Yesterday was my son’s birthday. Although I should be exhausted from the festivities, I found myself unable to sleep. My mind was buzzing—not with thoughts of cake and candles, but with something that caught my attention earlier that day: the announcement of the CGArchitect 3D Awards jury.
The CGArchitect 3D Awards are back, and as a past juror, I was eager to see who would be on the panel this year. But as I scrolled through the Instagram post, swiping through the names and faces, something stopped me in my tracks. Eighteen members in total, and not a single woman among them.
Now, let me be clear—I’m not one to get caught up in gender politics. But this felt different. We have so many talented women in the 3D industry, women who are pushing boundaries, creating stunning work, and leading in their fields. So how is it that not one was included on this year’s jury?
I felt compelled to reach out to CGArchitect, with whom I have a good relationship, to simply ask: why? Last year’s jury included women, myself among them, so what happened this year? Their response was as surprising as it was disheartening. They told me they had approached many women, but not only did they receive little to no response, one even suggested that her male coworker would be a better fit for the position.
This revelation hit hard. It wasn’t just about the absence of women on the jury; it was about the deeper issue of self-doubt and the feeling of not being “good enough.” How many times have we, as women—or simply as human beings—passed on an opportunity because we felt unworthy? How often have we thought, “Someone else could do this better”?
Today, I want to speak to all the women out there and to anyone who has ever felt that they weren’t enough. Your talent, your perspective, your voice—they matter. The opportunities that come your way are not accidents; they come to you for a reason. You have something valuable to contribute, and you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
I’m not just a 3D artist; I’m also a mother of two young boys. Every day, I juggle the demands of my career and the responsibilities of parenthood. It’s not easy, and there are days when self-doubt creeps in. But what keeps me going is the belief that what I do matters—not just for me, but for the next generation. I want my sons to grow up seeing their mother take on challenges, believe in her worth, and seize every opportunity to make a difference. I want them to understand that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward despite it.
As parents, we have a profound influence on our children. We have the responsibility to instill courage in them, to teach them that their value is not defined by external opinions but by their own belief in themselves. And for those of us in the 3D industry, we have the power to support and uplift each other, ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender—feels empowered to take their rightful place in the spotlight.
On that note, I want to emphasize the incredible opportunity that the CGArchitect 3D Awards offer every year. This competition is a chance for all 3D artists to submit their work, get noticed, and truly make a difference in their careers. There aren’t many competitions like this, so I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back—submit your work, show the world what you can do, and seize the chance to get noticed.
So, to my fellow women in the 3D industry and to everyone reading this: Let’s stop doubting ourselves. Let’s take our place at the table, on the jury, in the spotlight. And let’s encourage each other to do the same. Because representation matters, and so does the courage to show up and be counted.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Can you relate to these feelings of self-doubt? Have you ever passed up an opportunity because you didn’t feel ready or worthy? Or perhaps you have a story of overcoming those doubts? Please share your experiences in the comments—I believe that by talking about these issues openly, we can inspire and empower each other to move forward with confidence.
PS. This is not a typical post from me. I usually keep things strictly professional and technical. But after reflecting on this, I realize that those of us who have the courage to step up and seize opportunities also owe it to others to help them do the same. It's not just about personal achievement—it's about fostering an environment where we all lift each other up.
Let’s make sure we’re all seen, heard, and valued in this industry we love.
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