BLOG
Cut the Crap
Simplicity in one phrase means, “Cut the crap”, in your 3D Architectural Rendering, leave only what you want the viewer to see. Make the background less cluttered, remove unnecessary distractions and have few important elements. Very Simple!
Clean and Simple Composition
Finding and Keeping Good Clients
A recent freelance industry report says that 30% of business comes from referrals and word of mouth, and less than 3% from social media. It's an important statistic to consider where to burn your calories to pursue more business. Recently, I tracked my business where it has come from over the last years.
I created a client family tree. More than 75% of my business over the last 20 years has come from an ongoing relationship with one smart, well-connected marketing director. She takes me with her when she makes career moves, and I usually retain business from an organization she's moved on from.
She's referred me to colleagues in various industries. I've been very, very lucky, but there are some things that I've paid close attention to that maybe other architectural illustrators might not have.
In the beginning of a relationship, whether personal or business, I often get clues as to exactly how it's going to go. It sounds a little crazy, but within the first 20 minutes of an initial meeting with a new customer, your intuition will tell you exactly what you need to know. For example, if an agency is disorganized, rushed, and indecisive, you can be assured that the project will be run that way too.
If a customer appreciates what you do, treats you with respect, and communicates with you in a calm, clears and inspirational way, they're probably going to be great to work with. So take off your emotional hat and put on one of objectivity and observation.
- Do you trust this person?
- Does what they do really interest you?
- Do you respect them?
- Are they hiring you for the reason you want to be hired?
The bottom line is doing good work for smart, well-connected clients is the best business development strategy for a freelancer. Staying away from task-oriented, anonymous, online projects will ensure the potential for more continuous meaningful business relationships.
The goal is to have clients describe you to others as a pleasure to work with.
Motiva exposure control for V-Ray
Get this plugin for free, compatible with 3dsmax 2012-2013-2014 32&64 bits in conjuntion with V-Ray 2.40.04
Avoiding Freelancing Scams
Sad to say, some freelancing opportunities, won't be opportunities at all. They'll be scams designed to steal your time, money, or reputation. I can't give a canonical list of scams floating around out there because the criminal nature is to develop new techniques as people get wise to the old ones. But here are some warning signs the prospective job just isn't worth taking. The first kind of scam is one that makes the rounds a lot.
You get offered a job but with a non-specific amount of pay. For example, let's say they offer you a share of profits. Well, how will you know how much their profits are? Are their books publically audited? Probably not, which means they could offer you any amount or nothing at all, and you'd have no real recourse.
Tied to that one, is the offer to pay you in something other than money, most often in the company's products. Now that's great if you really want their products and they're being offered to you at a higher rate than cash would otherwise buy. But here again, the control is mostly in their hands. What if they stop offering the product you want, what if they go out of business, do the products even exist yet, what's mechanism for delivering them to you?
A variation on this is the promise that you'll get exposure or a great portfolio piece in exchange for your work. This isn't a scam per se. It's just that in my experience, jobs that pay well make much better portfolio pieces. Having said that, you might actually decide to take such work when you're first building your portfolio. Just be sure to appropriately value what they're offering. Now personally, I can't remember ever finding the value of such exposure to be high enough for the work required.
The third warning sign arises if your client asks you to do something illegal or immoral. As an architectural illustrator, a client will sometimes try to accompany my work with videos or graphics that they snagged online, and that they don't have the rights to. They've already shown they're dishonest or immoral. What makes you think they'll be honest and moral with you?
Another warning sign crops up when you get an offer out of the blue, but you can't really determine the name, location, or contact information for the source. The issue here is one of enforcement. If they mistreat you, you'll have no way to go after them.
Finally, we get to the classic work-at- home scam, where you're required to put in some amount of money to make the deal happen. Let's get something straight. You're going to have business expenses as a freelancer. But none of that money, and I mean zero dollars and zero pennies should go towards someone who is allegedly offering you work or to any other source that you don't choose. This can be tricky. Maybe the client requires that you get some sort of special kind of equipment, or certification but that it's only available from one source. Check it out. There's a chance that, the source is connected to your so-called employer and that you'll never see a penny of work in return.
It is possible that you'll take a job that has one or more of these warning signs, and it will turn out just fine. For example, start-ups sometimes offer equity or stock instead of payment. That stock sometimes ends up being valuable. But this list is based on the likelihood that something is a scam.
These warnings aren't absolutes. When you're deciding which jobs to take, you'll be playing the percentages. Just realize that jobs that have these warning signs carry a higher risk than those that don't.
