How Architects Can Earn Money Online: Active and Passive Income Strategies

Avatar Khireddine Z | August 25, 2024 1 Like 0 Ratings
1
Rate it

?si=r1DjQvkcz5gnHHtC

Introduction

Let’s talk about MONEY!

If you’ve ever Googled how much architects and interior designers make, you might have seen some impressive numbers. However, the reality for most professionals in these fields can be quite disappointing. Architecture, interior design, and similar disciplines are incredibly time-consuming, meaning they rely almost entirely on active income. This means that the money you make is directly tied to the hours you put in—if you stop working, your income stops too.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this system, especially for younger professionals seeking experience, putting all your eggs in one basket can be risky. Having multiple income streams is a far more secure strategy. If you rely on just one stream and it dries up, you're left stranded. But with seven streams of income, losing one isn’t a disaster.

The real advantage lies in creating passive income streams. Once a passive stream is set up, it continues to generate money, allowing you to invest time in building additional sources of income. It’s a smart way to multiply your financial security.

In this post, I'll share six ways architects, interior designers, and 3D artists can make money online—both actively and passively.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing has become increasingly popular, especially since the pandemic. People are seeking new ways to make money from the comfort of their homes, and for architects and designers, freelancing offers the perfect solution.

What is Freelancing?

Freelancing involves selling your services online to clients willing to pay for them. First, you need a skill you can deliver remotely—be it architectural design, interior design, or 3D rendering. Then, find clients who are interested in your services.

How to Stand Out as a Freelancer

Show up as a Professional:
Being good at your job is important, but looking the part is equally crucial. To succeed as a freelancer, you must treat it like a business. Here are a few tips:

  • Create a Professional Logo:
    Your logo is the face of your brand. You can get a simple design on Fiverr for $5 or create one yourself.
  • Write Detailed Proposals:
    When pitching to clients, clearly outline how you will meet their needs and provide a detailed price breakdown for each step of the project.
  • Set Up Zoom and Calendly for Meetings:
    These tools make it easy for clients to schedule video calls, saving time and appearing more organized.

Building a Strong Portfolio

A solid portfolio is key to landing freelance gigs. Whether it’s a website or a Behance profile, make sure it’s easy for potential clients to see your work. Even if you don’t have a lot of professional experience yet, you can showcase projects from school, workshops, or personal work.

Where to Find Freelance Clients

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour are great places to start. My advice is to focus on one platform, build a reputation, and collect good feedback, making it easier to charge higher prices down the road.

2. Selling 3D Models

This is a 100% passive income stream. Once you create a 3D model, you can sell it indefinitely. There’s a high demand for 3D models, and professionals, like me, are willing to pay for models that save time and effort.

Tips for Success:

  • Start with 3D models of furniture from famous brands like Minotti, Cattelan, or even IKEA.
  • Upload your models to platforms like 3Dsky or 3D66.
  • Promote your models on Pinterest or Instagram for better visibility.

3. Working for CGTrader

CGTrader is a platform where you can both buy 3D models and find freelance work. It offers the opportunity to work on low-poly or high-poly models for clients.

To get started, create an account on the platform, set up a portfolio, and apply for jobs. Once approved, you’ll be able to start working on projects directly from the site.

4. Creating Content

While I’m still new to this, creating content—whether on YouTube, a blog, or social media—can be a powerful way to generate income. YouTube pays for ads shown on your videos, so the more views you get, the more money you make.

Beyond ad revenue, content creation can lead to affiliate marketing and brand sponsorships, which are additional income streams that grow as your audience grows.

Talking about YouTube, you can also subscribe to my channel so you don't miss any of my new videos.

5. Selling Online Courses

The online learning market is booming, with the e-learning industry expected to be worth $325 billion by 2025. Selling courses allows you to monetize your knowledge, whether it's how to design a home office or how to create stunning 3D renders.

You can host your courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare, which provide access to millions of potential students. Alternatively, if you already have an audience, you can sell courses directly on your own website.

6. Promoting Software as an Affiliate

Many software companies offer affiliate programs that allow you to earn commissions by promoting their products. For instance, Autodesk and Chaos Group (makers of V-Ray) have affiliate programs.

Once you join, you’ll receive an affiliate link. When someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission. This works especially well if you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following focused on interior design or 3D rendering.

Conclusion

I hope these six strategies have sparked some ideas for how you can diversify your income streams as an architect, interior designer, or 3D artist. Whether you start freelancing, create online courses, or sell 3D models, the goal is to build both active and passive income streams to secure your financial future.

If you found this post helpful, feel free to leave a comment or suggest other topics you'd like me to cover.

1
Rate it

Written by Khireddine Z