Hi all --

Well, since I'm still in the production mode and my first product should be coming very shortly, I'm just wondering something --

What's the best way of describing what we do for those of us who make models, do texture work, etc for a living clearly so that other people will understand it?  I'm not sure everyone understands 3D Modeling unless you have your cell phone handy with pictures to show them, would graphical engineering work better?

What's some of the ways you describe what you do to others who ask? I'm pondering this now because it happened this afternoon and have been really wondering what's the best way and how to really stick with something that's "easily" explainable.

Have to admit though, it does sound awesome though when I say "Starting my own business...."

3D content creation. Cheers

"I make stuff for 3D barbies."

or

3D content creation

Digital artist & photographer is what my business card says. Because thats what I do.Plus it has a nice picture of a cat for when you try to explain and peoples eyes start glossing over :) Seriously if you have to explain, Keep It Basic, use movies like Shrek as an example. Also big tip, if you're going for funding at a bank or business lender, avoid "traditional" poser images AKA big boobies. Show those and you'll be leaving skint and quickly. Same when promoting at schools and uni. Instead big up that you're in a fast growing, highly techie, web relevant industry.

Oh and write a flipping good business plan.

Quote - Also big tip, if you're going for funding at a bank or business lender, avoid "traditional" poser images AKA big boobies. Show those and you'll be leaving skint and quickly. Same when promoting at schools and uni. Instead big up that you're in a fast growing, highly techie, web relevant industry.

Or call the banker ahead of time and ask them if they understand the acorym VNITWAS. If they don't call another bank or banker until you find one who does. :lol:

No joke: The banker we have for work used our products and was a big fan before we started doing business with him and we make very limited nitch products for the most part. It can happen. Bankers do have hobbies.

You could try "Have you seen the Transformers movie ?  I do that on a smaller scale"

What I've learned over the years.

If you say 3D .Most will think you mean 3D movies with the glasses.

If you say CGI ,There clueless.or think ya mean Common Gateway Interface.

If you say ya work on PC's ,there want you to fix there PC.

If kids here you say Shrik ,Trasformers there want you to make them Shrik ,Transformers toys.

If you say Games there think 1 or 2 people could make Halo in a day or two.
Even had adults tell me what kind of games I should make.

When people don't know what ya mean there imagine all kinds of stuff.

Most time I just say I'm a Artist .
1/2 the time if I say CGI Artist ,the CGI will confuses them.

Good luck explaining to a civilian what CGI is.
I just tell them to google zBrush.

I started in 1979, CGI in 1998 .Could not have gone to a bank and said I'm a Artist.
Loan me money to make Art.

Don't call it graphical engineering, unless your officially trained to be called like that. With that, I'm not saying you're not good or so, it's just sending out the wrong message and you're still not making clear to what you are. Graphical engineering makes me think of something completely else, something way more technical.

How about 3D Artist? When people ask me I just say I'm into 3D modeling and show them some examples, make sure you have them on your phone Those images, if you have any good ones, impress them more then any title.

As for starting a business creating content..... I'm hoping you did some proper research before starting out? Do you have a solid plan with steps along the way you can take? I'm doing this as a hobby, but compared to those who call this their business, I have created quite some content. I've got a steady store running, creating a minimal amount each month, but I sure cannot live from that. I've been contemplating doing it business wise in the past, but after some research I gave up. The only thing I found out is that most people selling content cannot make a living from it. Do realise that most of the top vendors we know, doesn't matter which store they're selling it, do not make a sole income from creating content at all. They do a lot more 3D related. The majority of vendors make less then $200 each month, while putting in quite some time and effort.

Just start asking vendors what they do make each month and they suddenly all go silent. I'm OK with telling you...... bad months I'm selling around $100, good months $200-$300, best months around $400. I'm releasing 2-3 items each month, mainly props or cloting for Toon figures.

You can take my spot in the poser vendor world, I'm going to quit. My wife and I are setting up a business in which my 3D and other artitic skills will be used. Creating Poser content takes a lot of time, with little in return, though it's lot's of fun, it isn't going to create a income on it's own. I need my time for other things at the moment.

Also realise you need to build a store to generate income. Let's say you have a store here at Rendo. You need lot's of items in it to generate a good income. There's a lot of competition. The more items in your store the more chances on a good revenue. But, there are a lof things to consider..... how's the economy? What are others releasing? What do customers buy? Can I generate enough content to keep my customers interested? Can I keep up with the latest thing?