"Young Frank, Architect"
This whimsical children’s book by award-winning author and illustrator Frank Viva explores MoMA's collection through the adventures of Young Frank, an aspiring architect, who lives in New York City with his grandfather, Old Frank, also an architect. Young Frank likes to use anything he finds—macaroni, pillows, toilet paper, shoes—to make buildings that twist, chairs with zigzag legs, and even entire cities. But Old Frank disapproves, saying architects only create buildings.
One day they visit The Museum of Modern Art, where they see work by architects Frank Gehry, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many others, and Old Frank learns that architects can do more than he thought. The Franks go home and create structures of every shape and size, using whatever they can get their hands on, even cookies. At the end of the day, Young Frank feels a little older, and Old Frank feels a little younger—and a little wiser.
To download a sample PDF of Young Frank, Architect click here.
3D Augmented Reality for Architects
www.urbasee.com - Thanks to your smartphone or tablet computer, you can view your 3D model in real time and at a 1:1 scale.
Preparing your Portfolio
Every time you talk to prospective clients, they'll want to know why they should trust you.
Remember, it's not just money. If someone does a bad job for them, they might not have the time to get it done right. So, the stakes are high. Your past work is one of the strongest ways to show that you're right for the job. Collecting it in a portfolio is one way to convey this information.
Once you have all the pieces in one place, you need a way to display them. Nowadays, the usual place is a portfolio website. If your potential clients live more in the off-line world, or if you expect to meet a lot of them face to face, you might also want to have a printed version of your portfolio. I've assumed that you have work to show.
What if you're trying to freelance in an area where you don't yet? Frankly, I'd recommend you reconsider your choice because the lack of a portfolio is really going to hamper your efforts. One other option isto plan to start with forms of marketing that don't require a portfolio. For example, advertising.
Another is to do some jobs for low pay or even for no pay to build up your portfolio. This is a good opportunity to do favors for family, friends and non-profit organizations that you support.
Finally, it's a good idea to create two other pieces to complement your portfolio. The first is a brief text that summarizes your experience, maybe a hundred words or so. You'll use that in e-mails, applications and marketing materials. Eventually, you'll have several versions of it for various purposes. I personally keep a plain text file on my computer so that they're always at hand. You'll also want to create a resume. It'd be nice if others could intuitively sense that you're right for a job, but they can't. They need to be shown and nothing convinces as well as a clearly presented record of success.
That's what a well- prepared portfolio does for you.
The key to success? Grit
In her late 20s, Angela Lee Duckworth left a demanding job as a management consultant at McKinsey to teach math in public schools in San Francisco, Philadelphia and New York.
After five years of teaching seventh graders, she went back to grad school to complete her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she is now an assistant professor in the psychology department. Her research subjects include students, West Point cadets, and corporate salespeople, all of whom she studies to determine how "grit" is a better indicator of success than factors such as IQ or family income.
How to create layers from Photoshop Layer Styles
Augmented Reality Designs Your House With IKEA Furniture
You think about changing the decor of your house and the first thing that comes to your mind is IKEA.
You sit down with that big IKEA catalog at night after work, flip through the pages and try to imagine how the pieces you're eyeing would actually fit in your home. You even start measuring with a ruler, doing calculations hoping your favorite piece of decor would fit into your space.
You love the armchairs and bookcases but somehow they never look as perfect in your cramped apartment as they do in the aptly decorated showrooms.
This demotivates you to even take a look at the catalog leave alone visiting the store.
But now you’ll look forward to pick up that decor book and re-design your house.
IKEA's 2014 catalog aims to ease some of that angst by letting you plan ahead with its augmented reality feature.
This new feature, which will be available on August 25 and uses an augmented reality technology, allows you to see what the furniture would really look like in your own home.
How to go about it.
All you have to do is scan the pages of catalog with the augmented reality app on your mobile device, place the printed catalog wherever you'd like in the spot where you're considering adding a new piece of furniture.With the camera on the phone or tablet, the app captures an image of the room, using the catalog as a size guide, for the virtual furniture that you can place in the room. After this step you can select the desired item with a 3-D model view of the piece in your room on your phone or tablet.
Since the app uses the front cover of the catalog as a reference, it is likely you can use a printed copy of the Ikea catalog cover instead of having to bring along an entire book.
Ikea is actually transporting its products into your house, associating your living room with its showroom through a sort of digital test drive. So you needn’t visit the store, of course.
The 2014 catalog will be available in print, as well as on iPhone, iPad and Android.
You can also look forward to several highly anticipated new releases, such as the Lövbacken table, a revival of the company's original flat-pack table produced in 1956.
Watch the video above to see how it works:
A Plea to Photographers
It's long been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Other sources say put the worth at ten thousand.
A character in Ivan S.Turgenev's novel Fathers and Sons said: ""The drawing shows me at one glance what might be spread over ten pages in a book.""
