Making a Living as a 3D Character Artist

[@muhamed7555]

It's not about being rich it's about to have a good payment with doing what you love

[@artofjhill]

amen

[@Alexy.0i]

so true.

[@armandodulanto2764]

I love money and I love 3D :B

[@biazwilosojati]

To be true

[@Manlike_J]

Word

[@YumBubble911]

Thank you for the transparency! 1. 3:23 Studio Job 2. 9:11 Freelancing 3. 14:09 Digital Products 4. 21:15 Social Media 5. 25:10 Teaching

[@luminous1637]

GOAT

[@szkrukowski]

Thank You!

[@coverfaker8341]

There is more. but I can not tell

[@nvacreatives3302]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can’t handle too much talking so this really helped❤

[@smithyjake]

After 21 years in game industry, I now trying to get out of corporate job, studio job. These jobs comes with office politic, promotion comes from someone or a group of someones who likes you, performance review bs, bosses bs... even I try to distance myself just to do a good job, they will say u're not likable, u did nothing to contributes because I dont hang out with em.. I now focus on landing on teaching job, and build my own brand of art to go James Jean's way. Good luck to all, nowaday character art job is hard to come by, dont hope for it, start doing your own thing, get better, get your art out there, build multiple income streams, dont rely on just studio job, if u have studio job but what if u're being layoff, u'll be f. So go out there and art!

[@francisogun4930]

Great advice, thanks for sharing your experiences. It's helpful to hear as I've been a character artist in the industry for the last 5 years so still early on in my career. I'm trying to make my own stuff already, as well as trying to set up multiple income streams

[@TheBangBangg]

Thank you for your insight!

[@chloelewis5603]

Yeah lot of truth here. I'll also add that the corporate world has been steadily changing - everyone wants a voice on social media and lots of organisations now are building their own creative teams to reduce costs of outsourcing the work to studios. There's opportunities within that to climb a career ladder in an unconventional way. But, it's definitely what you make it as you as you can can quickly become the 'expert' in the room (in a 'big fish in small pond' kind of way) so it can be up to you to push your skill levels, training and creativity. However, If you're driven enough you could end up leading your own team but you'll have to fight for outside the box ideas that help keep your portfolio interesting if you ever leave.

[@jitzha]

solid advice

[@oliveuk]

some people suffer more than other from office politics. A studio job is still the most reliable source of regular income and if one is good enough, they might be able to freelance but freelance means you need to be a good business owner which is definitely not for everyone.

[@ab3d594]

Thanks for this bro. I bet it's weird talking about all ur finances but I appreciate the vulnerability for the sake of the community. Love what ur doing

[@artofjhill]

thank you! appreciate this comment

[@ThatModernDude]

Can I say it’s so refreshing to have someone measure success the way you do. I feel like my whole life people equate millions to success, where I always thought being happy, doing what I love is success. Amazing to see such a huge creator and talented artist being transparent and showing this side! Much love

[@Azeemich]

Dude, I am long time subscriber of yours. I can say that you are very honest with what you do. I am a freelance 3D artist and learned a lot from your content. Next I would love to see a video where you talk about cost/pricing for a character/gig/project. For example: How much you charged for that Gal Godot gig and how you calculate the pricing.

[@artofjhill]

hey thank you! Good idea for a video. adding it to the list

[@shakey3306]

​@@artofjhillI'd also like to know

[@psychodeli1]

damn that's a great idea and J same thing, you've been a huge inspiration for me.

[@Gooshytgoose]

He's got a wife, 2 kids, a house... yeah that's what being rich is all about. Good luck friend.

[@Jacob_S13]

Wealthy at best, nowhere near "rich"

[@binoched9302]

This is going to help demystify the business end of things for a lot of artists. Good man!

[@JoshFryer]

Dude! Thanks for being vulnerable and putting those numbers up! 😮 NOBODY does this! Thanks for the transparency. I wish we had someone like you when I was getting into the business. Would've saved a LOT of hassle. Cheers!

[@SpaceFrogFromOuterSpace]

I very much appreciate your honesty in terms of how much you've made from your classes. Definitely shows how much competition is out there.

