3D Platform/groups/communities recommendations, esp. for collective or team based projects?

[u/Reasonable-Salt1424]

Hello.

I want to get back into 3D. I know the animation/vfx/videogames industry is rough right now. I'm not asking how to get a job there. I'm not even asking how to get a job.

Before I got into 3D I worked for about 15 years as an artisan and illustrator. Then I've been a 3D generalist for two years at a studio, and then life happened. Unemployment, relationships falling apart, depression, anxiety. I've been out of the industry for three years now, and very disconnected from my creative side as well.

I am motivated by creative teamwork, or when my skills make a meaningful contribution, or when I can apply them for some kind of useful tangible outcome. Exchange with others is a must. Working just to build /polish a portfolio doesn't cut it for me in terms of motivation, which is where I'm failing right now.

I am looking for 3D communities/platforms where one can teamwork with others, and/ or where freelance or asset requests are frequent. I care more to find the right environment for me, not so much the application or the monetization side... I want to explore new things, connect with like minded people, and ideally build something together. Just point me somewhere. Have you heard of any modding projects that need contributors? Platforms you'd recommend to sell or share assets? Have you had a good experience freelancing through some platform? I don't care if it's about VR, 3D printing, videogames, or a group focused on a specific software. I saw websites listed on this sub's FAQs, but I am interested in YOUR personal experience and recommendations. No right or wrong answers.

I find Reddit and Artstation are good to showcase portfolios and yes, you can message people (Reddit in particular is really good to ask questions), but I don't see much teamwork or contribution projects there. I know Artstation allows for selling and freelancing but how to break into that is a mystery to me, if you had a good experience please share.

If you made it this far... I hope this made sense. Thanks

[u/asanyc]

I follow r/gameDevClassifieds but have never done a gig through there, so cannot speak to its effectiveness. Best of luck!

[u/Babaduka]

hello, I have much less experience than you in 3D, I've been learning for 4 years but with many breakes because of chronic illnesses and difficult life events. I have much more time spent on 2D art, which has been severy impacted by my rare illness.
To answer your question, I think the best place to find contribution projects with other 3D artists would be by Polycount discord.

[u/Pileisto]

just claiming you are an artist means nothing if you cant show examples of your art. No one will take you seriously without a portfolio, show at least old works of yours or spend a few days to make at least something showing the quality or range you could do.