3D Artists Embrace AI for Enhanced Creativity and Efficiency
Lawrence Jengar Nov 04, 2025 20:53
Discover how 3D artists like Maurizio Gastoni integrate AI into their workflows, enhancing creativity while maintaining control over the artistic process.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the 3D design industry is reshaping the creative landscape, providing artists with innovative tools to enhance creativity while optimizing workflow efficiency. Maurizio Gastoni, a visual architect and 3D artist, exemplifies this shift, utilizing AI to blend traditional design techniques with modern technology, according to Leonardo.ai.
From Traditional Rendering to AI-Enhanced Art
Historically, the 3D design process involved labor-intensive rendering and adjustments, often taking days or weeks to complete a single image. With AI, artists like Gastoni can now bypass these time-consuming steps, allowing for rapid iteration and creative exploration. This shift is largely attributed to tools like ControlNet, which provide artists with precise control over AI-generated outputs, effectively transforming AI from a mere tool into a creative partner.
Maurizio’s Hybrid 3D Art Workflow
Maurizio’s workflow is a testament to the potential of AI in art. His process is divided into three phases: AI-powered concepting, AI-assisted execution, and AI-driven post-production. Initially, AI aids in moodboarding and concept testing, speeding up the ideation process. Once a direction is chosen, traditional 3D software establishes the scene's core, which AI then enhances with detailed imagery. Finally, AI refines the render, ensuring high-quality output through tasks like inpainting and upscaling.
Phase 1: AI-Powered Concepting & Moodboarding
In the initial phase, AI assists in generating various visual concepts quickly, enabling artists to explore different creative directions rapidly. Platforms such as Leonardo.Ai facilitate this by providing powerful mood generation capabilities that align with client expectations efficiently.
Phase 2: AI-Assisted Execution
Once a concept is selected, the execution phase begins, where traditional 3D blockouts guide AI in creating detailed scenes. This phase significantly reduces the time needed for manual detailing, allowing for faster project turnover.
Phase 3: AI-Driven Post-Production & Refinement
The final phase involves refining the render using AI tools for tasks like error correction and image resolution enhancement. This ensures the final product meets professional standards, with tools from Leonardo.Ai playing a crucial role in this refinement process.
The 3D Artist’s New Role: From Technician to Creative Director
The role of the 3D artist is evolving from purely technical execution to a more concept-driven approach. Artists are now focusing on curation, taste, and narrative, with AI handling the technical aspects. This evolution allows artists to concentrate on creative direction, ensuring their work remains both technically proficient and artistically compelling.
Maurizio’s Advice for Integrating AI into Your 3D Art Workflow
For artists looking to incorporate AI into their workflows, Gastoni advises starting with secondary elements and treating AI as a collaborator. He emphasizes maintaining creative control and using AI to explore new ideas, while always making the final artistic decisions.
The integration of AI in 3D art is not about replacing human skills but enhancing them. By automating repetitive tasks, AI empowers artists to focus on the aspects of their craft that truly define their work: creativity, storytelling, and artistic vision.
Image source: Shutterstock.jpg)