[@NaughtMax]

I feel like this may be the best video of this type I've seen. definitely the video I needed right now and made me feel a little more comfortable with taking the next step to move outside my niche art subclass (selling assets and brushes) and rebuilding my portfolio for the career I really want.

[@artofjhill]

wow glad you think so. Take those next steps! wish you the best

[@loull_aroll]

As someone fairly new who transferred from being an architectural designer to a 3D artist, you have answered a lot of my questions! Thank you so much for being so transparent!

[@artofjhill]

[@MatthieuHuguet-d3t]

I don't feel like an artist because I mostly do Design & Programming, but you're an inspiration to me for building something and still being here. Thanks !

[@MemphisFitz-t2x]

Man this video comes RIGHT on time, i just decided to finally learn 3D art and my school starts next week, thanks so much this confirms all my thoughts i had about the job and it pushes my motivation even further

[@DylanKowalskiArtwork]

Inspiring ! Thks for the transparency, not an easy move, you can be proud of your art journey

[@flipliip]

Thy way that you said all these things gave me the inspiration to stay in the CGI/VFX industry when I wanted to change my profession. Thank you :D

[@MetalHeart0607]

Thank you, I appreciate your transparency

[@Levi_Zacharias]

This was great! I am early in my career as a character rigger, and want to say dont underestimate just how much you will learn at a studio job. I am lucky that the one I landed basically doubles as a mentorship.

[@artofjhill]

yea that's so true!

[@JoshuaKubit]

Love the passion, and professionalism you put into everything Keep it up Jay!

[@Stranger-games]

I love the realistic way you present that stuff! I hope other youtubers learn from you.

[@kechazileonel8141]

Thank you Mr Jason. For all your advice and for being so transparent too

[@artofjhill]

You got it

[@kingsainttv5645]

Great video, very informative and honest. I’ve always loved your professionalism, can’t wait to take your character course.

[@EdddEsss]

Thanks for sharing this video and being so open about your income! It's really important to talk openly about money and break the stigma around these conversations. Your transparency is appreciated!

[@artofjhill]

Happy to help and couldn’t agree more

[@yingbiao1]

Thank you so much for sharing this, very inspiring 🤘🤘🤘

[@YTartschool]

Awesome video bro thx for the shoutout 💖 i miss you I need to steal your lighting setup it's so much better than mine damn

[@artofjhill]

Love you bro. You can have it

[@rizwanzaman1793]

1M as a 3D artist is highly unlikely for most people; so thanks for clarifying that in the beginning of the video; all the best to you and everyone watching!

[@ORTyOW]

it's $100,000 per year so it's not that unreal. That's basically $50 per hour

[@theproperenglishman]

Yeah, I’ve made over 200K per year the last few years, and I am not overly talented. I am a hard ass worker, though.

[@schonkigplavuis8850]

@@ORTyOW These are crazy numbers. In the netherlands 3D artist get at the higher end 40k a year. Whether you're good or not it all comes down to luck.

[@LOBOTOMYtv]

This is awesome man thank you so much for the transparency. I wish more people with your level of experience in various roles in the industry felt comfortable sharing this much. The level of success you've achieved is definitely the goal although I don't think I'll find it with character art at least not in a studio job. I'd already been looking into digital product sales and you've reinforced for me that this is the way to go for now, especially with Fab coming up. I don't have any delusions about it replacing a "real job" but theres definitely some money to be made while simultaneously producing a portfolio.

[@mtgsculptor]

Hell yeah dude! I've been following your work for years and it's lovely to hear that you're also now settled with a wife and 2 kids doing what you love. Almost exactly the same situation I'm in (had my second daughter only 6 months ago) except for the fact that I only just started making some money on the side with 3D work for other more famous artists that's being 3D printed. One day I'll be able to go full-time and hopefully get my own work out there more.

[@artofjhill]

Hell yea man! Congratulations! And keep it up

[@txlec99]

thank you so much for this, your honesty and your thinking philosophy is very inspiring so thank you for sharing.

[@christiaanpaulsen3974]

Great video J! Thanks for sharing this.

[@artofjhill]

you got it! thanks for being a member

[@AprilMartinShinkaStudios]

The mentor coalition is wonderful. I did a month long session with Joshua Singh back in 2022. Coming from a self taught background and being the only character artist in my little studio, it was great to have more experienced eyes on a personal project. I hope be able to do the same in the future.

