I've spent an increasing amount of time thinking about how AI is affecting creative workflows. My musings began a few years ago when Adobe introduced generative AI into Photoshop, but since then I've also made use of dedicated AI software, including Topaz Photo AI and Video AI, which denoise and upscale media with unbelievable results.
My musings have made their way onto paper as I wrote about the AI tools that I use in my creative workflow, and more recently, I couldn’t believe how AI could help me (almost) eradicate technical bottlenecks in my workflow.
These thoughts are just the tip of the iceberg, though. Whether we like it or not, AI is completely transforming the 3D creative pipeline, and we'd do well to see how we can embrace it while retaining the creativity that makes our art human.
In this article we'll walk through a typical 3D workflow and explore the ways in which AI is already making its mark and how those tools, if used wisely, can help us focus on the art of creating and creative expression. We'll look at 3D scanning, 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, and rendering.
3D Scanning
An increasing number of 3D artists are turning to 3D scanning technology to create assets. Those doing this effectively are able to generate accurate and highly detailed 3D meshes in a fraction of the time compared to a modeller doing this from scratch.
In the last few years, 3D scanning manufacturers like Revopoint have begun to extend the already impressive capabilities of their scanning devices by adding in next-level advanced AI functionality. One such example is Revopoint's POP4 scanner, which boasts AI segmentation, a feature that automatically detects and removes objects in the scanner's view that it doesn't think you're wanting in the final scan.
One of the steps that every scanning editor has to go through after capturing a scan is to remove extraneous points. This is a time-consuming, laborious step that can now be automated courtesy of AI technology. The result is a scanning workflow that is faster and simpler.
AI segmentation also has the added benefit of reducing file sizes because it only includes the scan points that you need. Considering how large file sizes can be for scanned data, being able to reduce them enables more streamlined workflows.
Another challenge that Revopoint's AI scanning tools overcome is in those environments when capturing numerous scans from every single angle is unfeasible. This is most often the case when an object that requires scanning is fixed in location and can't be removed for scanning purposes.
Thanks to advancements in AI, Revopoint's scanners are now capable of creating high-quality geometry from far fewer scans than ever before. This means that scanning operatives will encounter far fewer situations where creating a scan is impossible. Users might also decide to save time in normal scanning situations by capturing fewer scans, knowing that they'll still get the same great results.
3D Modelling and Texturing
3D modelling and texturing is one of the most time-consuming elements of any 3D workflow. 3D scanning saves time, but AI is also transforming more traditional modelling pipelines, enabling artists to save time and money and therefore focus on the more creative elements of projects.
In many 3D packages, including Autodesk 3ds Max and NVIDIA's AI Blueprint, it is now possible to generate 3D models using simple text prompts and reference images. For example, by entering a prompt like "Create a selection of Scandinavian-inspired chairs, tables, and desks for a house", artists can generate base models which can then be edited and customised. This process is particularly useful for scene assets that aren't required to be created to exact specifications.
For texturing, Adobe Substance 3D Sampler and Stager boast Firefly generative AI capabilities which revolutionise workflows for designers, artists, and game developers. These AI tools include Text to Texture and Generative Background, which enable the quick creation of materials which can then be refined.
Lighting and Rendering
Some very exciting AI tools are making their way into rendering engines, and rather than totally replacing the art of these disciplines, many of them simply provide advanced tools which enable artists to more freely express their creative vision.
One excellent example is Chaos V-Ray's Mood Match feature, which "uses a reference photo to automatically align your scene’s lighting with the look and atmosphere of the image". Specifically, this looks like configuring V-Ray’s Sun and Sky or image-based lighting to produce a closely matched mood.
This tool is currently only available in V-Ray for SketchUp and Rhino but will likely be rolled out further after testing. After V-Ray has worked its AI magic, artists can then dive into the parameters and further refine the results. The bottom line is that users stay in control of the output.
A more revolutionary approach to AI rendering is Gendo, which offers a collaborative AI canvas so multiple creatives and stakeholders can contribute to the image creation process. The software allows you to "upload sketches, generate photorealistic renders, edit materials, and iterate — all on one collaborative canvas built for architecture teams."
Embracing AI within the creative workflow
My experience has taught me that a good way to embrace AI within the creative workflow is to do it slowly and with your brain switched on. The last thing we want is to be in a position where we've handed over the creative reins to AI and have lost the very reason for doing what we do. As a starting point, why not check out whether one of these five AI tools could be integrated into your pipeline?
Article last updated 24th July 2026.
