[BuddyB309]

Unless your seriously getting calls from big time companies offering to pay a couple grand for graphics. (especialy if the entire thing is animation). I wouldnt buy a commercial license of 3ds max unless you know for sure that it is going to take off. If you can make very good graphics with 3ds max (and im talking good, like stuff that you see on tv) then chargeing $3,500 for a thirty second graphic spot is actually dirt cheep as graphics go. (TNT charges companies $30,000 for graphics no matter what it is) Production companies pay up front. So techniqucally you could buy a commercial license with your first gig. The problem with getting a graphics is that you'll have to get it done FAST. They normally want it within a week.

If any of you get a call from a company here is what you must do.

1. disscuss Payment: Should be the first thing you do. especially if the production company is calling you. Dont say "I'll see what i can come up with and then we will talk about payment" Some comapanies will pay you for concept designs. If you charge them for that they are more likely going to be specific with you.

2. Shoot high: You want to land a job that pays $75 - 145 per hour. Tell them thats what you work for $200/hr and then they will bargain with you. be reasonable and the price will come down. remember, they called you so they want you. (unless you called them then you take anything)

3. Dont work on the projet at random times: set a day, perhaps a weekend and get up at 7:00 am and work till midnight and do the same thing sunday. Dont work on the project a little here a little their, otherwise it is harder to clock your hours.

4. Plan: try your best to advoid getting stuck on a problem mid way through. Like if your trying to make a model dissovle away slowly like sand dune and trying to figureing it out durring the project. Write everthing down. even if it is simple then look at it and plan.

5. Communication: I cannot stress this enough. The production company wants somthing and it is your job to figure it out. keep comminication bettween you strong.

6. Look like your important: Pretend that you have another job somewhere else and they should give you a reason to do work for them. (this only works if they called you and they are a new client.) (this only works if they called you)


Freelancing is the best job in the world. You get to sit home all day in your pajamas and make more money than you would make the whole summer at a fast food joint. The only down side is that they are short, and it may be months before they call you again. And make sure that if its a new production comapany that you blow there sock off with a graphic to make sure they keep calling you.