[@HelenStifler]

Thank you so much for showing the real numbers of your income! It's very helpful, especially for artists who are just entering the 3D field 🙏 This is one of the most useful videos I've seen on KZbin so far.

[@PhilFlock]

i moved to los angeles too for filmmaking from poland. it is definitively hard to make enough to live comfortably but it would be impossible to do so with making art for living where i am from. thank you for sharing your personal experience. cool to hear it and compare it to the own experiences! great video

[@cmgillett]

Awesome of you to share this kind of info. Would’ve loved having something like this when I was coming up.

[@Dan_Tasty]

Amazing tips. Definitely agree with the unreal marketplace, don't take my inexperienced word for it, but as a UE5 user there are sooo many gaps in the marketplace (especially regionalized content, 90% of environment and character assets are styled around fantasy/scifi, American, Chinese, and UK) and what I think is so valuable about the UE Marketplace is that you can see the version compatibility and know that when you add it to your level it will work (or at the very least the asset's creator is not MIA because they've updated the new version and you can contact them). I've been burnt a few times buying off turbosquid only to find that the C4D file they offered was a rushed import from Maya, Blender, or 3DSMax with useless broken materials and/or rigs, and the creator is dead to the world. Shout out to Raf Grassetti, I've done a few of his courses and they are expert. Great teacher

[@uistudios]

"Teaching" is different than "Arting" ... loved this J, thank you for making this!!! Will add this to my mini channel :D

[@PolygonAcademy]

great video dude, a realistic perspective on different career opportunities. lots of food for thought!

[@PoukTheGame]

Wow. Appreciate the transparency. I am a 3 years Hard surface artist in studio and I am always thinking how to use my skills to make more. This video showed me thought that I still have space to make much much more then I am making now. Hopefully one day I could give my knowledge to other people as well.

[@snrenders6909]

Thank you so much for this video. I really enjoyed how you've explained everything with all that transparency and I love how you define the word success

[@asb3Dart]

couldn't find better content relating to this field other than JHill, Awesome video, really helped me think about my future.

[@BlackJuju13Gaming]

Thank you for sharing all that useful information about the material aspect of this ocupation. This subject is almost never brought up, although it is very important.

[@aqwbnt]

Appreciate all the insights here! Keep grinding man.

[@artofjhill]

[@MFMArt]

Thanks for this J, I find it progressively more difficult to navigate the professional space as a character artist so this is definitely something I and a lot of others need to hear.

[@estikenal3078]

That was definitely one of your best videos ever. So much passion❤🔥💯

[@itzanburgo]

This is pure GOLD! Thank you!

[@nestorlichev8531]

I've been a Character Artist for over 10 years and this is definitely one of the most important videos I've seen for our industry. I thank you, sincerely for addressing this important subject.

[@artofjhill]

Wow Tysm glad you liked it and I truly hope it helps in some way

[@sporeolegy]

Great video dude very motivational, thanks, it’s not just art but every industry channel I see is very doom and gloom lately, you may not always be able to make a lot of money in this economy, but you can make money even in this industry

[@jitzha]

i've been following you for quite a bit and i can say that i i love your videos very informative and well explained, i've been saving for your game character class since i'm student at a fine arts university!

[@artofjhill]

Thank you!

[@ultraozy4085]

also help us with pricing different kinds of characters based on their quality and how to price short animations because artists get cheated by big companies sometimes

[@mycake1515]

Remember kids a lifelong commitment to learning carries you far. That and networking!

[@isto_inc]

He's back baby!! Let's goooooo

[@Life.Art.Knowledge2001]

Having a wife who loves you and living in L.A while making a living from what you love is the definition of succes. I'm dreaming about it and I will achieve it.

[@liscarscott]

3D Printables!!! There's a huge market for miniatures, custom Pops, statues, NSFW stuff. If you love to sculpt and don't wanna have to worry about clean topology or rigging or all that, it can be a ton of fun! The hardest part is how to cut and key characters.