(Unfortunately we're not sure whether the character is referring to 10 pages in a university post graduate textbook or "Green Eggs and Ham" so it's hard to map on the ""picture worth x"" continuum) No matter; it's clear to everyone that pictures are worth a lot of words...more so as GenX, GenY and Millenials are eclipsed by ""GenA.D.D.""
But what about words AND pictures? Might the worth be exponentially greater? Alan Shapiro believes their value together goes far beyond either individually and will share his point of view on why photographers should seriously consider evolving their written storytelling ability especially now as social media experiences like Google+ are more important than ever.
Bio:
Alan Shapiro has been a creative storyteller his entire life. He took up photography a few years back to relieve the stress of his day job as an advertising Chief Creative Officer and to give himself a bit of a daily ""creative exercise regimen"". It took off beyond his wildest dreams and he is now published, shooting assignments for clients (including Scholastic, Lockheed Martin and General Motors) and his work is in galleries and private collections. He is currently the 4th most followed photographer in the world (with huge thanks to Google+) with 2 careers that he loves (both of which involve his passion for storytelling).
Website:
AlanShapiroPhotography.com
Who Needs 3-D Design?
In the world of architectural design things have evolved rather rapidly in the past few years in what regards the visualization of the project before the actual building. This is due to the amazing softwares available that allow the designer to turn their 2-D sketches and plans into illustrated and rendered 3-D images. A 3-D design helps the client see how the building will look like months before the actual building of it, and it also helps them make any changes if they sense something isn’t quite as they’ve imagined.
Although architects and designers have an excellent sense of 3-D visualizing of a building just by looking at a 2-D plan, the ordinary people don’t have this ability; hence 3-D design has come to their rescue. But let’s see who needs 3-D design and mostly why and how it can draw the line between an architectural success and a total failure. Are you ready?
1. Visualizing 2-D Design is Difficult
As we were saying, for the client, who isn't knowledgeable in most cases, visualizing a 2-D plan is rather difficult and in the end not that satisfactory. What does this mean? You’ll deal with a lot of changes and adjustments of the plans (meaning extra work) or even worse, it won’t meet the needs and expectations of your clients, and they’ll either reject it or refuse funding it, depending on the case.
2. Instant Changes
A 3-D design and rendering helps the client see how the building will look like until the very last details. Also, the software programs allow you to make instant changes during the board meeting presentation so that, at the end of the meeting everybody’s 100% happy with how things will work out. Isn't this a giant plus?
3. 3-D Design Presentations to Impress
A 3-D design illustration is clearly the best way to impress a board of investors right from the very start. The project will look astonishing due to the rendering and the 3-D illustration on one hand, and on the other you will look like a professional (that you are). This is the message you will convey to your audience and in the end things will work out your way.
4. Fewer Changes during Construction
Another giant plus, when it comes to 3-D rendering, is the fact that there will be fewer changes during the actual construction of the building that you've projected. This means fewer headaches and moving back and forth with the work. In the end, this will save, time, money and stress on both parts.
5. Reduce Extra Charges
We all know that extra work means extra costs and still no one wants it, especially not the clients who in most cases run on a tight budget. 3-D design and rendering saves you from spending far beyond the budget you’ve allocated this is why it’s so critical. Next time you ask yourself “who needs 3-D design” you’ll know the answer already: everybody!
Minnesota University 2013 (HD) - Autodesk Discussion Panel
This is a panel of representatives from Autodesk who discuss questions from Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) customers about Autodesk software, and where the industry is going.
Minnesota University is a regional professional development event where attendees learn about new and emerging technologies, new features of Autodesk software, tools and techniques that keep architects and building engineering firms competitive.
Everything about Photo-Real Architectural Rendering
For those of you who aren’t familiar with photo-real architectural rendering and want to learn more about it you’ve landed on the right side of the web.
Also called architectural illustration, architectural rendering is the art that refers to the creation of 2D and 3D images or animations in order to highlight the most important attributes and facets of the given architectural design.
While architectural rendering has been used in the construction and design industry for decades now, its more modern form uses computer-generated renderings, also known as photo-real renderings.
What is the main use of photo-real architectural renderings?
Well, the combination of 3D drawing art and software technology has led to a variety of uses of these renderings. First and foremost, architectural renderings are used for presentation of new architectural and design purposes, as well as for marketing and advertisement. Another use of architectural rendering is the design analysis purpose.
Still, one of the most powerful uses it has is to help people see how their house or property will look when it will be done constructed and decorated. Nowadays more and more architect bureaus and construction companies use photo-real architectural rendering in order to show their clients the final product and make sure that this is what they want.
Moreover, architectural renderings we see today are to the right proportion, scale and even use real life textures or materials and even color and finishes.
Another important use of these types of renderings are in real estate sales because they facilitate the possibility to make slight changes in design well before the house or property is actually built.
