Freelance 3D Artist: How to Get Started in 2024 (Tactical Tips for Beginners)

[@3dalgeriearchitectureetdes832]

"an idiot that walks go further than a seated genius ", just go and seek clients don't wait until your are a vfx guru

[@RedefineFX]

EXACTLY

[@williampachev4944]

@@RedefineFX im trying to do that but nobody has hired me and i have been at it for a couple weeks

[@RedefineFX]

@@williampachev4944 I’m afraid you’ll need to be at it for a year or two 😉

[@williampachev4944]

@@RedefineFX thanks for the advice!!!!

[@mhammamabid2275]

@@williampachev4944 7 months late, so you will probably found a client or two by now. But there're also some websites that provide the job for you, they became the bridge for the artist and the client and the job they listed also not that complicated. The pay isn't much tbh but it's an option to start with.

[@budaloops]

Compared to the other videos I've found on making money as a freelance artist, this one is packed with useful advice. Thank you so much!

[@RedefineFX]

Thank you. I tried 👌🏻

[@FictionCautious]

Congratulations Jesse. Always admired your work. I really felt you were talking to me, about me. You're 100% spot on with everything! This video is chronically underrated for no reason.

[@evandrill]

Great value here Jesse! I agree with the niche spectrum a lot. I myself was challenging whether to go for architecture or product. I'm still figuring out, but with proper mindset

[@a1r592]

Solid advice, thanks! I am starting out as a freelance software developer. What you're saying rings very true for my field as well like making it practical for the client and specializing in a certain niche area.

[@bravefastrabbit770]

Your modeling is really on point. Have you thought of perhaps making a modeling course, not for beginners but for something more advanced like a product that later then breaks up into pieces (like the phone animation)? Love the format of your courses, getting that first W for momentum. Most ppl putting out courses don't even know how to teach properly. Big ups to you brother!

[@RedefineFX]

Thank you but honestly no - I really don’t like 3D modeling and I’m not very good at it.

[@3DxPOD]

Analysis paralysis is a great way to describe how I used to be. Great video and content in general! Keep it up!

[@RedNewQualityStandardscode]

Straight to the point, you're golden man, thank you!!

[@RedefineFX]

😁🙌🏻

[@daviekaranja9346]

wow!, I just finished setting up my Upwork account and then I came across this video, Feels like you are talking to me. thanks man all the way from Kenya

[@cristiankochrumpf2622]

Hey Jesse, its really good to see videos about the business side from somebody with real skills and 0 bullshit, keep it up!

[@RedefineFX]

😆 thank you, hope it helps somebody! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@cristiankochrumpf2622]

@@RedefineFX Indeed it will

[@LogoDesignBasic]

Super compact and useful advice. Thank you so much. I just started doing commission last month and this is really really true.

[@RedefineFX]

Awesome, thank you and best of luck

[@tonirak241]

discovered one of your video today and subscribed instantly, i've seen 3 videos of yours so far and they are all gold... keep rocking man.

[@RedefineFX]

Thank ya!

[@SadGhost_]

this video was super useful! Your detail into finding a Niche has been the most enlightening

[@robertsmithdesignllc4623]

Great advice for those looking to get started....find a niche then rock that niche.

[@RedefineFX]

Entire video in one sentence 🙌🏻

[@mikael9931]

"Starts to download Blender"....

[@РахильБусо]

Here we go again

[@elijahmbang2728]

Men thanks alot you made my career Roadmap as a whole thanks alot💙💙 keep doing your thing, wish you the best and thanks for this very useful information 💙💙

[@godwinyo5206]

This spoke to me in a spiritual level

[@m.p6690]

This is an excellent video for beginners in every industry, not just for 3D. As someone who struggled with perfectionism, I found myself unable to accomplish much, while others with less knowledge were making much more money. If you have the enough necessary skills, don't hesitate to apply for jobs. You don't need to be a professional to start. Perhaps perfectionism can be addressed gradually, rather than from the beginning.

[@andrewholdun7910]

This is a nice simple intro for those trying to start freelancing and don't know quite where to start. Thanks so much!

[@mdesignanimationsricardomo513]

Always very useful all the information you give buddy. I do not consider myself an expert, but not a beginner, I think anyone can feel identified and your advice is also very useful ... as always!!

[@RedefineFX]

Thanks you as always!

