What is the Blender Network?

The Blender Network is the Blender Foundation’s partnership program, an online directory and social network for Blender professionals. The Blender Network aims to promote all Blender-related professional activity and the visibility of the professional community that has grown around and with the software Blender 3D. The network offers visibility to its members and actively supports their business.

Moreover, the Blender Network is the place where companies and professionals get connected. In this officially recognized space, professional Blender users have the opportunity to be updated about the career improvements of their colleagues and friends, but also (and we are working on that very hard in this moment) to have the opportunity to be exposed to headhunting in the animation industry and to find commercial partners.

Which payment options do I have?

We prefer to use PayPal as it's fast and relatively cheap. You can use your creditcard without signing up to Paypal. For the special cases in which PayPal shouldn't be accessible from your country, or for any other reason, please contact us writing an email to support@blendernetwork.org.

Why should I choose a Corporate account instead of a Freelance one?

Corporate accounts enjoy some special benefits and have the possibility to be represented as companies instead of people on the network. Freelance accounts are for example not allowed to use a logo as a profile page, nor they can have a different page-url than one with a name-surname structure.

Along with the development of the network, additional benefits will be added.

What allows me to have an academic account?

The academic account is thought for non-for-profit teaching institutions that officially teach how to use Blender to professionals and future professionals (e.g. architects, animators, engineers). The academic account will be created for people who will then manage the presence on the network on behalf of the institution they work at. Professors and teachers that officially teach Blender and have no additional private activity on their own can also apply for an academic account. Otherwise they have to go for a Freelance account. The use of Blender in the frame of a school or university has to be mentioned in public webpages or documents as part of the official curriculum/syllabus/program of the institution, the same way of the non-for-profit nature of the institution.

Trainer, schools and other institutions that teach how to use Blender for private profit should opt for a freelance account (for individuals) or for a corporate account (for non-individuals).

The academic account is not thought for students. The Blender Network is only for professionals dealing with Blender at a proficient level. If you think you suite the requirements for an academic account without being a researcher or a professor, you can let us know via email (support@blendernetwork.org).

Why is my account pending review?

All new accounts will be pending the review of the network management team when created. This is to allow a quality check of your profile page and to make sure everything is fine for publishing, that the subscription plan chosen corresponds to the actual state of things, and that there is no misuse of the network. More details on the guidelines public profiles have to follow can be found at this link.

My account isn't listed

Should you have valid subscription but still you can't see your public profile page, please make sure you have filled out at least: Your name (for freelancers) or company name (for academic and corporate users); Your tagline (the short description in the search results); Your logo or photo. For doubts, directly contact us via email (support@blendernetwork.org).

Should I link to as many people as possible?

A link/connection is really a recommendation for someone else's business, so think carefully before accepting a link invitation. Once a connection has been accepted by the receiver, the link between the profiles is made public. This connection should that you are available to endors the other person if requested. Have you really done business with this company and do you trust them?

What are the appreciations for?

Since connections have a very strict meaning on Blender Network (see section above), we have added this new way to demonstrate anonymous appreciation for other’s work, without having to connect as a professional relation. Only members can show appreciation, and it is and will always be anonymous. To express your appreciation for someone else's work, go to his/her profile page. At the top of the right sidebar you will find a "thumbs-up"-button, similar to Facebook's "like"-button. Click on it, and it's done!

How do I create a new account?

The account creation process is only the first necessary step to be then able to go through the process of subscription and public page creation. To register (= create a member account) follow this link and fill in the necessary fields.

How do I log in to my account?

To log in go to "My Account" in the menu bar at the top of the website. From the new page you will be able to log in. Otherwise follow this link. If you are already logged in, by hovering "My Account" a drop down menu should open.

How do I delete my account?

At the moment you have to submit a request to support@blendernetwork.org and ask for your account to be deleted.

How does the verification process work?

Verification is usually done through the request of a written statement of higher-in-charge people of your company or academic institution who will take responsibility over the stated role within that institution. Telephone calls maybe performed to randomly check information, too.

How does linking work?

If you have done business with someone and you'd like to recommend this party to someone else, you can link to them. To link to someone, go to the page of the person I would like to link. In the right sidebar in the top you will see that you can connect to this person. That's the "linking link". If you have already performed a linking request it will be stated the your request is outgoing. Once a request has been sent, the other party will receive a notification and they can decide to link back to you. A link will NOT be publicly visible until both parties have agreed to link. To see if you have pending connection requests, go to www.blendernetwork.org/conections being logged in with your account.

Why do you charge a membership fee?

Building and running this website costs actual work and money. The income from members will be spent for 100% on making the networking site better, for member support or to sponsor activities for members (conferences, tradeshows, etc).

Why haven't you answered to my ticket yet?

It usually takes us around 24 hours to get back to you after you submitted a ticket. We always try to do our best and answer in the shortest time as possible, but we cannot grant you on the spot answers. Please, also consider that we are not always working on weekends and on holidays. If we haven't received an answer within three days, please consider sending a follow up request.

Unanswered issue?

Just drop us an email. Our support team is glad to help you. The email address is support@blendernetwork.org.