[@artofjhill]

🙌

[@gamingconnected4859]

Great video. I think it would be awesome for you to create a class on monetizing one's art work. I think a lot of people don't know where to start with so many options.

[@tondann]

Awesome video, thanks for talking about it that detailed!

[@whonjick404]

thankyou J

[@reggiesarts]

I felt that. Artist feels. Wanting to do what you love vs “getting a real job” 😅 😂

[@E33Tpro]

1:35 Doing what you love while supporting a family and living a good life is the true definition of success, stacking money to waste on trendy crap ain't!

[@philipsloth6600]

Great video! i was wondering, would you ever consider doing a video on unwrapping and UDIM setup for a full character. i've searched around and i cant find a single consistent video on a full workflow to get the "right" unwrap of the human head and full body in blender and do do best possible UDIM/UV layout. :)

[@DigitalArtcast]

This was a great video buddy well done for getting it out!

[@artofjhill]

thanks! glad you liked it

[@Ariart3d]

These are very valuable tips, I think it's the dream of all of us artists to want to make a living from our arts and share it!! This video opened my eyes to some more opportunities, let's do it!!! Let's go towards the goal of 1 million as a 3D artist!

[@artofjhill]

Let’s do it

[@crystolz5538]

Thank you for putting this out...very helpful for others to learn from

[@artofjhill]

[@nashonightmare]

Thanks for the valuable information J.

[@artofjhill]

[@robertdouble559]

Re: working remotely for an overseas company. If you set up the equivalent of an LLC (called a PTY/LTD company here in Australia) and use it to invoice the overseas company you should be able to work for them. You may forfeit the 401k and insurance though. That money may be able to be recouped by using the corporate tax rate in your home country rather than an individual personal tax rate. You'll need to be careful about what stays in the business bank account and what ends up in your personal account though. Milage and rules/laws will vary depending on the 2 countries involved and the flexibly of the employer. But as always, companies will be more flexible for people with the top level skills. Seek professional advice of course, don't take my word as gospel. You'll need a good accountant, not just doing your tax yourself or at H&R block.

[@tomwestbay]

incredible video. Thanks for being transparent

[@artofjhill]

[@sarahholland2767]

Hi J, I'm currently finishing up a grad program from Academy of Art University this semester in animation/vfx with an emphasis in 3D modeling. I love what I do and am excited for the future, but I've been really anxious lately about being a newbie in this tough market. This video was really great for me to watch/hear right now, especially the bits about freelancing and passive income. Thank you so much for this info!!

[@artofjhill]

Thank you, I hope it helps. Wish you the best of luck! Make cool stuff

[@yansculpts]

Still killing it with your video's quality and effort put into them ! P.S. thanks for the shoutout that was unexpected J !

[@artofjhill]

Thank man! Of course

[@butterscotchbitz4520]

Unique content!! Thank you for sharing J. Would like to hear about your time management when it comes to so many source of incomes. I know it differs for each individual, but would love to hear how a veteran in the industry, splits all these tasks in 24hr.

[@artofjhill]

Thanks! That could be an idea for another video

[@Mackintosh141]

Thanks for putting all these infos together. Amazing video ✌

[@shakilgreen4274]

Thank you so much for sharing this much information that not many Successful Artist like to share.

[@artofjhill]

[@hakamor1]

Thanks so much for blessing us with this priceless knowledge. You're amazing!

[@artofjhill]

[@bharathisaladi6571]

Hey jhill, thank you so much for the great information and tutorials, it helped me alot to improve and keep learning more and more Also can you kindly make a detailed or brief tutorial on how to model and texture a snake which will be of great help Thank you again for all the great information .

[@jbvendamme]

Thanks for this quite informative video, and for your work in general . I would just precise for people willing to work in the animation industry that those salary figures seem quite exceptional . In my 25 years experience in the industry as a concept designer/modeler/animator, my income working from studios all over the world including North America was closer to 30 000 per year. I went freelancing 4 years ago for the relocation issues you mentioned , with massive gaps between tiny jobs ( I wont mention AI replacing the concept design part at an alarming rate..) , my current income is closer to 20 000/y . More like surviving than making a living. I wouldn t discourage students and enthusiastic people to follow their passion and work in the animation industry, but I would warn them that it is a brutal and highly competitive area and to get ready for concessions or brace for impact..

