*Meta Description:* 3D designer contract guide with pricing strategies and service packages. Essential for freelance 3D artists and modeling studios.

How to Price and Package Your 3D Design Services: A Contract Guide for Freelancers

Meta Description: 3D designer contract guide with pricing strategies and service packages. Essential for freelance 3D artists and modeling studios.

Pricing 3D services is rarely “just pick an hourly rate.” Clients want predictability, you need profitability, and both sides need clarity on what’s included (and what isn’t). That’s where packaging and contracts work together: your packages set expectations, and your contract protects your time, your IP, and your cash flow.

This guide is written from the service provider perspective—freelance 3D artists and small studios offering modeling and rendering—so you can confidently quote projects, prevent scope creep, and document everything in a strong 3D modeling service agreement.

Why packaging + contracts are inseparable in 3D work

3D projects are uniquely vulnerable to pricing chaos because:

Inputs are ambiguous (concept quality, CAD cleanliness, references, brand guidelines).
Outputs are subjective (“make it feel more premium”).
Revisions can be infinite if not bounded.
Usage rights matter (internal use vs. advertising vs. resale).
Files have value (source scenes, rigs, high-poly meshes, texture sets).

Packaging gives you a menu clients can understand. Contract terms give those packages enforceable boundaries.

Step 1: Define what you actually sell (deliverables, not “time”)

A client isn’t buying “20 hours of Blender.” They’re buying outcomes:

Common 3D deliverables

3D models: low-poly, mid-poly, high-poly; game-ready; product viz-ready
UVs + textures: PBR sets, UDIM workflows, baked maps
Renders: stills (4K/8K), turntables, exploded views, lifestyle comps
Animation: camera moves, product assembly, character cycles
Source files: .blend/.max/.c4d, texture sources, project folders
Exports: FBX/OBJ/GLB/USDZ, CAD conversions (when feasible)

Contract tip: Your agreement should list deliverables with specificity: format, resolution, naming conventions, number of angles, and what is not included (e.g., “no CAD cleanup,” “no compositing,” “no sound design,” etc.).

Step 2: Choose a pricing model that matches the risk

There’s no single best method. The best approach depends on the uncertainty of the project and how mature your pipeline is.

1) Fixed project pricing (best for standardized packages)

Pros: Client loves predictability; you profit from efficiency.
Cons: Under-scoping hurts; needs tight revision terms.

Use fixed pricing when you have:

Clear references and requirements
A repeatable workflow (e.g., product stills)
Stable client decision-making

2) Day rate / hourly (best for R&D, unclear scope)

Pros: Protects you from endless ideation; simple change requests.
Cons: Client may feel anxious about the meter running.

Use time-based pricing for:

Style exploration
Lookdev without a defined target
“Can you jump into our scene and fix it?” rescue jobs

3) Hybrid pricing (often ideal)

A common structure:

Fixed package for core deliverables
Hourly/day rate for out-of-scope requests, additional revisions, and add-ons

Contract tip: Your 3D rendering contract terms should clearly separate “Included Services” vs. “Additional Services billed at $X/hr.”

Step 3: Build packages clients can buy (and that you can deliver)

Packaging reduces negotiation friction. It also makes your proposals faster and your pipeline smoother.

Below is a practical package framework you can adapt.

Package A: “Model-Only” (production-ready asset)

Best for: Agencies, game/dev teams, clients with in-house rendering.

Typical inclusions:

1 hero model built to agreed spec (poly budget, subdivision level)
UV unwrap (single tile or UDIM as specified)
Basic material setup (non-final lookdev)
1 export format (e.g., FBX + textures)

Common exclusions to state:

No photoreal lighting or rendering
No animation
No additional variant models unless scoped

Contract must define:

Software/version, file formats
“Acceptance criteria” (e.g., manifold geometry, naming conventions)
Whether source files are delivered or licensed

Package B: “Model + Lookdev” (ready for rendering)

Best for: Product visualization, e-commerce, marketing teams.

Typical inclusions:

Modeling + UVs
PBR texture set (2K/4K, number of materials specified)
Shaders created in a defined renderer (Cycles/Redshift/V-Ray/Arnold)
1–2 lookdev review rounds

Watch-outs:

“Match this real-world material perfectly” requires references and calibration.
Brand color approvals can trigger significant iteration.

Contract must define:

Color management expectations (sRGB/ACES), reference standards
Responsibility for providing product dimensions, color codes, and label artwork
What counts as a revision vs. a new direction

Package C: “Render Pack” (stills)

Best for: Marketing launches, Amazon listings, pitch decks.

