If you love creating in 3D and helping others, you can turn those skills into a flexible, well-paid career. Many of our pros split time between live tutoring (1-on-1 on Zoom) and contracting (done-for-you production work)—often in the same week. This guide shows how to position yourself, what to charge, and which software stacks are most in demand.
Already confident in tools like SketchUp, Revit, Fusion 360, Blender, or SolidWorks? Apply to our network on the Jobs page.
Tutor vs. Contractor vs. Hybrid
- Tutor (live 1-on-1): Teach workflows in SketchUp, Revit, Fusion 360, Blender, etc. Great for recurring income and reputation building.
- Contractor (done-for-you): Deliver assets: archviz renders, clean 3D models, animations, 3D-print prep, CAD drawings, etc.
- Hybrid (our most popular): Screen-share while you build; the client gets a deliverable and learns. Works well for Enscape setup, Unreal pipelines, or CAD-to-BIM transitions.
Build a portfolio that books work
- Show before/after and call out tools used (e.g., AutoCAD to Revit, Blender to Unreal).
- Specialize by outcome: photoreal rendering, product shots, virtual tours, construction docs.
- Collect social proof: link or quote from your Reviews.
Rates & packaging
On our network, typical hourly ranges are $35–$100/hr, depending on specialty and turnaround. Three proven ways to package:
- Hourly tutoring: 60–90 min sessions; record on Zoom for client replay.
- Fixed-price milestones: great for print-ready models or render sets.
- Hybrid retainers: a weekly block that mixes tutoring + production.
Tip: define scope clearly; list source files, revisions, and delivery format upfront.
Client workflow that feels pro
- Discovery: clarify goals, deadlines, and software (e.g., SketchUp, Revit, Fusion 360, Blender).
- Source control: organize CAD, textures, and references; track revisions (Bluebeam markups help).
- Rendering pipeline: agree on tools—Enscape, V-Ray, or game-engine (Unreal).
- Handoffs: deliver clean file trees + a short readme; if tutoring, include session recordings.
High-demand software paths
Architecture: SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, Enscape, Rendering
Product/Mechanical: Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Inventor, 3D-print modeling
Animation/CG: Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, ZBrush
Pipelines & Scripting: Rhino + Grasshopper, Python, CAD automation
Compositing & Design: Photoshop, Illustrator, Web deliverables
FAQ
Do I need a formal degree? Not required. A tight portfolio + clear client process beats credentials.
How fast can I start? If your portfolio’s ready, you can start tutoring or small contract gigs right away—apply on our Jobs page.
What should I specialize in? Pick the outcomes you enjoy (e.g., archviz, product rendering) and anchor them to 1–2 core apps.
Ready to build your 3D career?
Apply to join our network (paid tutoring + contract projects), or chat with us about where you fit best.
