience: Environment artists, level designers, and game developers 

    Overview:

    • Founded by environment artist Jeremy Estrellado

    • Focuses on creating high-quality 3D environments for games and real-time applications

    Key Features:

    • Channels dedicated to different aspects of environment creation (modeling, texturing, lighting)

    • Regular feedback sessions and challenges

    • Resource sharing for environment artists

    Notable Benefits:

    • Direct interaction with experienced environment artists

    • Access to specialized knowledge in game environment creation

    • Community-driven learning and improvement

    • Regular twitch stream interactions and portfolio reviews

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your work-in-progress environments for feedback

    • Participate in community challenges to improve your skills

    • Engage in discussions about industry standards and techniques

  • https://www.beyondextent.com/

    Platform: Discord 

    Focus: Environment art and world-building for games and real-time 3D Target Audience: Environment artists, level designers, and game developers 

    Overview:

    • Community focused on creating immersive and detailed 3D environments

    • Covers various aspects of environment creation for games and real-time applications

    Key Features:

    • Channels dedicated to different aspects of environment art (modeling, texturing, lighting, foliage)

    • Regular feedback sessions and challenges

    • Resource sharing for environment artists

    • Discussion of industry trends and techniques

    Notable Benefits:

    • Direct interaction with experienced environment artists

    • Access to specialized knowledge in game environment creation

    • Community-driven learning and improvement

    • Exposure to current trends in environment art for games

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your work-in-progress environments for feedback

    • Participate in community challenges to improve your skills

    • Engage in discussions about industry standards and techniques

    • Contribute to resource sharing and tutorial discussions

  • https://discord.gg/sPcafCSM

    Platform: Discord 

    Focus: Architectural visualization 

    Target Audience: 3D artists specializing in architectural renderings and animations 

    Overview:

    • Community dedicated to the art and technology of architectural visualization

    • Covers both technical and artistic aspects of archviz

    Key Features:

    • Channels for software-specific discussions (3ds Max, V-Ray, Corona, etc.)

    • Workflow and technique sharing

    • Critique and feedback channels

    Notable Benefits:

    • Exposure to current trends in architectural visualization

    • Networking with archviz studios and professionals

    • Access to specialized archviz resources and tutorials

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your architectural renderings for critique

    • Discuss lighting and material techniques specific to archviz

    • Engage in conversations about client relations and project management

  • https://discord.gg/3nCE2bhr

    CGI Lounge 

    Platform: Discord 

    Focus: General CGI and 3D art 

    Target Audience: 3D artists, animators, and CGI enthusiasts of all levels 

    Overview:

    • A casual community for CGI artists to socialize and share work

    • Covers a wide range of CGI topics and software

    Key Features:

    • General discussion channels for various 3D topics

    • Work-in-progress sharing and feedback

    • Casual challenges and events

    Notable Benefits:

    • Relaxed atmosphere for sharing and discussing CGI work

    • Diverse community with artists from various specializations

    • Opportunity to explore different areas of CGI

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your work regularly, regardless of skill level

    • Engage in casual conversations to build relationships

    • Offer help to others to build your reputation in the communit

  • https://discord.gg/unrealsource

    Platform: Discord 

    Focus: Unreal Engine development 

    Target Audience: Game developers, real-time 3D artists, and Unreal Engine users 

    Overview:

    • Large community focused on Unreal Engine development

    • Covers both technical and artistic aspects of using Unreal Engine

    Key Features:

    • Channels for different aspects of Unreal (Blueprints, C++, Materials, etc.)

    • Regular community challenges and game jams

    • Resource sharing and troubleshooting

    Notable Benefits:

    • Quick problem-solving for Unreal Engine issues

    • Exposure to both gaming and enterprise uses of Unreal

    • Opportunities to collaborate on game projects

    Participation Tips:

    • Use appropriate channels for different types of questions or discussions

    • Share your Unreal projects and offer constructive feedback to others

    • Participate in community game jams to build your portfolio

  • https://discord.gg/DEUuNs7

    Platform: Discord 


    Focus: Automotive visualization and 3D car modeling 


    Target Audience: 3D artists specializing in automotive design, car rendering, and vehicle modeling

    Overview:

    • Community dedicated to the art and technology of automotive visualization

    • Covers both technical and artistic aspects of creating photorealistic car renderings and 3D vehicle models

    Key Features:

    • Channels for different aspects of automotive CGI (modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering)

    • Software-specific discussions (e.g., 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, KeyShot, V-Ray)

    • Work-in-progress sharing and feedback

    • Industry news and trends in automotive design and visualization

    Notable Benefits:

    • Exposure to cutting-edge techniques in automotive visualization

    • Networking with professionals from automotive design studios and CGI firms

    • Access to specialized resources like car blueprints, material libraries, and HDRIs

    • Insights into the automotive design and marketing industries

    Participation Tips:

    • Share your automotive renders and models for critique

    • Discuss specific challenges in car modeling, such as complex surface creation

    • Engage in conversations about achieving photorealism in car renders

    • Participate in challenges or group projects focused on vehicle design or visualization

    • Share and discuss techniques for creating realistic materials for cars (paint, chrome, glass, etc.)

Scott Rafferty
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Benefits of Joining These Groups