Typical inclusions:

X number of final stills
Resolution (e.g., 4000px wide), background type (transparent/solid/studio)
Lighting setup + camera composition
Limited revision rounds

Optional add-ons:

Additional angles
Lifestyle compositing
Alternate colorways/variants
8K up-res or print-ready workflow

Contract must define:

Number of images and angles
Whether client supplies branding, backplates, or you do
Render time assumptions and deadlines for feedback

Package D: “Animation / Turntable”

Best for: Product pages, Kickstarter, social ads.

Typical inclusions:

5–15 second animation or 360° turntable
One approved storyboard/animatic phase
Output format (H.264, ProRes) and dimensions (1080p/4K)
Music/SFX excluded unless added

Contract must define:

Approval gates (animatic → lighting → final)
How changes after approval impact fees/timeline
Deliverable specs (frame rate, codec)

Step 4: Price drivers every 3D artist should include in quotes

To price confidently, tie your fee to the factors that truly impact production:

Complexity (not just “hours”)

Organic vs. hard surface
Micro-detail level, decals, label accuracy
Topology requirements (game-ready, deformation-ready, CAD-like)

Quantity and variants

1 model vs. 12 SKUs
Color/material variants (each one adds QA and renders)

Reference quality

Clean CAD and measurements reduce risk
Poor references increase iteration (price accordingly)

Revision depth

Minor tweaks (camera, brightness) vs. redesign (shape, proportions)

Usage rights and value

A render used internally is different from a national campaign.

Step 5: Put revision limits into your packages (scope creep antidote)

Revisions are where profit goes to die—unless your contract defines them.

Best practice: distinguish revision types

Included revisions: small adjustments that don’t change the approved concept (e.g., “move the logo 5%,” “soften reflections”)
Change requests: new direction or new asset requirements (e.g., “make it a different product shape,” “new environment,” “add accessories”)

Common revision clause approach

Include 1–3 revision rounds per stage (model, lookdev, render)
Require consolidated feedback in writing
Set a time window for feedback (e.g., 3–5 business days) to prevent timeline drift
Charge additional revisions at a stated rate

These are essential 3D rendering contract terms because “unlimited revisions” is essentially “unlimited labor.”

Step 6: Deposits, milestones, and kill fees (cash-flow protection)

A professional 3D modeling service agreement should define when you get paid and what happens if the project stops.

Payment structures that work

50% deposit / 50% final for small projects
30/40/30 (start / midpoint approval / final delivery) for medium projects
Weekly or biweekly invoicing for ongoing production

Kill fee / cancellation terms

If a client cancels midstream, you should be paid for:

Work completed to date
Non-refundable deposit
A reasonable wind-down/administration fee if appropriate

Also consider adding:

Late fees (where enforceable)
Pause fees for projects stalled by client feedback delays

Step 7: Ownership, licensing, and source files (don’t give away the crown jewels)

One of the biggest mistakes in 3D work is assuming “client paid → client owns everything.” Many clients expect that, but you can structure it strategically.

Common IP approaches

Work Made for Hire / full assignment (client owns everything)
- Price higher, especially if you hand over editable scenes.
License-based (you retain ownership, client gets defined usage rights)
- Great for portfolio protection and reuse of non-exclusive components.

Source files are a separate deliverable

Editable files (scene setup, nodes, rig controls, layered textures) often represent process IP and can be reused.

Options:

Deliver only final outputs (renders + exports)
Offer source files as a paid add-on
License source files with restrictions (no resale, no transfer, internal use only)

Contract tip: Your 3D artist contract sample should include an IP section that clearly states:

What the client receives by default
Whether source files are included
When rights transfer (often upon full payment)

Step 8: Approval checkpoints reduce rework and disputes

Structure the workflow in your agreement so approvals happen in stages.

Typical approval stages

Model blockout approval (proportions, silhouette)
Final model approval (details, topology spec)
Lookdev approval (materials, colors)
Lighting/composition approval (draft renders)
Final delivery

Why this matters: If the client approves Stage 2, then requests major model changes at Stage 4, that’s a change order—not a “revision.”

Step 9: Add the clauses 3D freelancers forget (but need)

Here are high-impact contract terms that prevent common 3D disputes:

Client responsibilities: references, brand assets, dimensions, timely feedback
No guarantee of exact match: especially for “match this photo” material requests without controlled references
Third-party assets: stock models/HDRIs/plugins usage and licensing
Confidentiality/NDA alignment: if you can show work in portfolio, and when
Credit and attribution: optional but useful
Liability limitation: cap damages to fees paid (common in creative services)
Delivery method & archiving: how long you store project files (e.g., 30–90 days)

If you’re searching for a 3D designer contract template, look for one that includes these sections, not just basic “scope and payment.”

