How To Actually Make Money With Blender In 2024

Summary

This video script outlines a five-step framework for success in freelance 3D work, based on the creator's extensive experience. It emphasizes the importance of specialization, building an online presence, crafting a strong portfolio, skill stacking, and finding clients through value-based methods rather than low-value marketplaces. The script also touches on the value of networking and testimonials in establishing authority and boosting one's freelance career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Making money with 3D is challenging and often lacks clear guidance, but a five-step framework can help streamline the process.
• 🔍 The first step is to specialize and find a niche within the 3D industry to stand out and become an expert.
• 🏹 Use the 'Dig method' to explore and determine what you're good at, interested in, and passionate about to find your niche.
• 🔬 Investigate the market to ensure your chosen niche has demand and potential for success.
• 🛠 Build an online presence and create a portfolio showcasing your best work to attract clients.
• 📈 Establish a brand image by selecting your best pieces and creating flagship projects that demonstrate your skills.
• 🎓 Skill stacking is crucial for advancing in the freelance world; diversify your abilities to offer comprehensive solutions.
• 🤝 Finding clients involves networking and providing value upfront, similar to curing a zombie villager in Minecraft to establish trust.
• 💰 The 'Value method' involves finding potential clients, offering them something of value, and then trading (working) with them once trust is established.
• 📊 After delivering value, ask for work, referrals, or testimonials to grow your business and reputation.
• 🚫 Be aware of the pitfalls of low-value marketplaces like Fiverr that can lead to a race to the bottom in terms of pricing and quality.

Q & A

What is the main challenge discussed in the video script regarding making money with 3D?

The main challenge is that it's one of the hardest things to do, as it's difficult and not widely discussed. Getting the right steps can lead to becoming an expert and earning a great living.

What is the Smith framework mentioned in the script?

The Smith framework is a five-step guide that the speaker has developed based on their experience to help people succeed in freelance 3D work, especially for those starting from scratch.

Why is specializing important when starting out in freelance 3D work?

Specializing is important because it helps to become a meaningful specific expert rather than a wandering generality, which can make the difference between earning a small and a significant income.

What method does the speaker suggest to find a niche in 3D work?

The speaker suggests using the 'Dig method' which involves determining what you're good at, interested in, and passionate about, followed by investigating the market to find proof that your niche works.

How does the speaker relate the process of finding a niche to playing Minecraft?

The speaker compares finding a niche to finding the perfect biome to build a base in Minecraft, emphasizing the importance of exploring and choosing the right starting point.

What is the purpose of building an online presence and creating projects?

Building an online presence and creating projects helps to establish credibility, showcase skills, and attract clients and audiences in the freelance 3D work.

What are the three steps to making a killer portfolio according to the script?

The three steps are: 1) Select the best pieces for the portfolio, 2) Build at least two flagship projects that showcase your skills, and 3) Showcase your work through a simple and enjoyable viewing experience, like a website.

What is the concept of skill stacking as discussed in the script?

Skill stacking is the idea of acquiring multiple skills that complement each other, making a freelancer more versatile and valuable, and allowing them to offer comprehensive solutions to clients.

Why is the 'Value method' for finding clients considered more effective than marketplace approaches?

The 'Value method' is more effective because it involves offering value upfront to potential clients, which can lead to stronger relationships and higher-quality work, unlike marketplace approaches that often lead to a race to the bottom.

What are the three things the speaker suggests asking for after delivering value to a client?

The three things to ask for are: 1) Work, to identify and pitch new problems the client might have, 2) Networking, to ask for referrals if the client cannot hire you, and 3) Testimonials, to solidify your authority in the industry.

What is the final advice given by the speaker regarding client relationships in the script?

The final advice is to ensure that you deliver real value to clients, as this will make it easier to ask for work, referrals, or testimonials, and ultimately help to skyrocket your career.