This is mainly a hobby market, it's very subject to change. What are the lastest figures? What is the latest hype? What movies are in the cinema? And so on and so on.....

Anyway, like to wish you good luck with your ideas and endeavours!

3d artist.

Just avoid acronyms, unless you wish to bamboozle the layman...

Professional Computer Graphics Artist?

Digital Artist?

Computer Graphics Industry Content Designer?

etc.

Thanks everyone for your input, it's appreciated. 

aeilkema, sorry to hear your leaving this aspect of the 3D Business.  I'm ready to really strive and push myself so that I can create cutting edge props, scenes, figures, and still, even though my acupuncture is helping me, working in a normal environment just isn't possible for me with my other related items due to my headaches.  I need the business from home to feel at least productive, and worth something, so that's why I'm doing what I enjoy.

I appreciate your honesty as well on the income; that is important, and hoping that times do improve with our economy.

Thanks so much everyone for your thoughts.  Given me something to think about.

Over the years I've tried to describe the 3D content/hobby I have. Usually peeps just stare at me with this blank uncomprehending expression. Now when someone asks about it I just say "Tastes like chicken!" They still have the same blank expression, but it's a lot quicker explanation.

I Poser from Poser 1.
And pretty soon I knew this is/was/is a fine hobby, but could and would never be more than that.

Now the good years are over.
Fortunately, the quality of the products has increased hugely, but so has the time to build and test them.

You need at least a dozen or so trustworthy quality testers that can test them in most Poser versions on Windows and on MAC, and in most DS versions on Windows and on MAC. And certainly respect the rules of the stores you want to sell from.

And you have to build a reputation, before sales will start to go up.

And then?? What do you make?
Unfortunately, lately there has been so much competition that there is close to no money in it any more.
When true quality work, that took months to build,  sells for 5$ ???

There must be some 3000 bikini's out there. Some 1000 opening and closing skirts and skirts.
Suits? How many more do we need???

Hair, yes, hair is an open market, but difficult to buid.

I Poser for a singe purpose only: PPS => Pure Personal Satisfaction. 
That goes from building something in Hexagon and or Blender, through uvmapper and Poser.

Recently, the building part gives the most satisfaction.

So I spend more and more time in Hexagon and Blender.
As some others do.
And we buy less, and less, and less.

Could I make some money?
Certainly.
And giving support, and answering hundreds of e-mails a day, would do no good to my head either.

3D in Poser or DS is a very satisfying hobby.

3D job? In Poser or DS?
Nah,

Just my 2 cents.

There are over a Million Renderosity Members.

Are you selling what would have a lot of sells ?
What price is your product worth ?

Probably want to check my math

10 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $20.00 a month
10 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $100.00 a month

25 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $50.00 a month
25 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $250.00 a month
 
50 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $100.00 a month
50 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $500.00 a month

100 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $200.00 a month
100 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $1000.00 a month

200 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $400.00 a month
200 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $2000.00 a month

300 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $600.00 a month
300 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $3000.00 a month

400 Sells *'s a month for $2.00 = $800.00 a month
400 Sells *'s a month for $10.00 = $4000.00 a month

monkeycloud : I just can not pronounce the word Digital or Physicist correctly.
Good thing I wasn't a Physicist ,LOL.

"..If they don't call another bank or banker until you find one who does. " Good advice :) LOL Seriously though, I think you where beyond lucky there! RorrKonn - yep good numbers. aeilkema - well said especially about the research. While a good portfolio is vital, it's SWAT analysis's, marketing plans and most importantly the numbers that will get you the start up help. vilters - also well said. Especially the line.. "Now the good years are over" ..reality is very few folks will make enough to take it full time. Moreso now with the recession and rules that make advertising your creations very difficult. Indeed I'm thinking maybe it's close to going part time or even ditch this. To be honest the fun is going. Ragtopjohnny - if your headaches class you as disabled, it could be worth you talking to some disability charity's. Many have schemes that help people start up small businesses. Not always with hard cash, but equipment or free support.

I'm not a lawyer for any country.
But if ya on disability ,I would fine out for sure ,What effects being a Pro Artist would.
have on ya benefits before ya started any business.

