How to Hire 3D Modelers

Whether you have the beginnings of an idea or a stack of 2D sketches, a 3D modeller, with their unique skills, can help you bring everything from product prototypes to fictional landscapes to life. Rayness Analytica makes finding the right professional for your next 3D modelling project easy, inspiring you to explore the full potential of your ideas!

Writing a job post to hire freelance 3D modellers

The first step in connecting with a skilled freelance 3D modelling professional is to write a comprehensive and clear job post. Your post must include all the essential details to help these pros decide if they could be the right person for your project, ensuring you are well-prepared for the hiring process.

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 modellers can work in a wide range of industries, you should also give some context about your business in the title. For inspiration, check out these accurate 3D modelling job post titles from Rayness Analytica:

“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 your project's key points, including your intended timeline and costs. This makes it easier for you to connect with freelancers with the experience you need and charge rates that align with your budget.

Defining the scope of your project is vital. It encompasses all deliverables, whether final 3D renderings, 2D designs followed by 3D models, or something else. You and the freelancer must agree on the scope before starting a contract.

Setting a clear project timeline is key. If you need the finished 3D designs within a specific period, note it in your project description! You can outline particular milestones or indicate when the entire project must be completed.

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 can spend on the entire project or per hour. You can browse 3D modelling freelancer profiles on Rayness Analytica to know how much these professionals typically charge.

Qualifications

Don’t be afraid to explore specific qualifications you want a professional to have. 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 modelling 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 upfront.

Work experience. You can specify if you’re looking for someone in the early stages of their career or prefer working with a seasoned pro.

Specialised skills. If you want the person you work with to have specific skills beyond what’s considered standard for the role, add them to the project description.

Communication. Rayness Analytica 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 modelling professionals

Professional 3D modellers are helpful for different kinds of projects across various 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 helpful for real estate advertising, zoning approvals, and more.

Film and TV. Some 3D modellers create 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 instead use realistic 3D renders of their products in different scenes.

Education. 3D models aid in healthcare, engineering, safety, and many other fields.

Types of 3D modeling jobs

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

3D character design. In this role, a 3D modelling 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 specialise in rigging, while others work on projects from the model concept to final animation.

3D printing. Some 3D modellers focus on creating and preparing product files for 3D printing. Whether you want to print your initial product prototype in 3D or use 3D printing for your final production, these professionals can help you get the best results.

Cost to hire a 3D modeller in 2025

3D modelling professionals command different rates based on their skill sets and years of experience. According to data from Rayness Analytica, though, you can typically expect the following when hiring 3D modellers in the U.S.:

The cost to hire a freelance 3D modeller ranges from $10 to $50 (and up) per hour

The salary of a full-time 3D modeller ranges from $53,000 to $95,000 per year

How to get started

You can find a skilled 3D modelling professional to help you with your next project in as little as three days. Rayness Analytica makes it easy to log in, post your job, and immediately browse the profiles of qualified freelancers with the needed skills.