[@shubhamthakur3321]

Loving this new format ❤️

[@RedefineFX]

💙💙💙

[@lstatic21]

Yess! This is just like the older videos that were on your channel when you started out! Love the tips and advice! Keep it up man

[@RedefineFX]

Only took me over a year to come back to that format lol but I’m glad you like these

[@pyokent]

You gives best tips about freelancing.

[@ifaisalstudio]

Perfect advice, just what every starting artist needs 👏

[@RedefineFX]

Thanks!

[@kordanovski]

Such a pleasant person :) Every word you've said is true! Especially that we don't need to know everything, even thought I'm struggle with this for years... and until we question ourselves how good we are, some guy there is just going really hard! :D Really valuable tips. Really appreciate it! Wisely you have chosen the field you're working in to. Thanks Jesse. Waiting for upcoming videos on this topic :)

[@RedefineFX]

Thank you for watching and the encouraging words, I agree with you - I’ve struggled with that for years also and still have to remind myself every day to the high-impact stuff that really matters and ignore the rest. I definitely want turn this into a series - there’s so much to cover.

[@kordanovski]

Jesse, when I watched your video about yourself, explaining that you have already worked for VFX company, I thought why you even left? But then, when you show what you've actually done (there was some scene with air jets and explosions, etc) I was shocked... and I thought. Damn it! If he can do this, than he really don't need anyone to tell him what to do, because he have such knowledge, experience and specialty and definitely can choose by himself what to do. At the end, the most important thing is to do what we love and if such work is paying our bills, than... that's it! :) But unfortunately not all of us have that luck. Sometimes we must do even most stupid work, just because we HAVE to pay our bills. Jesse, don't mind me if I ask, but where do you find your jobs mostly? Upwork? Something like that? You're pretty famous and I'm guessing people are contacting you now directly, but what about before? I would really love to hear more from you on this topic. And yes, there's so much to be told :) Take care.

[@RedefineFX]

@@kordanovski Thank you. I started on Craigslist actually - that was my very first client . Then I did some upwork. But I was lucky to get a few repeat clients that kept coming back, and I poured all my energy into building my youtube (not this channel, my 2nd channel which is where all my freelance stuff was at) and I got majority of my clients from that - meaning they would reach out to me after seeing some of my videos.

[@BadBBilly7]

Amen brother, i agree with all your advice, spot on, great video, been following your TyFlow videos for awhile now, great tuts, keep up the helpful Pro tips. :)

[@RedefineFX]

Thank you. Felt like it was time to change up the content on this channel a bit. I have a new tyFlow tut prepared for the weekend though 😉

[@muhammadbilalmemon271]

Your modeling skills are awesome too. Well calculated tips bro.

[@RedefineFX]

I wish they weren’t 😁 I want that year back.

[@muhammadbilalmemon271]

@@RedefineFX No worries, I think, confusion is part of a creative career, especially at the beginning.

[@zaidadesign987]

THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICES... AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR WORK

[@zagros90]

You are a beautiful kind hearted person, much love ❤️

[@RedefineFX]

that’s too nice 💙💙💙

[@ambientenvironment9547]

This is equally inspiring and informative. Great advice!

[@rudrakshirathore5429]

ohh god i don't know how to thank u Mr. jesse u r osm in this and i learn alot thank u for making this videos and i think i can be a 3d artist.

[@krishleo557]

bro i just checked ur youtube channel ...your creations are awesome

[@IsuruRandika]

Always loved your tutorials because you give everything you know & I like this new "Face series" 😊

[@RedefineFX]

I'm glad the tuts have helped you and yes, I'm trying new things with the channel but will still make tutorials ;)

[@nanaildar91]

Tips are so relevant and helpful for me!

[@RedefineFX]

Yay 😉

[@ikiikram]

look there you are. You finally show your face my friend! :)

[@fzkrm]

Wow I really wish I would have known about you way before when you started you are godly.. hahah I really appreciate the effort that you make in order to share your skills with us, Your videos are hugely underrated and high quality.

[@RedefineFX]

Thanks man! Really appreciate you saying that. Definitely not godly though 😅

[@teguhpribawa713]

Thanks this is very helpful for change mind thinking

[@igor.animate]

Great advice, man! Keep going with freelance tips, they are really helpful.

[@RedefineFX]

Thanks! anything specific you'd like me to cover? Helps me with ideas ;)

[@igor.animate]

@@RedefineFX Yes, would be super helpful if you tell us about pricing in product animation industry. Also about how to make time estimates. Thank you!

