Usually, 3D models are the most effective way to visualize a concept and present goods. That’s why many digital products like video games, cinematics, ads, and commercial websites require 3D content creation. However, hiring an in-house modeler who can perform this task flawlessly presents a real challenge. So that’s where outsourcing comes to the rescue.
3D modeling outsourcing means entrusting the design of models to a professional company that can provide a client with professional artists and resources for the project. In this guide, you can find everything to know about outsourcing different 3D modeling services, their benefits, and peculiarities.
The Difference Between 3D Modeling and 3D Rendering
The terminology of 3D modeling and rendering usually confuses people who don’t encounter these processes regularly. Of course, if you plan on ordering any of these services, you should have some understanding of what they entail and how workflow is structured.
3D modeling
3D modeling is the process of building a volumetric model.
There are three main types of 3D modeling: wireframe — creating the basic structure of an object without texture; surface — the outward view of an object; and solid — a fully-finished detailed model.
3D modeling requires basic modeling using lines or polygons. Further, it takes sculpting, texturing, and adjusting final effects like lighting and shading. Sometimes, the process ends with animation.
Thus, 3D modeling is usually used for creating video game/cinematic characters, assets, decorations, and models of products for commercial sites.
3D rendering
3D rendering is the process of converting a 3D model into a photorealistic or non-photorealistic 2D image.
Usually, rendering artists use a 3D model, create a composition and background for it, and then retouch the resulting picture. Renders can also be animated.
For example, a specialist uses a chair model, creates room decorations, then applies texturing, shading, and lighting techniques to make an image look natural. As a result, a 3D render looks like a real photo.
Usually, 3D rendering is used in marketing, entertainment, interior design, architecture, real estate, and healthcare to present products and solutions.
When Should You Outsource 3D Modeling Tasks?
Usually, companies outsource 3D modeling when they lack time, since outsourcing companies provide a well-established work system and have experience in fast and steady modeling.
Outsourcing is also a great way to get modeling services for a fixed price or limited budget when a company lacks the funding.
Besides, many companies don’t have an in-house modeling artist or team, so they opt to use the services of an outsourcing team instead of hiring and supporting specialists from their local market.
5 Benefits of Outsourcing 3D Modeling
An All-in-One Solution. When you have no time to make a range of decisions and organize the process, an outsourcing team handles everything for you. Usually, a manager is provided that deals with a team and resolves any problems during the process, so you don’t have to bother with any of it.
Cost-effective. Hiring an in-house team entails paying a full salary, providing PTOs, benefits, perks, a workspace, and educating employees. In addition, 3D modeling requires the use of specific paid software. Luckily, outsourcing companies eliminate a good portion of these expenditures.
Business Models. Outsourcing companies are usually flexible and support various business models. It means that service providers have the capacity and resources to replace and add specialists fast, according to a project’s needs.
You’re Free from Detailed Project Planning. Usually, companies that provide modeling services are in charge of drawing up a contract, product documentation, and other paperwork in outsourcing 3D modeling. All that’s need on your side is to sign off and provide input.
Full Support to the End of a Project. Reliable outsourcing teams always support clients from the very beginning with a detailed consultation and to the end with technical support and required upgrades.
Types of 3D Modeling and Rendering Services You Can Outsource
The more accurately you can stipulate which services you need, the more successful the execution will be. So let’s have a look at the most popular 3D modeling and rendering services to outsource.
Outsourcing 3D product modeling
One of the main gripes of online shopping is the inability to fully view a product accurately, because flat images give you a limited understanding of its dimensions and shape. That’s why many companies provide their customers with an opportunity to view a 3D model of a product in 360 degrees. Some companies even use a product configurator that allows an interactive view and customization of a 3D product model, boosting sales.
Additionally, 3D modeling can be used in product design, building prototypes before starting the development in real life. Thus, there are many reasons to outsource 3D product modeling to professionals and benefit from it, like standing out among competitors and being catchy for your customers.
Outsourcing 3D visualization
Making a new product/solution, it’s crucial to have a high-quality visualization to develop and present it to investors or colleagues, as well as for education and staff training. Depending on the kind of your project, it can be visualized with a 3D model or a 3D render.
Simply put, if you are working on medical equipment, engineering details, or any individual product, then it’s better to refer to modeling. On the other hand, the visualization of interior design or any other complex solution should be done with 3D rendering.
3D furniture modeling outsourcing
Online catalogs with furniture created with 3D modeling are way easier and more profitable than conducting photoshoots for each piece of furniture. Besides, these photos still require retouching, and it’s impossible to view them in 360 degrees. Thus, 3D models and furniture renders can also be used on websites and paper catalogs.
