3D Art in 2025: AI, Predictions, and Trends
Dade Orgeron’s Vision
Hearing Shutterstock’s Dade Orgeron, VP of Innovation, say AI could "disappear into the background" in 2025 as it becomes genuinely useful is a refreshing message as we begin the new year.
Reflecting on 2024
Reflecting on 2024, one of the biggest 3D art trends, it would be easy to pick up where 2024 left off and feel despondent, but maybe this is the year when AI art tools become just that, tools for artists.
Expert Insights
I caught up with three pros working in the 3D art industry, from Shutterstock, Leica Geosystems, and VFX studio Whiskytree to hear what they think 2025 will see and how things will change.
Whiskytree’s Brian Meanley
Brian Meanley, VFX Supervisor at Whiskytree, says it’s been a "transformative year for the VFX industry" with AI dominating conversations and workflows. He adds, "These technologies have introduced notable efficiencies, particularly in areas like asset generation and animation, but the rapid pace of development has left many evaluating how best to integrate them thoughtfully – balancing innovation with maintaining artistic integrity."
Leica Geosystems’ Andy Fontana
Andy Fontana, Technical Product Specialist at Leica Geosystems, reveals how the use of LiDAR technology had increased in 2024, for virtual productions and LED walls. "Studios are under pressure to find new ways to get the most out of their productions and think outside the box," says Andy. "We’ve seen some amazing teams build creative workflows and pipelines with LiDAR data to position individual LED walls and create coordinate systems for camera tracking equipment to produce the most accurate visual possible for the camera pose."
Shutterstock’s Dade Orgeron
Dade Orgeron, VP of Innovation at Shutterstock, expects to see an evolution of trends that began in 2024 as generative AI tools evolve from promising concepts into robust, professional-grade solutions – even disappearing into the background in some cases. "In a small way, generative AI has already begun automating tasks like modeling, texturing, and rigging. Still, I expect the coming year will bring more refined, reliable, and deeply integrated tools into professional pipelines."
Conclusion
As we look to 2025, it’s clear that AI will continue to play a significant role in the 3D art industry. With experts predicting the rise of generative AI, NeRFs, and Gaussian splats, the possibilities for creativity and innovation are vast. As Dade Orgeron puts it, "The evolution of generative AI and collaborative technologies should empower artists and studios to iterate more quickly, experiment creatively, and produce high-quality work with far less time and effort."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the future of AI in 3D art?
A: AI is expected to become more integrated into professional pipelines, automating tasks and enhancing efficiency.
Q: What are NeRFs and Gaussian splats?
A: NeRFs (Neural Radiance Fields) and Gaussian splats are technologies used for capturing and reconstructing realistic 3D environments from 2D data.
Q: How will AI affect the 3D art industry in 2025?
A: AI will continue to transform the industry, enabling faster iteration, more creative experimentation, and higher-quality output.
Q: What are the key trends to watch in 2025?
A: Generative AI, NeRFs, Gaussian splats, and LiDAR technology are expected to shape the 3D art industry in 2025.