You're 100% correct there RorrKonn. This has to be done legitimately or the artist would find them selves in deep-do-do. Thats why an artist would go through one of the disability charitys. As well as providing business help they can also advise on the effects on benefits. Which often isn't an adverse effect, but a positive one. In the UK if it's done right the artist could be 200-300% better off for 3-4 months.

But you have to decleare your income.
And then the tax collecter pays you a nice visit. :-(
And then its lawyer time. ;-(

But you have to decleare your income. And then the tax collecter pays you a nice visit. :-( And then its lawyer time. ;-( Only if you're careless :) Seriously though if you play it straight you can be a lot better off than on benefits alone. For a disabled person here in the UK as much 250 a week better off, plus some earnings are allowed on top. OK sure thats for a limited period, after that you get roughly the same as someone on the dole, and depending on income all your rent and local taxes paid. Obviously it's all dependant on your business being a success, which can't be guaranteed especially now, so I'd say to anyone considering something like this go part time for now and see how it goes. Part time doesn't affect your benefits if careful either.

That's right Mr. Sparky.

I checked into that too with my headaches, etc.  and found out everything about "self employment".

Doing it the right way, so that way no shocks later on about it at all.  Making sure my Ts are crossed and Is are dotted.

The term I go with is 3D Content Developer. It explains itself.

Also Johnny, before you decide to consider a business in this field you need to have a product so people can see what you are offering and get an idea of what you are about. Post some pictures, get feedback, build hype and a rep and based on that information decide if this is what you want to proceed in. Release freebies and see how many people are interested in what you make. Analyze the download data and compare it to other freebies and products. This market can be very cut-throat...Building a car for example? There are lots of car products out there. How is yours better, or different? Well let us see..:) I'm not trying to scare you, just preparing you for what is a very tough market to break into and be successful. It can be a very profitable industry, but only if you do the research and approach it properly and make something people will want or use. If not it will bite you in the ass and all your hard work would have been for nothing. Remember, you are going up against some heavy hitters. Also study and look at what has been offered already. Look for gaps in the market. Anyways, I look forward to seeing what you have to offer:) AND start off as part time..experiment first.....

Quote - Don't call it graphical engineering, unless your officially trained to be called like that. With that, I'm not saying you're not good or so, it's just sending out the wrong message and you're still not making clear to what you are. Graphical engineering makes me think of something completely else, something way more technical.

 

How about 3D Artist? When people ask me I just say I'm into 3D modeling and show them some examples, make sure you have them on your phone Those images, if you have any good ones, impress them more then any title.

 

As for starting a business creating content..... I'm hoping you did some proper research before starting out? Do you have a solid plan with steps along the way you can take? I'm doing this as a hobby, but compared to those who call this their business, I have created quite some content. I've got a steady store running, creating a minimal amount each month, but I sure cannot live from that. I've been contemplating doing it business wise in the past, but after some research I gave up. The only thing I found out is that most people selling content cannot make a living from it. Do realise that most of the top vendors we know, doesn't matter which store they're selling it, do not make a sole income from creating content at all. They do a lot more 3D related. The majority of vendors make less then $200 each month, while putting in quite some time and effort.

 

Just start asking vendors what they do make each month and they suddenly all go silent. I'm OK with telling you...... bad months I'm selling around $100, good months $200-$300, best months around $400. I'm releasing 2-3 items each month, mainly props or cloting for Toon figures.

 

You can take my spot in the poser vendor world, I'm going to quit. My wife and I are setting up a business in which my 3D and other artitic skills will be used. Creating Poser content takes a lot of time, with little in return, though it's lot's of fun, it isn't going to create a income on it's own. I need my time for other things at the moment.

 

Also realise you need to build a store to generate income. Let's say you have a store here at Rendo. You need lot's of items in it to generate a good income. There's a lot of competition. The more items in your store the more chances on a good revenue. But, there are a lof things to consider..... how's the economy? What are others releasing? What do customers buy? Can I generate enough content to keep my customers interested? Can I keep up with the latest thing?

 

This is mainly a hobby market, it's very subject to change. What are the lastest figures? What is the latest hype? What movies are in the cinema? And so on and so on.....

 

Anyway, like to wish you good luck with your ideas and endeavours!

This income data depends on what was sold and where. I know vendors who walk away with over $4000 a month easily off one product and back catalog sales. Some with even more. So there is money to be made. And thats part time..