[@shubhamthakur3321]

@@RedefineFX Yeah little help about how to put fair pricing at start will be really helpful.

[@cazorlaemile7708]

Thank you a lot for those advices!

[@poligonzales4628]

.. was having difficulties with phoenix before this man saved me!..hehehe.. thanks Jesse! keep it commin! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@saeedmohammadi3998]

Jesse you are one of the best that I have seen in my life... keep going man, I'm going to produce more and more product renderings and also improve my skills..when I saw your jobs for first I was exciting and I enjoyed so much... now I produce ADIDAS company's PRODUCT RENDERING.... it's amazing when you can produce for famous brands... One of my wishes in my life is that one day I could make an apointment with you, and I know that day I will be amazed Man....

[@RedefineFX]

Thanks so much for sharing that with me, that's amazing and congrats on your success. DM me on instagram at any time, I'd love to see your work.

[@tausifkhan2189]

Thank you so much making time for this guidence🎉❤

[@matthiaswegger]

fantastic video jesse. thank you these tips - i really needed to hear this.

[@RedefineFX]

Awesome, thanks 🙏🏻

[@vvvhhggucy]

That's precious information

[@paulmarshall3053]

Great advice - really appreciate your time and efforts. Thank you.

[@masamiakita993]

I think 3d modeling is an essential skill and I am glad that I learned it because not every client provides a model file. (I do product visualization).

[@RedefineFX]

I’m rooting for you I just never want to model anything every again

[@masamiakita993]

@@RedefineFX Big fan of you Jesse!!

[@RedefineFX]

🙌🏻

[@warrenmaugo4489]

Wonderful advice right here you hit the nail.!

[@Eradifyerao]

Very, VERY helpful - thank you very much!

[@tusharbhosale9255]

Please make a video on portfolio of 3D works. How can we present our work to approach to client

[@animm9466]

thanks for reminding me, I'm really fucked up with "all or nothing" mentality cause I'm very perfectionist, but yeah, I think I just need to start now

[@raspberry_st]

Jesse thank you for your video. It helped me to realize something. 👍

[@simpernchong]

Great tips you have offered. Thanks for sharing.

[@RedefineFX]

thanks ;)

[@karamdeepsingh2367]

Wow you made those simulation 😍😍

[@EpikStudios.official]

All or nothing mentality. You hit that nail. Same feeling..

[@RedefineFX]

Yep, took me a while to become aware of it

[@Gyanevlogs]

This video really inspired me. Thanks redefine

[@RedefineFX]

Name's Jesse. Thanks, glad to hear it.

[@muhammedpurathayil7041]

Great, thanks 😊

[@omarnsangou8966]

Very helpful, thanks

[@gabriellahanna5594]

Thank you so much for sharing! it means a lot!

[@taylornicty1170]

I remember when I started out I tried to do everything also

[@davismiljantejs3395]

This is actually really motivational

[@krishnasahu-ne9ip]

Thank you for this video... It's helps alot...

[@shivavarma2329]

Thankyou very much for the tips bro...

[@jurgenvantomme]

Interesting information, thank you.

[@rfeyer]

Great video! Thanks for the effort put into it!

[@mahmoudb3764]

Thank you for your great videos 🙏 , good work ❤️

[@RedefineFX]

🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@andreizelenco4164]

This is really good advice. Thank you!

[@crcpeart]

Great video Jessie- great video.

[@RedefineFX]

Thanks

[@lurgy5177]

Thank you for this !! This is very helpful!

[@baravobama]

Thank you for your speech, a lot of this was new for me

[@RedefineFX]

Hope it helps

[@Charlie_Alpha_Lima]

This video is gold Jesse!

[@AlessandroPacifico]

Gold Advice.

[@romasv9006]

great video, solid points and inspiring, thanks!

[@norhangamal3306]

Wow your advice really helpful💖💖

[@RAYS1911]

Thank you!!!😃

[@AlexanderMarks]

Fantastic advice man! Needed to hear this!

[@RedefineFX]

Glad it helped!

[@rezadehghan3574]

These informations are amazing dude, thanks 🔥

[@RedefineFX]

Hope it helps someone out just starting out! Thanks

[@montassir4970]

Just amazing 👍👍thank you sooo much

[@محمدعبدالوهابعبدالحليم]

love your work from Egypt

[@RedefineFX]

Your city’ is on my bucket list

[@nightlyknight7970]

Inspirational video, thanks

[@Se-pk8lg]

Thanks for the advice, the most practical and useful of many on youtube. The only thing that make me feel stuck is how to tell what niches exist for a 3d artist and where to promote my job. I like environment art and hard surface but that's too broad. Any help would be very appreciated.

