question about quality as it relates to finding a job

[themangohippo]

So a fellow computer graphics student and I were having a discussion on "getting a job doing 3d renderings". To set things up, I don't mean to be egotistical, but my skills are far better than his, my interest in architectural visualizations is more than his, and the time I spend working on my renders is a lot more in-depth than him. His stance on finding a job doing renders is, among many other negative things, that most of it is outsourced, quality means nothing, and almost all companies want something that showcases "space" rather than something of high quality (irregardless of how long the render takes to produce). He even went further and said that technically he is more "employable" because his renders are really basic over mine (where I try to get somewhat photo-realistic).

 

I'd hate to think that this is entirely true, which would mean I'm wasting a lot of my time practicing every day on improving the quality of my renders. However, I'm asking anyone who cares to answer, what is the demand for a graphic artistic to produce high quality renders? Is it wise for an about-to-graduate graphics artist to seek a full-time career in architectural visualization? Unlike him, I do want to do commercial work over residential.

 

So my question is, should I continue to try to find a career in architectural visualization or should I try to focus on something else like Building Information Modelling or CAD work (in other words, something boring)? Does my fellow student have a point or is he just trying to make me feel down about my passion for doing 3d renderings? By the way, he is so convinced that there is no solid employment opportunities for 3d renderers (though he can't explain where these opinions come from) that he is trying to get into grad school to get a Masters in Architecture...even though he only has a BS in computer graphics...I dunno.

 

Any comments would really be appreciated, especially since I'm about to graduate and conversations like the one I had make me nervous about finding employment.

[Chad Warner]

So my question is, should I continue to try to find a career in architectural visualization or should I try to focus on something else like Building Information Modelling or CAD work (in other words, something boring)? Does my fellow student have a point or is he just trying to make me feel down about my passion for doing 3d renderings? By the way, he is so convinced that there is no solid employment opportunities for 3d renderers (though he can't explain where these opinions come from) that he is trying to get into grad school to get a Masters in Architecture...even though he only has a BS in computer graphics...I dunno.

 

I think you've got a whole community here that will argue against all of your classmate's points. I think everyone on this board strives for a certain level of quality in their work, and those who have a higher quality product are most likely the same people who get more work.

 

As for not being employable as an architectural visualizationist (?) You can look at all the people here who I would assume are gainfully employed doing archviz. If that's not enough for you, check out the job board here as well.

[Tommy L]

If you read a while on this forum, peruse the gallery, you'll realise that everyone here does...well...what you want to do. We (mostly) have jobs or freelance and we all started out somewhere. So yes, the jobs are there. Keep practicing, post some work so you can get some feedback. Good luck to ya!

[mahorela]

the previous posts are dead right........there is a whole community here that is living proof that everything your colleague said is bollocks. The better quality renders you do (which in my opinion includes your awareness of space) the more work and opportunities you will get in the industry.

[themangohippo]

Without sounding too arogant, I think he's a little jealous...but who knows.

[CRD]

In my experience, there is a healthy demand for 3d architectural illustrators that are good, or are young with good potential.

 

I've had a "help wanted" sign out since the start of the year with very few qualified applicants. To me, there seems to be a very small group of people that have the right mix of technical skill, artistic talent, and attraction to architecture that makes a successful illustrator.

 

Most of the resumes coming across my desk are gaming industry burn outs or just looking for a job until they can get into entertainment.

 

If you have a well rounded portfolio which shows not only your technical skills, but your artistic talent as well and you should have no trouble finding a job.

[AJLynn]

If you read a while on this forum, peruse the gallery, you'll realise that everyone here does...well...what you want to do.

 

Actually, I'm a junior architect. But even for that, if you've got good renders in your portfolio it's a big plus and if you've got crap renders people wonder what the heck is wrong with you, that you'd put crap renders in your portfolio. Don't underestimate the importance of the "soft skills", but I think you'll be better off than your friend.

[thinice]

There is no question on whether you can have a career in arch vis. You can.

 

That said, it is a career like any other.

 

You don't expect a freshly graduated engineer to make as much money as someone with 10 years project experience, do you?

 

The same with arch vis. If you are freelancing - no matter how good you think you are, the first years will be painful. Over time, you will learn how to size up clients, grab opportunities, build up a library of techniques, shortcuts and commonly used elements, manage projects and your time in general and as long as you keep learning, you will find things getting easier and your income increasing.

 

Communities such as this will help you to do just that.

 

Whether this is better or worse than any other career, I think depends solely on your interest and passion.

[Scotty T]

Funny. When I was graduating I ask one of my(3D) professors which worked full time as a civil eng full time why he did not pursue viz and he said because there is not enough out there to keep busy.Pitty for him.

 

That feed the fire in me to keep plugging.This is my situation.The area I live in is not educated in viz because there has not been a local service here yet until me to be blunt.This is the only situation where your colleagues theory can only hold any ounce of reality.With those companies not being exposed to "photo-realistic" renderings my belief is, if I do some "decent" renderings to get me noticed and land a few projects I can get better as I practice on those projects plus they will notice the improvements and become more reliable to use my work in the future.Thats where quality gets you on a level that most in this community is on.

 

And do not limit yourself to one specialty, look into photoshop projects and photographic projects(panoramic), product presentations..etc. This will broaden your arsenal and keep you in the mix.Look at most of the websites of cg arc members...they dabble in all sorts of media.

 

My hurdle is confidence and getting that one big break. Waiting Patiently.

 

You successful people are welcome to advise me on my comment also.

[themangohippo]

thanks for the responses guys, I feel a lot better.

 

Lots of pressure to land a good job with only about two months of college left. When one of your classmates springs on you saying you've choosen the wrong career path (and should stick to learning Vertex...blah), you definitly get a little nervous. Thanks for reassuring me that this won't just be some hobby that I do in my spare time, rather a full fledge career which is what I'm hoping to find.