Duncan Rudd, a seasoned CG animator, rigger, and generalist with over 25 years in the industry, shares the story behind Deep Rooted—his fourth animated short and his first created entirely in Blender. Duncan dives into how Blender, Geometry Nodes, and pure passion helped him bring this 10-minute 3D film to life.

WATCH DEEP ROOTED: click here

We explore Duncan’s creative process, from character and rigging to scene construction and rendering—all powered by Blender. He breaks down why personal projects are essential for freelance 3D artists, offering a chance to express your unique voice and stand out in a competitive animation landscape. His insights are gold for any aspiring freelance 3D generalist or animator looking to grow their career and creative skills.

Duncan also shares his perspective on the shifting industry landscape, with the collapse of major VFX and animation studios opening new doors for small 3D studios and freelancers. Whether you're into indie animation, Blender workflows, or building a sustainable freelance 3D career—this episode is packed with real talk and valuable advice.

The VFX Process Podcast #62

Getting Intimate With Your Industry!

For the video podcast: click here

Connect with Duncan: click here

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