Hire the best 3D modelers

Whether you have the beginnings of an idea or a stack of 2D sketches, a 3D modeler can help you bring everything from product prototypes to fictional landscapes to life. Plus, Upwork makes finding the right professional for your next 3D modeling project easy! 

Writing a job post to hire freelance 3D modelers 

The first step in connecting with a skilled freelance 3D modeling professional is to write a great job post. Your post needs to include all the essential details that will help these pros decide if they could be the right person for your project. 

Job post title

The title of your job post should be succinct and provide a hint of what’s to come in the job post. Because 3D modelers can work in a wide range of industries, you should also provide some context about your business in the title. For inspiration, check out these real 3D modeling job post titles from Upwork:

• “3D Animation for a YouTube Intro Using an Amazon Step Van”
• “3D Rendering Expert for Realistic Boat Renders”
• “3D Models / Designs for Tailor Shop” 
• “3D Retail Experience Designer for Candle Cart” 
• “Create 3D Drawings From FARO SCENE”
• “Revit MEP Modeler Needed for 3D Modeling Project”
•  “3D Animator Needed for Video Commercial” 

Project description

Next, you’ll want to outline all the key points of your project, including your intended timeline and costs. This makes it easier for you to connect with freelancers who have the experience you need—and who charge rates that are in line with your budget.

• Scope of work. A project’s scope encompasses all deliverables. This may include final 3D renderings, 2D designs followed by 3D models, or something else. You and the freelancer will need to agree on the scope before starting a contract. 
• Project timeline. If you need the finished 3D designs in a specific time period, be sure to note it in your project description! You can outline specific milestones, or indicate when the entire project will need to be complete. 
• Background. If you want to work with someone who uses specific software, or has a particular industry background, put those details in your description. 
• Budget. Finally, give an idea of how much you’re able to spend—either on the entire project or per hour. You can browse 3D modeling freelancer profiles on Upwork to get an idea of how much these professionals typically charge.

Qualifications

Don’t be afraid to go deeper into specific qualifications that you want a professional to have, too. The more detail you can give in your project description, the faster you’ll be able to connect with just the right person. These qualifications can include:

• Technical expertise. Some 3D modeling professionals prefer to work in a specific program, such as Blender. Others have experience working with a variety of tools. This may or may not matter to you—but if they need specific technical skills, note this up front. 
• Work experience. You can specify if you’re looking for someone who’s in the early stages of their career or if you prefer working with a seasoned pro. 
• Specialized skills. If you want the person you work with to have any specific skills beyond what’s considered standard for the role, add them to the project description. 
• Communication. Upwork gives clients and talent a space to chat asynchronously and share files; if you need the pros you’re working with to communicate in another way (and remember, this is only OK after your contract starts!), note it up front so interested freelancers can decide what they’re comfortable with. 

Responsibilities 

Finally, take some time to outline any specific responsibilities that the person you work with will need to handle. For example, this could include: 

• Creating 2D designs for approval before moving to 3D 
• Building static or animated models
• Working with concept artists
• Preparing final renders for use in marketing materials, videos, and more

Understanding the role of 3D modeling professionals 

Professional 3D modelers are useful for different kinds of projects, and across a wide range of industries. 

Their skills are frequently used for:

• Architecture. If you’ve ever walked by a construction site and noticed a sign with an image of the planned building, that’s a 3D render! Architects use 3D renders to illustrate what their buildings will look like when complete, which is useful for real estate advertising, zoning approvals, and more.
• Film and TV. Some 3D modelers specialize in creating special effects and animations for movies, television shows, and advertisements. 
• E-commerce. Showing products in use can boost e-commerce sales, but not all companies have the space or budget to stage multiple photo shoots. Some brands opt to use realistic 3D renders of their products in different scenes instead. 
• Education. 3D models are useful aids in healthcare, engineering, safety, and many other fields.

Types of 3D modeling jobs

There are several sub-specialties within the world of 3D modeling. You might connect with professionals who focus on one or more of the following: 

• 3D character design. In this role, a 3D modeling professional creates realistic or fantastical characters for use in animation, still art, and more. 
• 3D environment design. A 3D environment designer creates landscapes for artwork, film, video games, and other forms of media where a believable environment is key.
• 3D texture artistry. A basic 3D model doesn’t look realistic—it usually looks more like a mesh figure in the shape of a person, place, or thing. 3D texture artists turn these models into their final product with the addition of realistic textures, reflections, and lighting. 
• 3D rigging. When a designer rigs a 3D model, they build the system through which a model can be animated. Some professionals specialize in rigging, while others work on projects from the model concept to final animation. 
• 3D printing. Some 3D modelers focus on creating and preparing product files for 3D printing. Whether you want to 3D print your initial product prototype or use 3D printing for your final production, these professionals can help you get the best results. 

Cost to hire a 3D modeler in 2024

3D modeling professionals command different rates based on their skill set and years of experience. According to data from Upwork and Salary.com, though, you can typically expect the following when hiring 3D modelers in the U.S.: 

• The cost to hire a freelance 3D modeler ranges from $10 to $50 (and up) per hour
• The salary of a full-time 3D modeler ranges from $53,000 to $95,000 per year

How to get started 

You can find a skilled 3D modeling professional to help you with your next project in as little as three days. Upwork makes it easy—just log in, post your job, and immediately begin browsing the profiles of qualified freelancers who have the skills you need.