At TurboSquid, our goal has always been to position artists for success by providing the data, insights, and infrastructure needed to create content customers are actively searching for.
More recently, TurboSquid and Shutterstock Content Strategy teams have been sharing information. Subsequently, we’ve created this Technology Content Brief based on current customer search trends. These insights are designed to help 3D artists and creators develop content with strong commercial potential across industries including AI, healthcare, engineering, education, sustainability, and more.
Opportunity for 3D Artists
Additionally, since this brief is based on combined marketplace customer search trends, we also encourage artists to submit renders directly to Shutterstock for increased exposure.
Most importantly, as a 3D artist, you’re uniquely positioned to create visuals that aren’t achievable through traditional 2D production methods. Because of this, high-quality 3D renders are becoming increasingly valuable across a wide range of commercial applications. Check out Shutterstock’s onboarding articles and add your Shutterstock username to our contributor survey so we can flag your submissions as 3D renders.
When submitting content to Shutterstock, be sure to designate it as an “illustration”. Then, include the tag:
sstkTechnology
This helps our curation team properly identify and feature your work. Furthermore, adding the correct tag can improve discoverability and increase the likelihood of your content being surfaced in relevant collections and searches.
Technology Content Opportunities
Below are some of the highest-demand content categories based on customer search activity.
Objects & Isolated Assets
First, let’s look at some high-opportunity technology-related objects to create:
Devices & Interfaces
- Laptops and monitors with visible charts, dashboards, or analytics
- Blank screen variations for customization
- Assets with alpha channels
- Video overlays with transparent backgrounds
AI & Automation
- AI-related icons
- Automation concepts
- UX/UI icon packs
- Data center equipment and server racks
Medical & Research
- Laboratory equipment
- Surgical robots (full systems and individual components)
- Anatomy visualizations
- Holographic medical interfaces
- Wireframe body systems
Industry Digitization
Technology visuals related to:
- Banking
- Housing
- Entertainment
- Engineering
- Education
- Agriculture
Scene & Environment Concepts
Next, let’s look at more advanced concepts that combine multiple objects, environments, and storytelling elements. In addition to scenes, many of these also work well as themed content bundles.
Industrial & Automation
- Assembly lines
- Human and robot collaboration
- Warehouses with robotic systems
- Industrial maintenance scenes
- Pipeline visualizations
Medical & Scientific
- Futuristic laboratories
- Healthcare holographic UI systems
- DNA and cell visualizations
- Research environments
AI & Infrastructure
- AI-powered data centers
- Server maintenance technicians
- Cloud infrastructure concepts
- Cybersecurity visualizations
Military & Defense
- Military command centers
- Aircraft and vehicle holograms
- Tactical interfaces
- Defense analytics systems
Mixed Reality & Emerging Tech
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Augmented Reality (AR)
- Mixed reality workspaces
- UI overlay packs
Sustainability & Smart Infrastructure
- Solar energy systems
- Wind energy farms
- Urban farming
- Smart irrigation systems
- Autonomous tractors
- Green office interiors
Need some visual inspiration? Take a look at some examples below.
Ultimately, the demand for high-quality technology-focused 3D content continues to grow across industries and platforms. By leveraging these search-driven insights and creating commercially relevant visuals, artists can position themselves for greater visibility, stronger portfolio growth, and expanded licensing opportunities. As customer needs evolve, TurboSquid and Shutterstock remain committed to helping creators stay ahead of emerging trends and connect their work with global audiences actively searching for innovative 3D content.
For more tips on how to improve your submissions be sure to check out our StemCell – 3D Standardization article.