Charge too much, and clients might look elsewhere. So, how do you find the perfect balance?
If you’re a freelance artist, setting your rates can feel tricky. You want to be competitive, but you also need to make a living. Whether you’re a 3D artist freelancer, a freelance animator, or a VFX freelancer, pricing your work fairly is important.
We have some tips for you to help you navigate this process with confidence. By understanding industry trends, assessing your skills and experience, and factoring in your expenses, you can set rates that are both fair and profitable.
Now, let’s break it down step by step.
🔍 You May Want to Check What Others are Charging
Before setting your rates, do a little research. Look at what other artists charge for similar work. Rates depend on experience, project complexity, and industry trends.
Checking these will give you a good idea of where to start.
💼 Think About Your Experience
Your experience matters when setting rates. If you’re new, you might charge less to build your portfolio. As you grow, increase your rates to reflect your skills.
| 🧑🎓 Beginner |
Start with lower rates to attract clients and gain experience.
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| 🧑💻 Mid-Level |
Once you have a solid portfolio, you can charge industry-standard rates.
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| 🏆 Senior |
With years of experience, you can charge premium rates and work with bigger clients.
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💰 Cover Your Expenses
Freelancing means covering your own costs! Unlike a full-time job, you need to factor in:
Make sure your rates help you cover these and still leave you with a solid income.
⏱️ Hourly vs. Project-Based Pricing
You can charge in two main ways:
| 🕐 Hourly Rate |
Works well for projects with unclear timelines. If revisions take longer, you still get paid.
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| 📄 Project-Based Rate |
Great for projects where you know exactly how much time it’ll take. Clients also like knowing the cost upfront.
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Some freelancers mix both—offering a project-based rate with extra charges for additional revisions.
📊 Set a Minimum Rate
Never work for less than your base rate! Figure this out by calculating your monthly expenses and dividing by your planned work hours. For example,
This will make sure that you are covering costs and making a profit.
⚙️ Adjust for Project Complexity
Not all projects are the same. A simple freelance 3D modeling task might be quick, while a full 3D animation cost is much higher. Think about,
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🎨 The level of detail required.
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⏰ Deadlines (last-minute job should cost extra!).
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💭 Client expectations and revisions.
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The more complex the project, the higher the rate should be.
💪 Believe in Your Value
Your work has worth! If a client pushes too hard for a lower rate, don’t be afraid to walk away. High-quality work takes skill and time. Clients who value great work will pay a fair price. When businesses hire a 3D modeler, they expect professional-quality 3D model results. That means fair pay for your expertise.
💵 Offer Different Price Options
Having different pricing tiers can attract more clients. For example,
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🌑 Basic |
A simple model or animation with no extras.
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| 🌓 Standard |
More details, textures, or effects.
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| 🌞 Premium |
High-quality, detailed work with a fast turnaround.
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This way, clients can pick what fits their budget, and you don’t undersell yourself.
🕰️ Think About Long-Term Clients
A steady client is worth more than a one-time job. If someone wants ongoing work, consider offering a package rate instead of per project.
For example, if they need monthly animations, give them a discount for regular work. This keeps your income steady and builds a good relationship.
🔄 Keep Updating Your Rates
Your rates should grow as your experience and skills improve. Review them every 6-12 months. If you’re always booked, it might be time to raise your prices. If clients hesitate, you might need to adjust slightly or improve how you present your value.
Our Last Words…
Setting the right rate as a freelance artist is all about knowing your worth and staying confident. Whether you specialize in freelance 3D modeling, VFX freelance rates, or animation, charge what you deserve. Many businesses and game studios are always looking to hire a 3D modeler or animator, so don’t undervalue your skills!
Stick to your pricing, keep improving, and soon you’ll be making the income you deserve!