2 answers
Sandesh
Student
Mysuru, Karnataka, India
1
Question
Asked
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I'm a designer who designs 3d models and parts. I'm well versed in fusion 360. How do i find projects to make money online. Need help.
I have time to spare for projects and would definetely like to earn some money online .
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2 answers
Matt Kisling
Talent Acquisition
6
Answers
Mount Airy, Maryland
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Here are some platforms that can help you find freelance CAD work, along with tips on setting up a profile:
Upwork: This is a top site for CAD freelancers. Clients often post jobs like "Design a 3D-printable electronic enclosure" or "Convert STL to STEP file."
Fiverr: Instead of bidding, you create "Gigs" with set prices, like "I will design a 3D part for 3D printing starting at $40." It's good for quick, small jobs.
Freelancer.com / Guru: These are bidding platforms with sections for Fusion 360 and mechanical design experts.
CAD Crowd: This site focuses on 3D modeling and design. They screen their designers, reducing price competition. They also have design contests where you can win money.
Printables / Thingiverse / Thangs: These aren't typical freelance sites, but you can set up premium stores. People pay to download your Fusion 360 designs, like custom camera rigs or drone parts.
Steps to Get Your First Client:
1. Build a Visual Portfolio:
- Upload high-quality screenshots of your Fusion 360 workspace. Render your models with realistic materials. Clients are attracted to visuals.
2. Optimize Your Profile Keywords:
- Use a specific title like "Fusion 360 CAD Designer | Product Prototyping & 3D Printing Expert." Mention the formats you deliver, like STEP, IGES, or STL.
3. Start with Small Bids:
- On Upwork, bid on small jobs ($20–$50) to get quick reviews. Lower your rate for the first few jobs to earn 5-star reviews. This helps attract higher-paying clients later.
4. Attach a Short Video:
- When applying, include a 30-second screen-share showing a past project in Fusion 360. It shows you're real and skilled, avoiding standard text cover letters.
Pro Tip: Keep your project files organized and use parametric modeling. This allows you to make quick changes if a client requests modifications.
Upwork: This is a top site for CAD freelancers. Clients often post jobs like "Design a 3D-printable electronic enclosure" or "Convert STL to STEP file."
Fiverr: Instead of bidding, you create "Gigs" with set prices, like "I will design a 3D part for 3D printing starting at $40." It's good for quick, small jobs.
Freelancer.com / Guru: These are bidding platforms with sections for Fusion 360 and mechanical design experts.
CAD Crowd: This site focuses on 3D modeling and design. They screen their designers, reducing price competition. They also have design contests where you can win money.
Printables / Thingiverse / Thangs: These aren't typical freelance sites, but you can set up premium stores. People pay to download your Fusion 360 designs, like custom camera rigs or drone parts.
Steps to Get Your First Client:
1. Build a Visual Portfolio:
- Upload high-quality screenshots of your Fusion 360 workspace. Render your models with realistic materials. Clients are attracted to visuals.
2. Optimize Your Profile Keywords:
- Use a specific title like "Fusion 360 CAD Designer | Product Prototyping & 3D Printing Expert." Mention the formats you deliver, like STEP, IGES, or STL.
3. Start with Small Bids:
- On Upwork, bid on small jobs ($20–$50) to get quick reviews. Lower your rate for the first few jobs to earn 5-star reviews. This helps attract higher-paying clients later.
4. Attach a Short Video:
- When applying, include a 30-second screen-share showing a past project in Fusion 360. It shows you're real and skilled, avoiding standard text cover letters.
Pro Tip: Keep your project files organized and use parametric modeling. This allows you to make quick changes if a client requests modifications.
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
320
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
With your Fusion 360 skills, you are positioned perfectly for CAD, product design, and 3D printing engineering, which are much higher-paying niches than standard gaming or artistic modeling.Here are the best ways to turn your Fusion 360 expertise into online income:1. High-Quality Freelance PlatformsSkip general entry-level sites and target platforms looking specifically for technical precision:Upwork: Search for keywords like "Fusion 360," "Enclosure Design," "Sheet Metal CAD," or "STL for Manufacturing." Inventors and startups constantly look for freelancers to turn sketches into manufacturing-ready step files. Cad Crowd: A specialized platform exclusively for CAD designers and engineers. You can bid on hourly jobs or participate in design contests to win payouts. 2. Sell Digital Assets (Passive Income)Functional, hard-surface 3D models are highly sought after. You can sell print-ready .STL files or design components:Cults3D & MyMiniFactory: Target the 3D printing hobbyist market by designing functional mechanical objects (e.g., custom tools, smart-home mounts, desk organizers).CGTrader & TurboSquid: Sell high-fidelity, industrial CAD assemblies or mechanical parts to other designers or engineering firms.3. Target "Reverse Engineering" GigsLook out for specialized gigs on freelance boards where clients say: "I have a 3D mesh scan; I need a watertight solid B-Rep/STEP file for CNC/Injection Molding." Fusion 360’s parametric and mesh-conversion tools make you uniquely suited for these high-ticket projects.Start by building a quick portfolio page on Behance showing clean cross-sections and technical renderings of your parts to secure your first client!