Powerful Ways to Make Money With Blender Software

Is it possible to earn money with Blender software?

Yes, if you possess proficient Blender skills, you can create exceptional models that individuals would be willing to pay for.

Alternatively, if your modeling skills are inadequate, you can still earn money by employing a freelancer to construct models and market them on your behalf.

Here are some of the best ways to make money with Blender.

1. Earn money through Commissions

If you’re a 3D artist looking to make some extra cash, creating custom 3D models or animations through commissions is a great way to do it!

Basically, you work with clients to create something unique and specific to their needs, whether it’s a single model or an entire scene for a film or commercial.

Pricing for commission work can vary, but generally it depends on the complexity and scope of the project, as well as your experience and skill level.

To find clients for commission work, social media platforms like Instagram are a great place to start. By regularly posting your best work, you can build a following and show off your skills to potential clients.

Using Instagram, you can also actively market your commission services by creating posts and stories that promote your availability, sharing examples of past commission projects, and using hashtags and other marketing techniques to increase your visibility and reach on the platform.

By combining your 3D art skills with effective marketing strategies on Instagram and other social media platforms, you can attract new clients and earn money through commissions that showcase your unique talents and creativity.

2. Sell your creations 

If you’re skilled with Blender, you can make money by selling your creations.

There are a number of ways to do this, but the most common is to sell your models on sites like TurboSquid or Sketchfab. You can also create and sell your own textures, materials, or add-ons.

 The most popular website for selling 3D models is TurboSquid.

On TurboSquid, you can set your own price for your models and keep 70% of the revenue.

My experience with Gumroad

I have a few 3D models listed on Gumroad, and I’ve been able to generate a small but steady amount of passive income from them.

It’s a great feeling to earn money passively while my models are still available for others to purchase and use in their own projects.

While the amount I earn from each sale may be relatively small, over time the cumulative effect of these sales has added up, providing me with a modest but reliable stream of income.

It’s also worth noting that the process of listing and selling my models on Gumroad has been relatively straightforward and hassle-free, with user-friendly tools for uploading and managing my digital products.

If you have a great idea for a 3D model, then you can start selling it online and earn some extra cash.

3. Become a Freelance 3d Artist

If you’re passionate about 3D modeling, then becoming a freelance 3D artist could be the perfect path for you!

As a freelance 3D artist, you’ll have the freedom to work on a variety of projects for different clients.

Freelancing platforms can be a great way for 3D artists to find work.

As a freelance 3D artist, you’ll need to be comfortable with the business side of things as well. This includes setting your own rates and negotiating with clients, managing your own schedule and workflow, and keeping track of your finances and expenses.

But the rewards of being a freelance 3D artist can be significant!

You’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that challenge and inspire you, build your own brand and reputation in the industry, and enjoy the flexibility and freedom that comes with being your own boss.

4. Start a 3D printing business

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, and you can use Blender to create printable 3D models.

You can either start your own 3D printing business or sell your 3D models to online 3D printing services such as Shapeways and Sculpteo. When it comes to making 3D models for printing, precision matters. Make sure the models are as precise as possible.

Where to sell:

Create and sell 3D models with the help of Shapeways

Shapeways is primarily a 3D printing service that allows users to upload their own 3D models to be printed in a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and ceramics. While Shapeways does offer a marketplace for selling 3D printed products, it is not a dedicated platform for selling 3D models themselves.

That being said, if you have created a 3D model that you would like to sell, you could still use Shapeways as a platform to market and distribute your physical product. By uploading your 3D model to Shapeways and setting it up as a product for sale, you could potentially attract customers who are interested in purchasing a physical copy of your model.

However, it’s worth noting that Shapeways takes a commission on all sales made through its marketplace, and there may be additional costs associated with producing and shipping your 3D printed product. As with any marketplace, it’s important to carefully consider the fees and terms of service before deciding whether or not to sell your products through Shapeways.

If you’re good at creating 3D models, you can make a decent amount of money by selling your designs on Shapeways.