Are there more types of photo-real architectural renderings?
The answer is yes. And this depends on what the client wants and needs. Hence, architectural renderings can refer to still renderings, animations, virtual tours, renovation renderings, as well as 3D and panoramic renderings.
Depending on the purpose of the rendering, a professional architectural illustrator can help you with the exact type of rendering that you need. Basically, the job of the architectural illustrator is to put complex concepts or objects into reality and elaborate photo-real or non-realistic 3D images or animations. The renderings are used to communicate design ideas to clients, customers, to the general public or to owners and committees.
What does it take to be a professional architectural illustrator?
Although there are very many softwares and technologies that architectural illustrators use to create this type of artwork, not everybody can create a photo-real rendering. You need to have the knowhow in order to operate the special softwares and create the final version of this architectural art.
All of the professional architectural illustrators are artists at their core and they know a vast deal about proportions, sections, parameters and the architecture of buildings, besides having a tremendous imagination and creativity. Besides, a professional render knows all about the psychology of color, he understands how light and shadow works in other words, he sees like an artist, and this is visible it the final product.
Last but not least, in order to deliver spectacular art pieces such as design renderings, a pro needs to be passionate of his work. Every great man in the history of mankind has been passionate of his work to the point in which he managed to revolutionize the world.
How does a photo-real rendering come to life?
If you’ve ever wondered how one can “bring to life” such abstract concepts in a sheer visual manner, you’ll find the answer right away. Well, an architectural rendering is the direct result of combining the fundamentals of art with the latest software technology.
A render engine is included with every major 3D software suite nowadays, and it depends on the artist on which software he uses. Due to the evolution of technology, the softwares available today come with easy to use and understand parameters that help a whole lot the illustrator editing his art in order to come out as realistic and complete as possible. The material and lighting packages that come with most rendering softwares help even more with achieving that over the top level of realism.
Some of the most used software in architectural rendering to get that photo-real feel to the final product are 3D MAX Design Studio, ArchiCad, Revit, Maya, AutoCad Architecture, Google Sketch Up as well as Rhinoceros.
The architectural illustrator uses one of these softwares, adds texturing, transparency, shadows as well as radiosity and caustics for the finishing touches. With a bit of magic, a lot of knowhow and an artistic touch, the photo-real architectural rendering comes to life and is ready to use.
Why do we need photo-real architectural renderings?
We live in a world where taking risks, especially when it comes to constructing or renovating a property, is not worth it, in fact, is quite risky. Photo-real renderings come to help those who face difficulty in choosing among the infinite options when building, designing or decorating their place.
We need photo-real architectural rendering because it eases our imaginative work and it shows exactly how things will look after completion. Architectural rendering excludes all the unexpected and unpleasant surprises that could come along and shows to the client the final look and design of their property.
In the world, we live in today we can take no more risks. We work all of our lives to purchase the home of our dreams, and we don’t want that moment to turn into a nightmare. This is why photo-real architectural rendering is the answer to designing and decorating a house before taking action and completing the construction.
Keynote: BIM Adoption in North America
This is the first keynote address for Minnesota University 2013, as presented by Dan Hamilton from Autodesk. It provides information about BIM adoption in North America.
Minnesota University is a regional professional development event where attendees learn about new and emerging technologies, new features of Autodesk software, tools and techniques that keep architects and building engineering firms competitive.
See Like An Artist
Check critical proportions and locations while using "transparent mode", which creates a virtual projection onto your work surface.
Simplify your subject into its basic value patterns. Train your eye to see the lights and darks before you get into the detail of color and modeling.
Throughout the history of art, artists have searched for ways to produce their work more quickly and more accurately. Research has been written that argues that even the old masters - people like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Caravaggio likely used innovations like the camera lucida and camera obscura. Artist's Eye re-imagine's these devices using the power of modern technology!
Vray 3.0 renderer with Vladimir Koylazov
Chaos Group, have published an online magazine covering a preview of their upcoming Vray 3.0 renderer with Vladimir Koylazov, (Vlado, creator of Vray), plus some great interviews with artists from studios like Blur and Factory Fifteen. You can download or read the magazine online via the Chaos Group website.
Teaching to See
One of the best presents of art education, designer and educator Inge Druckrey says, is "to enjoy seeing. Suddenly you begin to see things in your daily life that you never noticed." In this acclaimed video, Inge explains how she teaches design students to see.
It's a long, 38-minute video (bookmark it if you don't have time now), but it contains many lessons on creativity, such as how limitations can be a structure for finding creative solutions and why just staring can help you see what's possible. It's also a beautifully made film.
Whether you're an aspiring artist or not, the video can teach you how to really look, notice and appreciate design details, and become more critical and curious in the process.