Thanks Zevo --- I do appreciate your suggestions.  The reason why I really don't show any of my work here on the forums is because I'm not sure how well it's taken like it used to be in the past though my work has DRASTICALLY improved.  When I upload, I'll probably post some images in my Gallery and so forth.

I just don't want to be considered as spamming the forums showing off my work which I'm not doing, but it's just that if people see alot of posts, they might get offended sadly. :sad:

Ragtopjohnny : Think it would be kool to Post ya mesh in ya gallery ,Then post a link in ya signature.

A lot of Pro CGI Artist will have links in there signatures.

Ragtopjohnny : Ya got gMax & Sculptris,zBrush in ya signature.

I know zBrush has a commercial license.

Seems like there where debates about gMax for commercial use.

We have never used gMax.

Zev0 : How I look at it.

1 : There's over a million Renderosity members.

2 : CGI Artist like AerySoul ,Stonemason , etc etc have been around a long long time.
Now ya know there good enough to get a CGI job just about any where they want.
So why do they stay ?

If I made cloths I would ask my self are they as cool as AerySoul's ?
If yes ,then ya make some change.
If no ,Don't waist ya time.

If I made Buildings I would ask my self are they as cool as StoneMason's ?
If yes ,then ya make some change.
If no ,Don't waist ya time.

If I made ???
I would ask my self are they as cool as the best there is that makes those kinda meshes ?
If yes ,then ya make some change.
If no ,Don't waist ya time.

I make medieval fantasy meshes.
And I always use zBrush gallery as a cool gage.
If it's not worthy of the zBrush gallery then it's TRASH.

If I made a car I would ask is it worthy to take to the top car shows ?

Quote - This income data depends on what was sold and where. I know vendors who walk away with over $4000 a month easily off one product and back catalog sales. Some with even more. So there is money to be made. And thats part time..

I know there are some who do, but they're not the majority. It's unrealistic to think a starting vendor would even come close to that amount. You have to take the whole back catalog sales into account, they make up a major part of the $4000. I know vendors who make $10,000 each month when releasing a new product combined with back catalog sales, but it's not realistic for most of us to expect that, it took years to get to that level and they only release 4-6 products a year.

But the whole truth is that a lof of the vendors who claim to make $$$ aren't doing so at all. I'm selling at CP and here have been a vendor ar RDNA. Before I was a vendor and did my research, I've had vendors tell me how much they made...... a lot claimed to be able to live off their content selling at only one store.... claiming to make the $4000+ you state. I did a lot of effort to get insight into sales figures and once you're allowed to see this it's shocking..... the majority of vendors who claimed to make $$$ when doing my research, made in reality only 10%-20% of the amount they claimed. RDNA is much more open to vendors about sales figures and they do release sales reports to their vendors if aksed for them. I'm still shocked when I do think of these reports and that's not in a positive way.

The same question asked in this thread was posted a while back. Some vendor I know, started throwing around sales figures he made from a particular new product released at CP and that he could live of the sole income from the CP product sales. I happened to be the top seller that month at CP with a few of my products in the list, I'm quite often in their 30 days best selling list. Even though CP doesn't release sales figures, it's easy to work out from the list what people make. His product wasn't in the list at all. You can guess the outcome of this story, he didn't even get near the sales figure he was claiming.... he sold less then 5 items that month, priced at $10 or so, you can do the math.

I know vendors who tell me they make $4000, but...... If a vendor claims $4000 and he/she doesn't show me the monthly report, I'm not going to believe them at all anymore...... vendors just love to keep up the appearance, but the majority has to rely on other income as well, especially the last 2 years.

So, getting back your statement..... did you see the monthly reports of these vendors you know or did they just tell you? Unless you've seen the reports, there is no way to confirm their claim and let's not forget that most vendors who can make a living have been building their content catalog for many years to get to that point, but with the current economy, even they have a much harder time to generate sales, since everyone sales are down most of the time.

Quote - Zev0 : How I look at it.

1 : There's over a million Renderosity members.

2 : CGI Artist like AerySoul ,Stonemason , etc etc have been around a long long time.
Now ya know there good enough to get a CGI job just about any where they want.
So why do they stay ?

If I made cloths I would ask my self are they as cool as AerySoul's ?
If yes ,then ya make some change.
If no ,Don't waist ya time.