Character, asset 3D modeling
Modern 3D video games, movies, and cartoons are impossible without CGI (computer-generated images) modeling. Many game projects even require hundreds of individual character and object models, adding up to a monumental volume of work that is often too much for one company to handle.
AR/VR modeling outsourced
Extended reality applications are widely used nowadays, but not all modern 3D artists have the skillset for this kind of 3D modeling. Ideally, you should work with modelers that understand the level of detail that should be applied to immersive models, properly judge their scale and the impression that they will leave when the user is looking at them up close.
3D architectural rendering outsourced
The architectural industry is one of those that highly require high-quality prototypes and presentable visualizations — photorealistic renders. Many companies outsource 3D rendering because most of the work and budget in architecture are aimed at architects and engineers.
Since most of the time is spent on calculations, drawings, and construction, hiring a full-time 3D modeling artist doesn’t make much sense. It’s better to spend extra time rechecking designs while the outsourcing 3D team covers visualization. Especially considering that architectural modeling projects are complex and require the work of specific 3D modeling artists.
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How Much Do 3D Modeling Projects Cost?
One of the advantages of 3D modeling and 3D rendering outsourcing we’ve talked about is cost-effectiveness. According to Upwork, 3D modeling costs between $40 to $200 per hour on average, which is more profitable than paying $71,107/yr of an average salary for US in-house modeling artists.
In any case, 3D modeling prices vary depending on the different requirements and conditions. So let’s look at components of 3D modeling and rendering that usually affect the final cost.
Factors that affect the price
Project complexity. Model quality is defined depending on the purpose of use and the platform for which models are made — PC, consoles, mobile, VR headsets. The more detailed and natural a model is needed, the more effort goes into making it. Besides, modeling can be of various scales — from building several models to creating a large architectural project. Accordingly, the latter will cost more.
Timeframe. How long the project will take depends on the complexity and volume of work. Sometimes, clients need high-quality modeling for a short time, so it’s nothing to do but work more hours a day or involve more specialists. Considering that the modeling price is usually per the hour, the final cost will be higher in such cases.
Specialist qualification. The quality of work and the execution time depend on the skill level and experience of the modeling artists. Experienced professionals need much less time to build a top-notch 3D model. In addition, when working with highly qualified specialists, you rarely have to make changes to a ready-made model.
The number of polygons. The 3D modeling process is usually done via the polygonal approach type. It’s about constructing a model with polygons — simple shapes like triangles and uneven squares that are connected, forming a polygonal mesh. The more polygonal pieces an artist uses (it calls high-poly modeling), the more detailed a model will be, but more polygons also means more time spent.
Accordingly, each of these factors can increase the final price of development. But in case you have enough time or need low-detailed models, modeling services can cost less.
Client Checklist: How to Select a Suitable 3D Modeling Company
In order to avoid wasting money and time on low-quality services, it’s vital to know how to distinguish real specialists from inexperienced executors. So let’s look at the necessary steps you need to do when evaluating different 3D outsourcing companies.
- Check the company’s portfolio. The kind of projects a company completes can show you what they’re good at and the quality of development they can provide. If you can’t find a portfolio on the site, you should never contact such a company.
- Pay attention to the communication. When you contact the company’s managers for the first consultation, pay attention to important things about their customer service: English proficiency, speed of responses, the tone of voice, and whether the company’s business hours match your time zone.
- Learn more about their experience. A company that has been on the market for less than 5 years is less likely to have sufficient experience overcoming common challenges. In addition, the longer the company is engaged in 3D modeling, the faster and better the project execution will be. And the more benefits will bring the result of their work.
- Compare pricing and services they include. If you have selected several worthy candidates, compare their prices for 3D modeling services. Usually, the quality of execution can be the same, but their respective locations can affect the price.
For example, US-based companies charge more than Ukrainian companies with the same skills. In addition, various companies can offer different service packages for the same price — some provide full support from start to finish of the project, while others provide only standard modeling. - Read Clients Reviews. Testimonials are a helpful way to discover what experience has had different clients with the same company. Pay attention to reviews that tell if the level of provided services met their expectations and if the work was completed on time and within budget.
You can learn even more about the main things to consider before hiring a 3D modeler. If the chosen company meets each of the key points, the chances are high that your collaboration will be fruitful.
Choose an Experienced 3D Modeling Company
Finding the right 3D modeling company all over the internet is exhausting and time-consuming. Luckily, 3D-Ace is ready to offer modeling and rendering services right away! Our team includes dozens of specialists in the field of 3D design and visualization, providing the following services:
- 3D modeling services for 3D printing
- 3D modeling for pre-rendering and real-time
- 3D catalogs and cities
- 3D modeling for games
- Product modeling
- Architectural visualizations
- and many more…
Working in the 3D modeling industry, we’ve mastered all of these services and even more. So contact us about your project, and we’ll be happy to lend a helping hand!
