How Worse 3D Artists Make More Money

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey as a 3D designer, acknowledging that despite not being the best, they've found success through networking and communication. They recount how they entered the crypto space and later used their skills to build client relationships, emphasizing the importance of lighting, texturing, and motion in 3D design. The speaker shares insights on how to stand out in the industry, the value of a strong portfolio, and the power of cold DMs to connect with potential clients, ultimately leading to lucrative opportunities.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The speaker acknowledges that many followers on Instagram are better 3D designers than them, yet skill level does not always equate to higher pay.
• 💼 The speaker's initial career goal was to become proficient in 3D design and join a studio, but their path changed with an introduction to the crypto space.
• 📈 Early success in the crypto space, where the speaker made $800 in a day by selling 3D models, hinted at alternative revenue streams beyond traditional design work.
• 💬 The speaker emphasizes the importance of communication skills and honesty, which helped secure a significant client relationship despite being a 'mediocre designer'.
• 📈 The speaker's client, who was initially in significant debt, became a millionaire within a year, illustrating the potential for rapid growth in the right circumstances.
• 🔗 Networking, as demonstrated by the speaker's cold DM that led to a significant opportunity, is crucial for finding lucrative work in the 3D design industry.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that lighting, texturing, and motion animation are key skills that can elevate a designer's income potential.
• 🌟 Having a unique style can be an exception to the rule, allowing designers to stand out and potentially command higher fees.
• 🏢 The speaker observes that large corporations may produce mediocre work due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, presenting opportunities for skilled designers.
• 📂 The advice to curate a portfolio that only includes the best work to maintain a high-quality image and increase the chances of securing clients.

Q & A

What is the main realization the speaker has come to regarding 3D designers on Instagram?

The speaker has realized that many of their followers on Instagram are objectively better 3D designers than them, and being a better designer is a major advantage for earning good pay.

Why does the speaker believe that better design does not always correlate with better pay?

The speaker has observed that despite many people being excellent designers, they are still seeking ways to improve their income, suggesting that design quality alone does not guarantee higher pay.

How did the speaker's involvement in the crypto space influence their 3D design work?

The speaker repurposed a 3D model by placing different cryptocurrency logos on it and selling these models to coin owners in exchange for the coins, which sometimes increased in value significantly.

What was the speaker's initial career plan when they started with 3D design?

The speaker initially planned to become proficient in 3D design and join a studio to model assets for commercials or other projects, aiming for an annual salary of $70,000 to $80,000.

How did the speaker gain one of their best connections in the e-commerce industry?

The speaker gained one of their best connections by sending a cold DM to someone who appeared to run an e-commerce brand, which eventually led to a working relationship.

What qualities did the speaker emphasize as important for their success in working with a client?

The speaker emphasized the importance of being honest, having good communication skills, responding quickly, and being adaptable to the company's requirements.

What book and its main lesson did the speaker mention as influencing their approach to business?

The speaker mentioned the book 'The Go-Giver' and its lesson that giving away things for free can lead to exceptional opportunities in life.

How did the speaker's approach to charging for their work help establish a friendly relationship with a client?

The speaker occasionally provided free work for small tasks or when they felt it was appropriate, which helped establish a more friendly relationship rather than a purely transactional one.

What advice does the speaker give for 3D designers looking to increase their income?

The speaker advises 3D designers to excel in lighting, texturing, and motion animation, as these skills can significantly enhance their income potential.

What strategy does the speaker recommend for building a strong portfolio?

The speaker recommends only including the best work in one's portfolio and removing older, lower-quality work as better pieces are created, to maintain the illusion of consistently high-quality output.