If I made Buildings I would ask my self are they as cool as StoneMason's ?
If yes ,then ya make some change.
If no ,Don't waist ya time.

If I made ???
I would ask my self are they as cool as the best there is that makes those kinda meshes ?
If yes ,then ya make some change.
If no ,Don't waist ya time.

I make medieval fantasy meshes.
And I always use zBrush gallery as a cool gage.
If it's not worthy of the zBrush gallery then it's TRASH.

If I made a car I would ask is it worthy to take to the top car shows ?

I think this way too. However there are opportunities where people aren't really looking for the best, but just something different. I don't really buy Aerysoul clothing because it isn't my style, regardless how great they are. I but more casual clothing instead of fantasy. It's hard to make a formula because everybody has different tastes. All you can do is as much research as you can and hope that what you make is going to be some kind of success:)

Quote - > Quote - This income data depends on what was sold and where. I know vendors who walk away with over $4000 a month easily off one product and back catalog sales. Some with even more. So there is money to be made. And thats part time..

 

I know there are some who do, but they're not the majority. It's unrealistic to think a starting vendor would even come close to that amount. You have to take the whole back catalog sales into account, they make up a major part of the $4000. I know vendors who make $10,000 each month when releasing a new product combined with back catalog sales, but it's not realistic for most of us to expect that, it took years to get to that level and they only release 4-6 products a year.

 

But the whole truth is that a lof of the vendors who claim to make $$$ aren't doing so at all. I'm selling at CP and here have been a vendor ar RDNA. Before I was a vendor and did my research, I've had vendors tell me how much they made...... a lot claimed to be able to live off their content selling at only one store.... claiming to make the $4000+ you state. I did a lot of effort to get insight into sales figures and once you're allowed to see this it's shocking..... the majority of vendors who claimed to make $$$ when doing my research, made in reality only 10%-20% of the amount they claimed. RDNA is much more open to vendors about sales figures and they do release sales reports to their vendors if aksed for them. I'm still shocked when I do think of these reports and that's not in a positive way.

 

The same question asked in this thread was posted a while back. Some vendor I know, started throwing around sales figures he made from a particular new product released at CP and that he could live of the sole income from the CP product sales. I happened to be the top seller that month at CP with a few of my products in the list, I'm quite often in their 30 days best selling list. Even though CP doesn't release sales figures, it's easy to work out from the list what people make. His product wasn't in the list at all. You can guess the outcome of this story, he didn't even get near the sales figure he was claiming.... he sold less then 5 items that month, priced at $10 or so, you can do the math.

 

I know vendors who tell me they make $4000, but...... If a vendor claims $4000 and he/she doesn't show me the monthly report, I'm not going to believe them at all anymore...... vendors just love to keep up the appearance, but the majority has to rely on other income as well, especially the last 2 years.

 

So, getting back your statement..... did you see the monthly reports of these vendors you know or did they just tell you? Unless you've seen the reports, there is no way to confirm their claim and let's not forget that most vendors who can make a living have been building their content catalog for many years to get to that point, but with the current economy, even they have a much harder time to generate sales, since everyone sales are down most of the time.

I believe their claims because there are some months I am reaching close to those numbers as well, and I have only been a vendor for 5-6 months. So it is not impossible for a new vendor to succeed. I don't have a huge catalog, but the items I have do perform reasonably well. All I am saying is it can be done, maybe not on a general level, but still possible. You don't have to be years in the market  with a huge catalog to make an impact. There are other new vendors who came out of nowhere and are constantly on the whats hot charts, so anything can happen. And don't really buy into that whole economy story and times are tough. People are still buying content like they did before. Remember there are a lot of new users popping up with no content and they will spend if needed. The guys with huge libraries not so much. This market is growing and it is doing so at a much faster pace than in the past. There is a lot of intergration between apps these days so those who only used to use stuff like max or blender, are now using Poser/daz as well and doing hybrid projects.

Quote - Thanks Zevo --- I do appreciate your suggestions.  The reason why I really don't show any of my work here on the forums is because I'm not sure how well it's taken like it used to be in the past though my work has DRASTICALLY improved.  When I upload, I'll probably post some images in my Gallery and so forth.

