Requesting advice for a newcomer

[Derek Youssi]

Hello everybody,

 

I just registered here, and am looking for some general advice on the industry of 3D Visualizations for architectural buildings.

 

I have attended a graphic design school where I learned most 2d packages, as well as Lightwave 3D. Up until now I have been trying to get into the game industry, but have realized that particular industry isn't for me. So i've been thinking a lot about doing 3D models for architectural uses. At first I didn't think there was much of a market, as most of the stuff I see is hand drawn renderings of plans, but i'm seeing more and more 3D models of buildings coming from architecture firms. So i'm looking to find out what kind of education is required to enter this industry, as well as some details to the availability and stability of the jobs here.

 

First off, you can view my current portfolio at http://www.youssistudio.com to see my skill level in 3D arts.

 

Are most of the jobs done as freelancers? Or mainly through companies?

 

Are there enough jobs available for the amount of people looking to enter the industry?

 

Are there stable jobs in this industry? How high is the turnover rate?

 

Do jobs in this industry pay well?

 

What kind of classes or degrees should I work toward to land a job as a 3D Artist in this industry?

 

Are there schools that are tuned toward the 3D Vis aspect of architecture, or do most people just go to either a graphic design or architecture school?

 

Do employers look more for a good portfolio, or academic credentials?

 

Is there an industry standard for software to use in these visualizations?

 

What kind of software knowledge and other knowledge is absolutely essential to work in this field?

 

 

Anything you guys can tell me to help me understand the industry and how to break into it would help me out a ton. Here is a render of a residential home I did for a client who was making energy efficiency products.. The pay was rather low so there isn't nearly as much detail as I could have made, but this should give you all an idea of my ability. I created this from a very generic floorplan I found on the internet.

 

 

Thanks!

Derek Youssi

http://www.youssistudio.com

derek@youssistudio.com

[Devin Johnston]

Are most of the jobs done as freelancers? Or mainly through companies?

1. I'd say both right now, but as software becomes more powerful and easy to use you will see more firms doing their own work instead of outsourcing it.

Are there enough jobs available for the amount of people looking to enter the industry?

2. That’s hard to say because many people who do this kind of work, especially architectural work have gotten into it from another field. My self for example, my degree is in Architecture but I decided I like Arch. Viz. much more so this is what I do. I'd say based on the CG Architect Job page that there are quite a few jobs available if you don't mind moving to where they are.

Are there stable jobs in this industry? How high is the turnover rate?

3.The stability of the job depends on how much work your company is doing. If you one of 20 CG illustrators working at a company and they have a few bad months your chances of getting laid off especially if your the last one hired are pretty good. If you work for an architectural firm and are the only one who does 3D work you’re almost guaranteed a lifetime job as long as you don't get your self fired or the company doesn’t go out of business.

Do jobs in this industry pay well?

4. In the architectural world you will be paid according to your level of skill and experience, but I would say that you could make 30% or more than a person coming right out of architectural school with only a year or two of experience. That's if you can prove your worth that much more money, and how badly the firm needs you.

What kind of classes or degrees should I work toward to land a job as a 3D Artist in this industry?

5. Many of the firms I see want at least a bachelor’s degree but there are those who would give you the chance if you presented a portfolio that was impressive enough to warrant them taking a chance on you. As for which degree to get, if your going to be working for architects it would be a good idea for you to be able to understand the concepts they talk about; have a good understanding of materials, proportion, and design. Architectural degrees are 5 years; design degrees are 4.

Are there schools that are tuned toward the 3D Vis aspect of architecture, or do most people just go to either a graphic design or architecture school?

6. There are schools that have 3D programs, however if you go to these I would think you are more interested in high end CG or film making. Most usually the people doing Arch Viz have a degree in something but have taken a few classes in 3D and as a result liked it enough to teach them selves the rest of what they need to know.

Do employers look more for a good portfolio, or academic credentials?

7. If I were hiring I would not even consider you unless you had a portfolio that demonstrated your full abilities. You should invest as much time as it requires building up your portfolio so that potential employers have a good understanding of what you are capable of. If you have a good portfolio of work then academic credentials are less important.

Is there an industry standard for software to use in these visualizations?

8. No there isn't and industry standard but 3D Studio Max is probably the most widely used package, followed by a handful of others. You will have better luck finding a job if you know Max since most firms I've seen us it as their primary package.

What kind of software knowledge and other knowledge is absolutely essential to work in this field?

9. You should definitely know how to use Photoshop, as well as Adobe Premiere so you can edit your animations. There are other programs but these are two essential ones.

[Derek Youssi]

Thanks a bunch for the info! Sounds pretty good so far. Time for me to go back to school and get a degree, as well as start pounding out some architectural 3D projects..