3D modeling is a futuristic way to earn money – and you don’t need a degree or classes of any kind to partake in it. Yes, it’s true! You too can be a 3D artist, you just need some willpower, elbow grease and willingness to metaphorically get your hands dirty. Here’s a compact guide how to get the most out of your future 3D modeling career.

  1. Select software: what you want is a free modeling tool. Congratulations, that’s what Blender 3D is. With no investment whatsoever, you can get your newbie hands on powerful software that delivers AAA quality. Another important thing is that there are more Blender tutorials that you can shake a pixelated stick at. Few things are as easy as finding learning materials for Blender.
  2. Knowing the type of model: You break down the types of stock models into three rough categories: the extremely detailed, exquisitely textured CG models, low-poly models and 3D printing-ready models. Well, guess what? According to data by CGTrader, one of the premier online stock model marketplaces, low-poly models have a better chance to sell than CG models! This means that you have to limit yourself to about 50.000 polygons (that’s quite a lot) and not worry about sculpting any intricate detail. Low poly models are extremely useful for videogames and various interactive presentations. And guess what, all the major game development engines are now free (leaving would-be developers more money to spend on stock models) and VR-enabled (and virtual reality needs low-poly to maintain their frame rates). The magic of making low poly detailed is in textures… or just going for stylized, cartoon look and just modeling away care-free.
  3. Know WHAT to model: now, what exactly do you want to model, rig and make game-ready? Cars, vehicles and humans/characters draw most bang-per-buck (sale), so these are good categories to look into. Same goes for architectural exteriors and aircraft. However, architectural exteriors, interiors and especially furniture have loads of competition because everyone is crafting models in these themes. Science/medical, space, watercraft and animals, are, however, relatively free of competition. So capitalize on that!
  4. Uploading your art: now that you have a model, where do you upload it for the sale? We recommend CGTrader. This marketplace doesn’t strip your name away from your model – in fact, you can proudly display all of your wares on your profile. It has a rank-based royalty system, with one of the ways to increase rank being model rating – so being judgemental actually increases your profits. Isn’t that great? And once you’re more skilled, you can partake in their various modeling challenges for a chance to win software and sometimes even hardware prizes.
  5. What to upload when uploading: you can never know what software your buyer will be using, so export and upload your model in a variety of formats. You should also upload pictures – about 20 of them, as models with a generous amount of images sell a lot (7.7 times, to be exact) better than those with only one picture. So do it! Also consider adding a 1000 symbol description as well as having one or two free models to your name – Google loves lengthy descriptions while buyers like to check out the quality of your works before committing to buying.

There you have it! It’s a short, relatively easy way to make money and be part of The Future. With game development having just hit a major democratic stride and VR being the word on everyone’s lips, you’re looking at a bright, low-poly future. Why not get a piece of that pie for yourself?