Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is a type of visual content created using computer software that can be static and animated. Unlike traditional photography, which uses physical cameras and light-sensitive materials, a CGI freelancer or artist uses specialized software and computer graphics techniques to create lifelike images on a computer screen. CGI is used for various purposes, such as illustrations on book covers, posters, and visual effects seen on TV and movies.
CGI covers various specializations, including character modeling, 3D rigging, architectural rendering, product design and visualization, game development, graphic design experts, and virtual prototyping. It is used in various media, such as animated logos, dragons in Game of Thrones, and video game graphics. Some CGIs are hyper-realistic, appearing identical to photographed physical objects, like furniture in IKEA’s photorealistic renderings of 3D models.
Freelance CGI professionals, also known as 3D animators or computer graphics artists, specialize in specific mediums, such as creating characters and objects for animated content or developing static renderings for digital and print platforms. They may offer services such as creating architectural walkthrough videos or developing digital background scenes for greenscreen.
CGI production teams for feature-length animated films, like Toy Story and Monster Inc., consist of hundreds of CGI artists with different specializations. CGI artists may also create logos, 3D assets for additive manufacturing, and digital artworks in the static content industry.
You may need a new, simple company logo and 3D product rendering to boost marketing efforts on social media. And then, at some point, you realize that a freelance 3D product animation is the best option for a video explainer. When developing a reasonably complex hardware product, you also find that virtual prototyping and 3D printing improve workflow efficiency and reduce cost.
Regardless of the industry, a CGI professional will be a valuable addition to the business. It is common for an established company to have an in-house team of skillful CGI artists ready to develop new content daily. However, outsourcing the task to CGI studios or freelancers is a more financially sensible option for startups and small businesses. When searching for CGI artists, there are two places where you will encounter the highest number of potential partners: 3D marketplaces and freelancing agencies.
Many CGI studios and freelancers sell their digital assets on 3D marketplaces. The products are grouped into various categories: consumer goods, characters, animals, transportation, architecture, and landscape. Each digital asset has a description that provides information about the CGI artist. Some popular 3D marketplaces include TurboSquid, Behance, CGTrader, Sketchfab, and Shapeways. They are the gateways for clients to glance at artists’ portfolios and hire them for future projects or purchase ready-made assets.
Online freelancing agencies, such as Cad Crowd, are the straightforward option. They gather professional CGI freelancers from all over the world to offer services and build portfolios. Depending on the platforms, there can be several hiring methods. A typical option is that a client communicates directly with the freelancer and negotiates the agreement without involvement from the agency. While it offers flexibility in pricing structure and project management, clients must manage both the selection and hiring processes independently. Some platforms provide the possibility to use the design contest method, in which only a small group of qualified CGI designers can submit their works and let the client pick the best asset.
Cad Crowd and other freelance platforms are easier to navigate because they provide a searchable database of CGI artists sorted based on relevant traits. The sorting option often includes categories like location, language, experience, qualification (credentials), specialization, and software. The platform or agency acts as a contractor in the hiring process and throughout the project. The agency also manages all communications, project briefs, deliverables, revisions, and payments.
When hiring freelancers, there is an inherent sense of a “no strings attached” relationship, which implies a lack of control. The freelancing landscape has changed significantly, and most agencies have implemented strict rules and professional codes of conduct on their platforms. It is not a hit-and-miss, or worse, a hit-and-run relationship where a client risks losing contact with freelancers once the fee is wired. Freelancing agencies are project managers who bridge communications between clients and freelancers.
Considering the sheer number of qualified CGI artists in the freelancing market, practicing some due diligence before and during the search is imperative.
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Simply typing “CGI artist” on a search engine will produce numerous unchecked results. Just because people say, they are CGI professionals does not necessarily mean they offer the services you need. Remember that CGI is a broad term filled with dozens of specialized fields. At the very least, be specific about the project and seek a relevant service. For example, you should search for “architectural CGI freelancers” if it involves making construction 3D models; for character or 3D product animation, the search query should relate to freelance 3D rigging design services and 3D modeling.
More often than not, the search result also brings up several freelancing agencies. Some platforms are for general freelancing services, while others cater to more specific projects. Although the former will likely provide many CGI artists relevant to the project in question, the latter delivers a comprehensive list of professionals grouped into multiple categories based on specializations—searching for the right professional becomes easier.
Not every CGI artist can create complex 3D characters, develop architectural renderings, and make animated product visualizations. While they are still within the giant umbrella of CGI, those projects require different skill sets, including the expertise of 3D character modelers. It’s not just technical proficiency but also the artistry and specialization that matter.
Once again, think about the CGI products you want and visualize the final result in mind so you can communicate the project requirements well. Some freelancing agencies can help write the brief. Specialization is not cheap, so there are times when general CGI artists may serve the clients better at a lower cost. For example, you don’t need a freelancer specializing in Baroque-style 3D modeling to develop a Bauhaus furniture visualization. Each style has a unique appeal and a different complexity level.
CGI freelancers tend to put the highlights of their works in online portfolios. The highlights usually comprise the best projects they’ve completed thus far, with a few personal designs created to showcase their capabilities. You can gauge whether the freelancer is the right person by looking for any similarity between any asset in the portfolio and your future project.
Also, pay attention to the level of detail in the assets. It is a collection of the freelancer’s best projects, meaning the assets are representative of the owner’s proficiency. In case you are not impressed by the portfolio, look somewhere else.
Affordable CGI freelance service rates are reasonable, but impossibly cheap pricing is a red flag. CGI projects are potentially labor-intensive and time-consuming, depending on the job requirements. 3D character animation designers may take weeks to create a model, especially if it needs prominent small facial details and a textured outfit. The same applies to 3D renderings, animated logos, and product visualization. The better the realism effect, the more expensive the cost.
Since there are dozens of specializations, setting standard pricing for CGI freelancer services is impossible. Some freelancers charge by the project, and others have an hourly rate. Regardless of the payment method and pricing strategy, the cost depends entirely on the scope of work and project complexity.
CGI freelancers rarely charge below $35/hour for any project, except for simple tasks like creating 3D models for basic geometry or low-resolution static rendering. At that rate, the pay is lower than the average annual salary of VFX artists and animators ($78,790) in the United States.
Experience level also plays an essential factor in determining the rate. A freelancer with over five years of experience working on a complex 3D animation project can charge close to $50/hour. A minute of a high-resolution 3D character animation may take around nine weeks to finish. Even at a conservative rate of $40/hour, the project costs the client $12,600.
| Freelance CGI Service Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate Range (USD) | Project Rate Range ($) |
| Entry Level | $35 – $45 | Varies |
| Mid-Level | $45 – $60 | Varies |
| Senior Level | $60+ | Varies |
RELATED: How to use 360 degree product CGI to market your products
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