Freelance Video Game Design Contracts

Professionals on Upwork rate clients

on average from 2M+ reviews

Check out a sample of the 3,019 3D Modeler jobs posted on Upwork

Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed

1 to 3 months
Duration

Intermediate
Experience Level

Construction documents and 3D modeling for Restaurant

30+ hrs/week
Hours needed

More than 6 months
Duration

Expert
Experience Level

Seeking someone to design a multi story residential building on a sloping block. The successful candidate should also be able to desi…

Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed

Less than 1 month
Duration

Intermediate
Experience Level

Hello, looking for someone who can do a rendering like the example attached.

$450
Fixed Price

Entry
Experience Level

Looking for talented and creative Unity 3D Developers. Should have 3-5 years experience in Unity 3D development, C# programming skills,…

$500
Fixed Price

Intermediate
Experience Level

Need 2 characters to be 3D modeled/textured/rigged. The model sheet is already complete and ready to go. The two characters are teen si…

Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed

More than 6 months
Duration

Intermediate
Experience Level

Looking for a 3D renderer and modeler in SketchUp and Enscape or Lumion. Needs to have fast turnaround time, and interior and arachite…

30+ hrs/week
Hours needed

More than 6 months
Duration

Expert
Experience Level

Hello, We're a rapidly growing company looking for product designers that specialize in the tech industry. We're tier 1 resellers of b…

Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed

Less than 1 month
Duration

Intermediate
Experience Level

Expert CAD Modelling Required For Bridal & Engagement Ring Collection Candidate will have experience in modelling engagement rings and…

Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed

Less than 1 month
Duration

Intermediate
Experience Level

I would like a 3D model of the inside of a building (refered to as "the facility") with cube-shaped rooms. See the attached image for…

Less than 30 hrs/week
Hours needed

1 to 3 months
Duration

Intermediate
Experience Level

Looking for an architect or draftsperson to finalize residential addition concept plans (to be provided) into an architectural set for…

How to Become a Freelance 3D Modeler

Do you live to create? Does creating a 3D model satisfy you in ways that other things simply can't? If you've got the drive to master the craft or already mastered the art and want to earn a healthy living by applying your trade, you might make an excellent 3D modeler on Upwork.

What does a 3D modeler do?

3D modelers are usually tasked with replicating real-life objects in software such as AutoCAD, Maya, or AutoDesk Inventor. This usually involves a thorough measurement process. However, a draftsman may carry out these measurements and generate a blueprint from which the 3D modeler can work. Multipart models may require multiple constraints that prevent parts from overlapping and help determine whether a prototype would be viable.

3D modeling also commonly includes structural modeling, such as for a high-rise or an aircraft carrier, and even 3D modeling for video game and VR applications, which often occur via Unreal Engine or Unity. Blender3D is another software that 3D modelers commonly use.

3D modelers are more commonly known as animators, digital artists, and visual effects (VFX) artists, depending on which industry they're working in. 3D artists cover sculpting and 3D modeling jobs that involve working with 3D printing, 3D animations, 3D characters, 3D designs, and 3D renderings.

What skills do I need to become a 3D modeler?

There's generally no degree requirement to become a 3D modeler. Still, some organizations will require a relevant engineer who has passed their Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to sign off on a print or model before allowing construction.

3D modelers usually learn skills such as:

Measurement and materials science
Calculus and geometry
Engineering design
Graphic design
Drafting
Hand-sketching
Character rigging and skinning

Some are familiar with animation techniques, and most have a strong eye for detail.

Should I get a 3D modeler certification?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. AutoDesk offers official certifications, as do SolidWorks and Creo.

Frequently, employers will search for 3D artists with a bachelor's degree in 3D modeling, 3D animation, graphic design, or other related fields. Moviemakers will typically search for 3D modelers with a master's degree or relevant experience.

What are the job responsibilities of a 3D modeler?

3D modelers will be tasked with measuring, recreating, tweaking, and carrying out other actions on "digital twins" of real-world items and generating new part concepts, character concepts, and design concepts. These tasks serve to supplement engineering, game making, prototyping, and many other workflows.

3D modelers may also be tasked with stress and materials analysis using AutoCAD or similar software. Further responsibilities may include verifying model constraints by moving each piece of a model in different directions to detect any imperfect or missing conditions.

3D modelers often create character skins in less industrial environments, develop character skeletons, and develop 2D textures for 3D models.

Average hourly rates of 3D modelers on Upwork

The rates you can command on Upwork as a 3D modeler vary depending on your skills, experience, certifications, and other qualifications.

To give you an idea of what's possible, here is a distribution of freelance 3D modeler rates on Upwork by percentile:

3D Modelers on Upwork
can earn $17–$30/hr.

[object Object] average prices bell curve

$17 $30

Median hourly rates (USD)

Eager to learn more about 3D modeler jobs on Upwork? Check out these additional resources:

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

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