Playdo

A couple of ways I'd suggest. You can export/import as an IGES/STEP. Or if you need a cleaner, more controllable mesh, then export from SW to MoI, and export as an .obj.

Hi George. I did type like that before. Bevelling it was a bit messy, so I extruded the text and created the peaks manually. If it's in the bg, doing it in post might be best.

In terms of quality that would go to Zeiss, but Sigma's definitely worth checking out. See if you can rent from somewhere, or buy from somewhere where returning it isn't a prob. Not a bad move by the teacher. And you see so many people walking about with big DSLRs these days. I'm sure most of the time they leave them at home, and would be happier with a high end compact camera. The quality and versatility are great these days. In a lot of cases it's cheaper in comparison to the equivalent Nikon glass. The 16-35 is a nice lens. If you have a 550D, I'd also take a good look at Canon's 10-22 (equiv to 16-35 on the 550D), and the 17-55 that Tom mentioned above. Depends what focal range you mostly shoot at. They're both great quality glass. I wouldn't worry about them being EF-S if you go full frame later. Keep them in good condition and they have good resale value. It's a good idea to look through the exif details of your old photos, and see which focal range you're mostly shooting at. And also through photos on Flickr that are similar to what you're aiming for.

I'd suggest a decent tripod, using the timer/remote trigger, shooting raw, and learning proper sharpening techniques in post. A wide angle lens is a good start for architecture, and unless you need razor thin DOF, I wouldn't worry about going full frame or using super fast lenses. George: Sigma has some great lenses. They aim for the low cost, high quality approach. Here are some good resources I use: http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Ratings http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

I've a handful of 3d world/artist magazines. Message me if you'd like them.

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately the project isn't going ahead now. For future reference though; If I was to model and create drawings in Sketchup and Layout, could they be used to submit a planning application? My guess is no. So if not, would they provide enough information for an architect/structural engineer to easily create submission-ready drawings from?

I'm not an architect, but I have architectural knowledge, and experience in modelling and reading drawings. From what I understand, I'll be working with two others (one qualified architect) who are not experienced in 3d. My task is to come up with the initial designs (also in 3d), and to produce 2d drawings from this - which I would then refine with the architect. He will produce the final construction/structural drawings for submission. The main requirements are that it is very practical the design stages, and can produce 2d drawings (ideally with control over lineweights and hatching etc for presentation). Sketchup seems popular. I'll take a look at it in more depth.

Budget or previous employees not set yet. Just doing initial research. Looking for the best way to design in 3d, and to create 2d drawings from it. Final constructions drawings from that would be ideal if possible. Vectorworks is common in exhibition/interior design, and Rhino in architecture. Sketchup's good for 3d modelling, but afaik, you can't produce drawings. I can't see the benefit of using Sketchup over say, Rhino.

A question to those of you experienced in architecture. What software is most recommended for designing a small residential project, and creating drawings, with 1-2 employees? Without a steep learning curve. I've been looking at Autocad, Archicad, Vectorworks, Revit, and Rhino (but there may be others). Would be great to get experienced opinions.

Funny you mention that Jonathan. I was thinking exactly the same when I read this thread yesterday. The technology in the video shows the benefit for product design, but it could be just as useful for arch development too.

Quite an urgent question here. My Ctrl+Alt+MMB for zooming has stopped working. - Alt Gr + MMB does work for zooming - I have previously made UI/Preference changes - I've tested another mouse and keyboard and the problem still exists - 3ds Max 2011 Has anyone got any suggestions? Thanks

So Scott, you would suggest 10-25% of that first 2 weeks and not of the whole project? Btw I can't really request a % of the whole project as the 4 months isn't a definite.

Good to hear that other confirmation Scott as I wouldn't feel comfortable going beyond 2 weeks without pay. And what would you recommend in regards to a deposit? If I'm billing every 2 weeks, does a 1 week upfront deposit sound reasonable?

Thanks Corey. I already have a set day/week rate. In a situation like this, is it common/acceptable to request payment by the end of each week (or every two weeks)? I've only done price work before. I'd be grateful to hear how you guys deal with this.

I have a new client that has offered me a possible 4 month project. They have requested that I charge my day rate. The project consists of handing in finished assets daily. Do you have any advice on how to best invoice for this whilst protecting myself? (Eg. How should I work a deposit / How often should I request payment to be made etc). Thanks