I just don't want to be considered as spamming the forums showing off my work which I'm not doing, but it's just that if people see alot of posts, they might get offended sadly. :sad:

You wont be spamming. If you have something you want to share then do so. Thats what these forums are for. People here will be more than happy to help you. Just don't make 3 threads a day lol. I try and ask multiple questions in a thread instead of making a new one for each question:)

Quote - I believe their claims because there are some months I am reaching close to those numbers as well, and I have only been a vendor for 5-6 months. So it is not impossible for a new vendor to succeed. I don't have a huge catalog, but the items I have do perform reasonably well. All I am saying is it can be done, maybe not on a general level, but still possible. You don't have to be years in the market  with a huge catalog to make an impact. There are other new vendors who came out of nowhere and are constantly on the whats hot charts, so anything can happen. And don't really buy into that whole economy story and times are tough. People are still buying content like they did before. Remember there are a lot of new users popping up with no content and they will spend if needed. The guys with huge libraries not so much. This market is growing and it is doing so at a much faster pace than in the past. There is a lot of intergration between apps these days so those who only used to use stuff like max or blender, are now using Poser/daz as well and doing hybrid projects.

You know what? Just post some screenshots of your vendor control room with your account summary and total sales summary and we continue talking about this, it's as easy at that. Attached is mine, make sure your details are visible. I don't make a secret about these things and it may help the John as well. I'm not a great seller here, my store is only courtesy to my buyers, since some of them don't want to buy at CP, so only some of my items are here. And of course, my prices are differently then most, but that is a choice I made, I don't depend on content sales. Most of the content I sell has been made for my own projects and since I know poser/ds toon lovers enjoy the items as well, I release them for a low price. but even the low price generates some nice extra's at times.

By the way, John, don't go by the total number of sold items, it's 300+ I know. But that's because my items are sold at a low price and CP counts the free items I do have in the number as well. The number of sold items is around 200.

what I've learned is that with my items, I can price them at 'regular' prices as well, $6-$12, did that in the past. I will make a little more then what I do now, but I made the choice to lower my prices so more people can enjoy the items. I make less money that way, but sell more in quantity, it's more important to me that people can use the items and don't have to worry about spending a lot on them, then me making lot's of money from them. I'm also operating on a small corner of the content market, toons, it's not where the money is at...... but the fun sure is there. Other sections will have different sales figures.

Hope this helps a little and let's hope that others are willing to share their sales info as well, so you can gain some insight.

I don't make my sales figures public. PM me with your email and I will show you. Then maybe you will believe what I say is true.

Oh, com'on be good sport and help some wanabee vendors out by showing what is possible, then when they see this thread they will be encouraged by your achievements and it will challenge them to excel in their endeavours...... I guess "put your money where your mouth is" would be a good expression to use now.

Sigh..Fine.. I won't post all my stores just the Rendo one. And I am only doing this because it is not a full month total. This amount is from the 1st of the month till current date. In otherwords, what I made in 9 days. And believe me when I say, there are vendors with higher totals than this. So as you can see, there is money to be made in this industry.

That's encouraging to see.

I have no aspirations personally, to sell anything. But as a consumer, I see it as a positive thing that it is possible for the 3D content makers, such as Zev0, who's output I appreciate, and hope to see more of, are getting a worthwhile return for their efforts.

Like any industry, the marketplace doesn't owe you a living... at least you can't approach it like that. You need to be clever, I think, about what you make... for a start. Target the market demands... if you can figure out what those are.

If what that is, that is being demanded, happens to be something you personally would want to make, and enjoy making... then you're on to a winner, I guess?

Wow, Zevo, I'm impressed!!!!

That definitely gives me high hopes for the future!!!!   I think I'll start a sketchbook soon of what I'm going to sell, once it's been uploaded. 

Cool. Look forward to see what you come up with:)

Thanks Zevo.  I think you all will like it --- I hope anyway.

Zev0, awesome sales and thanks for posting this, very encouraging! Now people can see there's a little extra cash to be made as I do each month and serious money if that's the goal your after. But.... one more question, how much time do you put into it? For me it's about 15 hours in a week, since it's only part of what I do. I'd say 15 hours and getting what I get in return is a good deal. I haven't modeled for 2 months now, but my stores are still generating a nice base amount as you could see from the stats I posted earlier on. Whenever I added something new, I earn more. Unless you create something 'hot' like you've done, if you want to earn a good income that's the way to go.