[@caissa6187]

great advice. thank you.

[@sameeralhaddad7940]

Awesome! Absolutely deserve a sub.

[@RideSeaWolf]

Really the best instructor around the world. Could be this man better? I Think no.

[@RedefineFX]

Haha thanks for watching 🙌🏻

[@lovedeep8294]

this is a piece of great information, that I have from you.

[@RedefineFX]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@IceyDivine]

This is great advice!

[@bobankrsmanovic9398]

LOL - I hate modeling too. :) I am with you bro! :)

[@ЕкатеринаДолгина-Носаева3ДДиза]

Спасибо! Давно не смотрела стоящего видио!

[@raisalengko9056]

you will become my new sensei !

[@meghagarg]

Thank you so much, sir

[@adetunjikunlere7243]

This is really good advice!

[@3dscreen438]

Love From Bangladesh

[@prashantrajaji9550]

Nice video man!!

[@andychrist3274]

what to do though if your picked niche is too niche ? i for example have a passion for npr(non photorealistic rendering) anime styled storytelling. This market is probably too niche to find takers even with vtubers and mobile games in those styles on the rise. of course you can break it down to just NPR in any style to find a broader market but even then chances are probably dim. however i am trying to find ways to turn the passion into something sustainable. so with that in mind what would you recommend ?

[@theshizon]

Love all the videos you make keep it up. Can you give the exact or estimate of how much money total you spent on website / portfolio / brand in regards to the answer you gave below to get started? Did you make your graphics and logos yourself? How much should a person save or expect to pay to get started.

[@theshizon]

Like I mean your Redefine logo and website

[@tstone9151]

Invest at least $500. And invest around $1000 a month marketing yourself. When your a “freelancer”, you need to create a small business so people can take your work more seriously. I’d rather hire an “average” artist with a professional representation than to hire an “above avg” artist with a Vimeo demo reel

[@sahdsalmi3935]

I just entered into film industry as a freelance visual effects artist through a studio, at that time I was learning blender after 3ds max... Because you know max hasn't had a proper upgrade throughout these years. So I switched to blender. And i got a job as making a full cgi library scene as one long take with kinda steady cam effect. I did it in blender and the client liked it. He had some adjustments here and there , anyway it's a 3000 frames 1920 *1080 resolution. Iam rendering the final passes now. But my problem is I don't know how to charge this kind of projects...and I'm kinda new to blender . So do you know how or any friends who might uses blender on their projects. I am entering into product animations using pheonix vray and max, do you have any advices that you'd give me...I'd be deeply appreciated ❤️

[@israeltheteenager]

wow 5 months and still no reply, perhaps someone out there has advice?

[@sahdsalmi3935]

@@israeltheteenager yep

[@Jez1963UK]

No one can give you a reply because they'd need to see the images.

[@ardream3d]

Thank you very much...

[@dario7888]

great advice💪 that's what I was searching for 🙏

[@RedefineFX]

Awesome 🙌🏻

[@dario7888]

@@RedefineFX btw do you have some advice on the programs to use for 3d freelancing..I'm using currently Blender and I would like to stick with it but I'm not sure if I can get the best out of this program...on the other side I paid program is also not so feasible at the moment 🤔

[@RedefineFX]

@@dario7888 As a freelancer you can mostly use whatever software you want. Clients don't care as long as they get the results they're after. You can do a lot of great work with blender. I use max mainly for tyflow, vray & phoenix.

[@dario7888]

@@RedefineFXyes I understand, tnx for the reply :) ...I guess I'll stick for now with blender to learn the basics and if I'll start getting some clients I'll be able to afford some paid programs like cinema4d or houdini

[@StudioGraficoRotatori]

Thnaks!!!!!

[@kostasfassoulas6915]

The topics that are not generally mentioned in details are the costs of setting up your freelance "workspace" (whatever its needed to have an efficient setup, its not only one pc and thats all, many things are needed) the cost of softwares/plugins (of course there are free alternatives) and generally the first one-two year senarios of freelancing. This is the important part in my opinion... Costs sum up month by month and then you find yourself paying more that you can earn...

[@RedefineFX]

It's the price of freedom

[@jianamin4178]

Thank you so much