Create and sell 3D printable designs on Thingiverse

Thingiverse is a 3D printing community where designers can share their 3D designs and make them available for anyone to download and print.

If you have a 3D printer and a knack for creating unique designs, then you can start a 3D printing business and turn your passion into profits.

5. Sell digital prints

If you’re a skilled artist, you can sell digital prints of your Blender creations.

Digital prints are essentially high-quality images of 3D models that can be sold online as art prints, posters, or even on merchandise like t-shirts and mugs.

To get started selling digital prints, 3D artists can first create a portfolio of their best 3D models and render them in high-resolution images. They can then sell these artworks on platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, or Teespring, which offer a range of products for artists to sell their work on. Also, you can sell your prints through a site like Artsation.

To make the most of selling digital prints, 3D artists can market their work through social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. By regularly posting high-quality images and videos of their 3D models and prints, artists can build a following and attract potential customers.

You can also consider attending art fairs or exhibitions to showcase your prints and connect with potential customers. Once you receive an order, ensure that you fulfill it promptly and provide excellent customer service to ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchase.

Additionally, 3D artists can consider offering custom digital prints for clients.

This can involve creating unique designs that are tailored to a client’s specific needs or interests. By offering custom digital prints, artists can attract new clients and offer a more personalized experience that sets them apart from other sellers.

Secret Strategies Make Money With Blender:

There are also some lesser-known strategies that can help you boost your income.

In this Section, we’ll share some secret strategies that you can use to make money with Blender

1. Develop your skills and portfolio

To make money as a Blender artist, the first step is to improve your skills and build a strong portfolio that showcases your talent.

There are many ways to achieve this, but one effective approach is to find tutorials that cover the fundamentals of Blender and start practicing.

To further build your reputation as a skilled Blender artist, consider creating an account on a platform like ArtStation.

A strong platform where you can showcase your best works to potential clients and other artists in the community. Regularly uploading your latest creations and engaging with others can help you establish yourself as a talented and active member of the Blender community.

Once you have a solid portfolio and a strong online presence, it’s time to start looking for clients who are in need of your skills. This can involve reaching out to potential clients directly, or using online platforms like Blender Market or CGTrader to sell your work and connect with buyers.

By continuously improving your skills, building a strong portfolio, and leveraging online platforms to connect with potential clients, you can turn your passion for Blender into a profitable and rewarding career!

Related Post: 7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started Learning Blender

2. Write Blender tutorials and how-to guides

Another great way to make money with Blender is to write tutorials and how-to guides. There are a number of websites that allow you to submit your tutorials, and you can also create your own website to sell them from. 

At the end of each article, you can guide the reader to services and products that you offer.

3. Offer your services and products for free

This may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to get started making money with Blender is to offer your services and products for free.

This will allow you to build up a portfolio of work, and it will also give you a chance to prove your skills to potential clients. Once you have a few satisfied clients, you can start charging for your services.

4. Sell add-ons Materials and Models on Blender Market

Blender may be free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build add-ons for it.

For example, take the Blender Market. At the Blender Market, you can find all kinds of add-ons to extend the functionality of Blender.

the Blender Foundation gives you the tools you need to develop, test and distribute your add-ons. So, If you have the skill, you can sell a Blender add-on for a small fortune.

People are making some amazing ones – 8 Must-Have Blender Addons for 3d Artists

5. Join the Blender community

The Blender community is a vast network of artists, developers, and enthusiasts who use Blender to create digital art and share knowledge.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Blender software is a powerful tool for 3D artists to create amazing designs, and there are various ways to make money with it.

If you want to make money with Blender, there are several ways to do it.

You can earn money through commissions, sell your creations, become a freelance 3D artist, start a 3D printing business, or sell digital prints.

To make even more money with Blender, you can try some secret strategies like developing your skills and portfolio, writing Blender tutorials and how-to guides, offering your services and products for free, selling add-ons materials and models on Blender Market, and joining the Blender community.

By combining these methods and putting in some effort, you can start making money with Blender and turn your passion into a lucrative business opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Do you have any other tips or strategies for making money as a 3D artist using Blender?