John.... to be very honest, cars aren't going to cut it, at least not from the get go, it will take time with content like that. Just check out Zev0's stuff, he made something unique for a large group of users and it pays off. On the other is me, targeting a small group of users and it still pays off, but all in respect to the user group. My user group is small and I will never see the return Zev0 has, but that's not my goal, I don't need to. I do have a steady income without selling content, I'm just filling a gap. In my opinion, that's the key.... filling a gap.... go where no one goes.

Of course, you can model cars and if you do well, it will generate an income, but you need a large catalog to do so and building that will take time. I'm sure mrsparky can tell you all about that. As you see, different routes to take!

Thank man. I put in about 4-5 hours everyday on products when my dayjob is finished. But I work from home so my times are a bit more flexable. If I don't have a lot of work, I'm not stuck in an office just wasting time. I can just hop on my other PC and work on products and experiment on new things. And for me its not really about the money although it is always nice to make some:). I enjoy making things that people can use. For years as a customer I sat wondering what if this could be done or if only this figure/product could do that. After years of teaching myself, printing out thread tips and reading endless tutorials, I can create things I always wanted and share it with others.

Well, this is all I do have for a job.   I've spent the past three months working on an automobile model and I can tell you, it can be quite challenging. 

With sometimes my focus shifting, I jump from item to item, so I have several things going on.

At least it's a hint for the community --- my first release is automotive related.

Ragtopjohnny : Didn't see DAZ Studio in your arsenal.

Zev0 Made cool bends for Poser & DAZ Studio ,V4 & V5.

Zev0 : Can you say between V4,V5 bend sells wich was the biggest hit

for exsample V4 55% ,V5 45%

Oh, Rorr - I do have Daz, just never really got to learn it like Poser.    But it is a secret weapon of mine.

@ RorrKonn - Well the Genesis one has been out much longer than the v4 version, but I can see the V4 version selling more since these morphs make more of a difference on V4 and Genesis has less of a long bottom issue. Also this whole perception that there are millions of V4 users compared to Genesis is actually false according to the product sales. Genesis content sells roughly the same amount as V4 content meaning there is about an equal amount of users for both among those who purchase content. Other vendors have also confirmed this. But V4 is still the queen, for now..

I'm sure mrsparky can tell you all about that.... Oh yes...:) Zev)'s figures are impressive because his products are impressive. They fit a niche in the market which he's filled perfectly. Image shows the figures for the first month of my ruined city set. (includes other stuff) Within 3 months that made over 2 grand. Yep 2000 smackeroonies on just one product alone. Plus when one product sells well, you sell more of the other stuff. Back then, freebie downloads averaged around 1-2GB a week. So I guess you're thinking he must be pretty successful, popular and loaded :) Well read on..

Now for the reality check. .... Look at the huge amount of time Zev0 takes to make things. On the example above, that city took nearly 6 months. Next look at the piccy showing this months figures. Bit of a difference there! Question is why? Theres the seasonal factor, it's just after xmas. Also unlike 2010 we're now in a serious recession where poser content is a luxury for most folks. That lack of sales means lack of income, but the household bills havn't. If anything those costs have increased. So like Zev0 - and many others - that means more one than job. Plus I also believe in supporting the people who support me. So now there more time spent on freebies and less on products. On average 400-500 artists download 3-4GB of freebies every 48 hours. But less than 3% buy. You also need to consider how the poserverse has changed recently. The big sites are also suffering - and WITHOUT debating that here- theres been big rule changes which make it a lot harder for independent artists to promote their work. So you'll need to find other ways than the forums to market your work. Please don't get me wrong here, I wish every artist success, however you do need to be realistic.

aeilkema - good to see someone else thinks of other artists and not just the financial. Gives me some hope that community can still mean community :)

Very accurate assesment there Mrsparky and thanks for the compliment:) Also you must time the release of your products. Look at what products are currently in store look at what specials other sites have running and formulate a plan. Eg I was stupid to release a product here during Daz's September PA sale and it did terrible. It only picked up sales as a back catalog product a month later. So there are lots of factors to consider. You cannot just release a product and hope for the best. It might do ok, but it can do much better. There is a lot of behind the scene work that must be done in order for it to succeed. So many times I have seen great products over shadowed or fail because of bad timing on release and a high asking price. Also placing items on sale helps..and pay for advertising..the more exposure the better:) It's your product. Your hard work. Market it as best as you can...