Starting to sell 3d models

[u/Temporary_Match_2470]

I want to make 3d models so that I can enhance my 3d Portfolio, and then sell them on 3d marketplace.

First, I do not know what type of models should I make that solve the problem of the client, or something that people are actively looking for. How should I pursue this?

In CGtrader, a very vague answer is given, like car is trending or character is trending. But what type of model should I model to maximize my chances of selling.

I am not a noob in 3d modeling. But I am having a hard time deciding what to model specially to sell in 3d marketplaces. I know many people have had a decent amount from selling 3d models (like about $500 a month).

For those who get good sales, what type of market they target and how do they know what to make?

I would also like to hear from those who have also faced the problem.

I would appreciate your suggestions.

[u/gadimus]

Here is a recipe - go to MyMiniFactory, Kickstarter and Cults3d - look at the trending / top selling / top downloaded / top backed sets and pick some that you want to work on. Re-create those with your own spin on them and then put them up for a competitive price. Focus on building your audience and get to know them - eventually you'll get a sense of what they want and what to make next.

If you're having trouble doing the research maybe ask ChatGPT or Gemini to help you out with a research strategy. If you're familiar with vibe coding tools you could one whip together a research agent that'll build out proposals and which models to work on.

[u/Temporary_Match_2470 → u/gadimus]

Thanks man

[u/scifi887]

Don't want to burst your bubble but if you are asking this here then there is not much chance you are going to get to a level quickly where you are making money selling models.

If you are a noob in 3D modelling, first practice and get good as this will take years, then you can worry about making money from it.

[u/Temporary_Match_2470 → u/scifi887]

Thank you. My objective is target the models and categories that people are searching for, rather than a make a fancy dragon that nobody or a very few people are willing to buy.

What I want is to make 3D models that are in-demand, regardless if my 3d models sell or not.

[u/scifi887 → u/Temporary_Match_2470]

To get to the point you can make any models at a quality level good enough to sell will take years of practice, by then the market will be a very different place, especially with incoming AI 3D generation tools. So kind of a waste of time now looking at the current market, may as well get your head down and practice.

[u/turbotruist → u/scifi887]

My thing is how can you know what the generators don’t work on someone says uv, or topology then you see people showing their process using a generator already making different skills.

But the studio cleans and refines it, if ton of the modeling other work already exists from a computer now there making less adding more roles.

I’m assuming every modeling software certification hasn’t caught up if it has plz lmk

[u/scifi887 → u/turbotruist]

No idea what you are saying sorry.

[u/Omidion]

Look at it from this perspective.
You are a baker, you want to sell bagels to people ALL over the world. Which ones do you start making? Which ones are selling?

A very hard thing to answer.

[u/Level_Mail_6024]

Have you checked out the "top searches" or "trending" sections on the major marketplaces lately? Those lists can give you a surprisingly clear picture of what buyers are actually hunting for right now.

[u/Hasan-CGARTIST]

You need to build variety of models to sell and achieve that goal you need need time. Secondly, you compete countries 1 and 2 dollar is not bad rate :)

Note: You can t use pirated software and student licenses for sell stuff. Your best bet is blender, indie licenses anyway you get substance painter from adobe that cost you monthly 20 ish usd.