Step 10: How to present pricing to clients (and close faster)

Packaging works best when you present it as options:

Example “Good / Better / Best” structure

Good: Model-only + one export
Better: Model + lookdev + 3 still renders
Best: Model + lookdev + 6 still renders + 10s turntable

Include:

Clear deliverables
Timeline assumptions
Revision rounds
Price and payment schedule
Add-ons menu (additional angles, variants, rush fee, source files)

This turns negotiation into selection, and your contract becomes an extension of the package.

Contract checklist: what your 3D services agreement should include

Use this as a quick internal checklist when drafting or reviewing a 3D modeling service agreement:

Scope of work: deliverables, specs, formats, resolutions
Timeline: milestones, client feedback deadlines, delay handling
Revisions: included rounds, definitions, extra rates
Fees & payments: deposit, milestones, invoicing, late fees
Change orders: written approval + pricing method
IP & usage rights: ownership, licensing, portfolio use, credit
Source files: included or add-on, transfer terms
Confidentiality: NDA terms or mutual confidentiality clause
Third-party assets: responsibility and licensing compliance
Termination: kill fee, payment for work completed
Limitation of liability: reasonable caps and disclaimers
Signatures & governing law: enforceability basics

If you’re using a 3D artist contract sample you found online, compare it against this checklist—many templates skip key production realities like revision limits and approval gates.

Common pricing pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Pitfall 1: Quoting without a discovery phase

Fix: Offer a paid discovery or a “quote valid if references are accurate” clause.

Pitfall 2: Including source files by default

Fix: Treat source files as a premium deliverable with added cost and clear licensing.

Pitfall 3: “Unlimited revisions”

Fix: Limit rounds, define revision types, and require consolidated feedback.

Pitfall 4: No change order process

Fix: Add a short clause: changes must be requested in writing and may change fees/timeline.

Bringing it all together: packaging is your sales tool, the contract is your shield

When your packages define what the client gets and your agreement defines how the project runs, you’ll spend less time renegotiating and more time producing great work. Whether you start from a 3D designer contract template or build from scratch, the goal is the same: predictable scope, protected IP, and stable cash flow.

To generate a polished 3D services agreement faster—complete with revision limits, approval stages, licensing language, and payment milestones—consider using an AI-powered contract generator like Contractable at https://www.contractable.ai.

2025-10-13

How to Price and Package Your 3D Design Services: A Contract Guide for Freelancers

Miky Bayankin

How to Price and Package Your 3D Design Services: A Contract Guide for Freelancers

Why packaging + contracts are inseparable in 3D work

Step 1: Define what you actually sell (deliverables, not “time”)

Common 3D deliverables

Step 2: Choose a pricing model that matches the risk

1) Fixed project pricing (best for standardized packages)

2) Day rate / hourly (best for R&D, unclear scope)

3) Hybrid pricing (often ideal)

Step 3: Build packages clients can buy (and that you can deliver)

Package A: “Model-Only” (production-ready asset)

Package B: “Model + Lookdev” (ready for rendering)

Package C: “Render Pack” (stills)

Package D: “Animation / Turntable”

Step 4: Price drivers every 3D artist should include in quotes

Complexity (not just “hours”)

Quantity and variants

Reference quality

Revision depth

Usage rights and value

Step 5: Put revision limits into your packages (scope creep antidote)

Best practice: distinguish revision types

Common revision clause approach

Step 6: Deposits, milestones, and kill fees (cash-flow protection)

Payment structures that work

Kill fee / cancellation terms

Step 7: Ownership, licensing, and source files (don’t give away the crown jewels)

Common IP approaches

Source files are a separate deliverable

Step 8: Approval checkpoints reduce rework and disputes

Typical approval stages

Step 9: Add the clauses 3D freelancers forget (but need)

Step 10: How to present pricing to clients (and close faster)

Example “Good / Better / Best” structure

Contract checklist: what your 3D services agreement should include

Common pricing pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Pitfall 1: Quoting without a discovery phase

Pitfall 2: Including source files by default

Pitfall 3: “Unlimited revisions”

Pitfall 4: No change order process

Bringing it all together: packaging is your sales tool, the contract is your shield

Other questions you might ask next