Making Money With 3D, Iceberg Explained

Summary

This video explores the diverse and sometimes unconventional ways people can make money in the 3D industry, using an iceberg format to reveal both common and obscure job opportunities. Starting with traditional roles like 3D artist and freelancer, it dives deeper into niche jobs such as medical visualization, 3D scanning historical sites, and creating assets for platforms like Roblox and TikTok. It also touches on unique ventures like creating 3D models for jewelry, game mods, and VR chat characters, highlighting opportunities that often go unnoticed in the mainstream 3D industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Traditional 3D artist roles (modeling, animation, texturing, sculpting) are the most common jobs people think of in the industry.
• 😀 Freelancing in 3D can lead to high earnings, but it's unstable and dependent on your skills, network, and luck.
• 😀 Art commissions can be a challenging but rewarding way to make money, though it requires an established following to secure clients.
• 😀 Technical artists are in high demand but often overlooked, as they focus on the technical aspects of production.
• 😀 Architectural visualization (ArchVis) offers great pay but comes with intense competition, and is a niche that requires a strong portfolio.
• 😀 Selling 3D assets online (via platforms like CGTrader, Turbosquid, and Unity Marketplace) can be a passive income source.
• 😀 Medical visualizations are a lucrative and creative niche, allowing artists to simplify complex medical concepts for a wide audience.
• 😀 3D scanning of historical sites and museums is a growing market, requiring on-site scanning and specialized equipment.
• 😀 Creating live visuals for DJs and music events can be a profitable opportunity in the 3D industry, with frequent demand from artists and venues.
• 😀 Selling 3D models for 3D printing is a fast-growing market, with high demand for figurines, board game pieces, and tools.
• 😀 Niche markets like VRChat, VTuber models, and not-safe-for-work 3D content can be profitable but often require catering to specific communities.

Q & A

What is the iceberg format mentioned in the script?

The iceberg format refers to a structure where the most commonly known or surface-level information is placed at the top, and as you move deeper, more obscure, niche, and unusual topics or jobs are revealed. It's a way to explore different layers of a subject.

What are some challenges of being a freelance 3D artist?

Freelancing in the 3D industry can be high-risk, with periods of no income, making it dependent on your skills, marketing, networking, and sometimes luck. While it can be more profitable than stable jobs, it also involves unstable relationships with clients and the pressure to secure projects.

How can one succeed in architectural visualization (archviz)?

To succeed in archviz, it's important to build a strong portfolio of architectural renders. Networking with local construction companies and architectural studios can help secure clients, though competition in this field is quite high.

What opportunities exist for selling 3D assets online?

If you have finished or unfinished 3D projects, you can package them nicely and sell them on platforms like CGTrader, TurboSquid, or the Epic Games Marketplace. It’s a way to earn passive income from assets you’ve already created, though success depends on the quality and demand.

How can medical visualizations be profitable for 3D artists?

Medical visualizations pay well because they involve creating clear and engaging 3D representations of complex medical information. The ability to simplify complicated concepts creatively is highly valued in this niche, making it a lucrative field.

What is the role of a technical artist in the 3D industry?

A technical artist works on the more technical side of 3D production, solving problems related to the pipeline, scripting, and asset optimization. Despite being less creative than other roles, technical artists are essential for ensuring smooth workflows, though there’s often a shortage of these professionals.

Why is there a growing demand for 3D work in the YouTube industry?

As YouTube content creators increasingly rely on engaging 3D renders instead of live-action footage, there's a growing market for freelance 3D work in the YouTube space. Many YouTubers hire remote freelancers to handle their 3D needs, and this industry continues to expand.

What is the significance of mockups in the 3D industry?

3D mockups are valuable because they allow for customizable lighting, perspective, and design details that are difficult to achieve with 2D mockups. As consistency and detail are critical for many industries, 3D mockups provide a higher level of creative control, making them a sought-after service.

What are some profitable niche markets for 3D artists beyond traditional roles?

Some profitable niches include creating 3D assets for virtual worlds like Roblox, making face filters for Snapchat and TikTok, creating jewelry designs, or doing 3D scanning of historical sites. These specialized roles often have less competition and can provide unique opportunities.

What are some unconventional ways to make money as a 3D artist?

Unconventional methods include creating custom characters for VRChat and VTubers, developing not safe for work (NSFW) assets or mods for games, and making 3D recreations of accidents or crime scenes for legal purposes. These areas often have niche but lucrative markets.