Today I want to share some thoughts and insights about how to be successful selling 3D models on TurboSquid.
This is a guest post from Dmitriy Averyanov, a professional architect, BIM and 3D specialist, and online entrepreneur. With more than 15 years of 3D modeling experience, he’s passionate about leveraging 3D tools to convey architectural ideas. He also teaches students how to master their architecture and design skills.
I’ve been publishing 3D models on Turbosquid for the past few years, and I’ve learned a lot in the process.
- In case you missed my previous post, be sure to read: How I Earned $5000 Selling 3D Models on Turbosquid.
These tips are not necessarily technical advice on the submission process or product requirements. You can find that information on Turbosquid in their 3D Modeling Resources knowledge base, which is a very detailed portal with heaps of information for 3D artists.
My aim is to give you advice based on my own personal experience that will help you get in the right groove with 3D modeling.
Here are my top 3 tips for publishing your 3D models on Turbosquid.
1. Do high-quality work. Don’t publish lazy models.
In the 3D modeling industry, there is such a thing as standards of quality. When you are doing university projects or clients projects, how you build your 3D model is not as important. In most cases, no one but you will ever open those 3D files. You will probably need to use either the printed plans, a 3D rendering, or just a PDF file. What your 3D models looks like on the inside doesn’t typically matter. Furthermore, although you might be able to work with those files and understand how you set it up, odds are a stranger will need to spend time to understand how your model is organized.
Keep in mind that when you’re uploading 3D models to Turbosquid in order to sell your models, other people will need to be able to work with them (without leaving them confused). Here are a few pieces of advice when preparing your 3D models.
- Organize your model. Use layers and name your elements properly. Don’t have multiple generic element names like ‘Obj1’ everywhere. Keep the number of layers manageable, and group similar elements.
- Clean up your files. Delete all those miscellaneous polygons and previous versions. Only keep in the file what’s really important. Don’t have multiple copies of previous versions of your model in the same file.
- Make sure there are no errors when you open your model. Make sure there are no missing textures or references.
- Spend the time to get the details right of whatever it is you are modeling.
- When you are uploading your 3D model on Turbosquid, fill out the description clearly and thoroughly. Use categories and keywords, too. That’s how you get discovered in search results.
2. Keep in mind how your 3D models on Turbosquid will be used.
Ask yourself: how is this model going to be used and implemented in someone else’s project? If you create a 3D model of a door or a window, make sure that you can easily import that model into a new project.
Always be thinking how you can provide value. Think of what would be useful for a 3D rendering artist, architect, or motion graphic designer. A highly complex, abstract 3D artwork will not find much use while a detailed, nicely textured vintage radiator might come in handy to give an interior scene realistic details. Simple models of everyday items will be hard to sell.
Keep in mind that most of your customers on Turbosquid are at least somewhat skilled in 3D. They would rather model simple objects themselves rather than buy them from a marketplace. TurboSquid is primarily a time saver for those working on large or complex projects. Artists usually buy 3D models for objects that are too complex or too time-consuming to model themselves, but that they would like to use in their scene.
3. Model what you love.
Think what you’re passionate about, and focus on your 3D skills on one specific area at a time. Don’t try to guess what models would be popular and just do that (even if it’s something you don’t enjoy modeling). Don’t try to copy good looking or professional models that others have already made. Instead, focus on creating 3D models that you are passionate about or something that you are knowledgeable about. Making an inferior copy of a popular model and trying to sell it for cheaper isn’t going to get you far.
If you’re an architect, leverage your skills and knowledge about architecture to come up with objects and designs that are complex, interesting, and 100% unique to you and your background.
A Final Note!
Most importantly, believe in yourself and the work you’re doing.
It might be intimidating to see many great 3D artists on TurboSquid and imagine the kind of competition you’ll be facing. However, it’s always worth trying something new, and it doesn’t diminish your ability or your talents when other people are doing great work. There’s always room for more great work!
One last tip I recommend is to buy some 3D models on Turbosquid for your own projects and experience how it works. I did this myself and bought several 3D models for client projects before I ever published my first model.
Publishing your 3D models on Turbosquid is a great opportunity to improve your 3D skills and challenge yourself for greater accomplishments in 3D modeling.
Dmitriy Averyanov is a Professional Architect, BIM and 3D Specialist, and Online Entrepreneur. With more than 15 years of architectural and 3D modeling experience, he’s passionate about leveraging 3D tools to convey architectural ideas. He also teaches students how to master their architecture and design skills.