[@chloelewis5603]

What a great video. Nice one J

[@robertmarquez6084]

words of wisdom this really inspires me gracias!! i needed that please make more tutorials

[@artofjhill]

you got it! planning to

[@devindawkins2096]

Thank you for this. I really needed this.

[@artofjhill]

[@grayfox8904]

Thanks a lot for doing this! ❤

[@s4v4getheron99]

Just graduated from my 3D class i'm working to become a character artist and I know I need to learn more and the hardest part is just getting my first job but I believe I can do it i'm working hard for it because its my dream job!

[@beebeedeluxe]

JHill I don’t know how you find the time to produce such slick videos and classes, take on freelance & personal work, maintain a full time gig as a lead while being married with 2 kids and somehow looking so well rested and full of energy. I’m super impressed! Sincerely, an old co-worker 😎

[@artofjhill]

BB!!! Omg dude been forever hope you’re well! Would love to catch up ❤️

[@beebeedeluxe]

@@artofjhill For sure man! Would be great to catch up! My YT pic doesn’t accurately reflect my gray hair levels 😄

[@lucianodaluz5414]

Great video J! Thanks

[@tibobonjour]

Ok so actually the first step are the most difficult, I am a freelance character artist for the last 2 years and I swear having a post is the most dificult thing I ever trying to do, but great video with great advices thank for making it 🙏🏻

[@mashrumishu2004]

I don't know how I forgot to subscribe to your channel J, love your content.

[@artofjhill]

[@AlfonsoCoppola824]

Great content! Thank you J!

[@artofjhill]

[@robertdouble559]

Anyone who thinks you're bragging by talking about money clearly doesn't have the maturity or confidence to make it in this game. Thanks for being transparent J.

[@artofjhill]

Appreciate it

[@tamar.7933]

Thank you very helpful and educational video❤

[@pawnzrtasty]

I like having my regular job. I don’t think I would like doing art for others. Sculpting is how I relax. I’ve made money doing tattoos and didn’t really like it. What if I get hired at a company like the one that made concord. I hate the art design of that game. Seems like it would be very hard for me to do things that I don’t like.

[@clayzercreates]

Excellent vidjya, sir!

[@artofjhill]

Thanks clay!

[@Runnp]

Thank you very much, very useful video with all details. God bless you!

[@JoHnWxNoW98]

This is something I need

[@70-sam-7]

🙋‍♀

[@yannistath]

guys is good and sets the expectations correctly

[@jacineyatrakos3149]

Its not about being rich but about being able to live comfortably

[@RealBurtles]

thnx for sharing, this is super helpful!

[@renanfabricio3d]

Man, when i saw ur "aliens" picture right way i thought of the meme. I'm so glad im not crazy LOL

[@artofjhill]

lol

[@lilglilg2011]

Thanks for this great video!

[@leandrorp6642]

Thanks for sharing! Could you please make a video about how to negotiate the prices of freelancing and how to charge for projects next? Would help a lot

[@cyrielkilller]

Trying to join 3D company since 2018. No result. Everything is about contact, not about the skills... We need to know how to make contact :)

[@rafikstu7236]

Yo i just saw your socials and you're actually pretty good ! ,do you do 3D art for a living ? and if yes ; Do you get Clients from your Instagram ? i appreciate if you answered 🙏🙏

[@itsasquid]

It's a mix of both. Networking is a massive skill you need to get work in this industry.

[@cyrielkilller]

@@rafikstu7236 Thx ! No im a cashier in real life

[@arreshubham]

Exactly skill doesn’t matter

[@davidsebek1967]

Dude, you're my light at the end of the tunnel. I mean, I felt like I was the only one in the world who felt the same way. Your short video of the company's comments amused me greatly and is extremely true.

[@richardconstable5086]

Great video. Thank you so much.

[@arreshubham]

I’m having stable 3d job, I’m earning enough survive in tier 1 city but I’m not happy as I used to be when I started learning it, I feel like I should start learning new 3d stuff and earn better

[@artofjhill]

Do it!

[@umarujalloh2962]

Great and inspiring video !

[@lagarix]

Thank you for the video!