Questions about viz job requirements

[phix95]

I've been looking in some jobs and their requirements and some don't need you to know any cad. Some want autocad, some want archicad. Some want 3ds, vray, and photoshop. And usually 2 years experience.

 

I've also been talking to an autocad instructor at my local college and she's saying how you need to be a speed demon in autocad and there will be a speed test, in order to be considered.

 

So to apply to one of these jobs, what would I REALLY need to know?

 

Currently, I know 3ds, photoshop, illustrator, after effects; I've gone through an autocad book I purchased to learn autocad (but that was a while ago), and I have a demo of vectorworks I have yet to look at.

 

Should I just render/model out a house/whatever in my software of choice and put it in my portfolio and submit it? Since there seem to be different requirements, what should I focus on learning? I just want to model architecture.

Thanks!

[mesht]

before you applying to any viz jobs, read their exact requirements first, some companies stated directly what they require, some don't or some just state in general terms. majority of viz would require a solid background in 3D, plus background in CAD. post-productions programs such as photoshop, illustrator, premier and etc is an added advantage if you know them, but most would require you to be competent in a 3D program, cad program and at least one post-production program.

 

it depend entirely on the status of the company itself, while some is a high-profile firm where they required the best from the potential candidates, while some is that once you possesed the basic requirements, you would be considered. and most companies also look for working experiences, but some might train fresh candidates.

 

prepare whatever works you have, and if u have the time, u could do some modelling to show your skills and tell yourself to focus on what u intend to pursue. since you mention u want to go into the architectural visualization, start looking into the componenets of architectural modeling, the structural, the building components, finishes, aesthetics, detailing, lighting, proportion and many more. good in CAD is a must as most archi viz take references from cad dwgs.

 

hope this helps sharing with my experiences since i'm into viz.

[jophus14]

Hi phix95. I was asking myself the same questions when I was in school. I went to a local community college and studied animation and art. I took an Intro to CAD class because I thought that I needed to know CAD prior to working at an architecture firm as an illustrator, but I just needed to know the basics. I don't know what type of work you want to get into or the firm that you are looking to work at, but in my case, I focused on putting together a portfolio of my best work and submitting that. I feel that it's better to know at a few programs really well then it is to be somewhat knowledgable at a dozen different programs. When I was looking for a job I saw a bunch of firms asking for applicants to have a bachelor degree in architecture, several years experience in the field and so on. I didn't have any of that but I send my resume and portfolio around and had several calls soon after. A portfolio is key. Your resume says one thing, but your portfolio proves it. Good luck.

[delco]

I'd say the advice to get some basic familiarity with CAD is very good. Knowing the basics with it would be very helpful as was previously mentioned most arch. work will be coming out of one of the various programs - most likely AutoCAD as it is by and large the industry standard for arch. firms.

 

Browsing around for companies you're interested in would also tell you alot about software preferences and essential job skills - often listed on company websites so spend some time investigating online. Having good quality portfolio images would be a must when showing your work as that would open doors for you quicker than anything else! A really strong impression might even get you in somewhere that might be willing to train you on their specific software package.

[phix95]

Thank you guys.

From what you're saying, knowing basic cad is a must, plus a good port. Currently I have some models of people, a few scenes w/basic furnature, and a tradeshow display. And they aren't awesome, imo. So I'm assuming you all think I should invest in a couple cad classes and model some more scenes/buildings, etc?

jophus14, that is outstanding that you got "in" w/out the software req's and they liked your port. enough to hire you anyway. I knew that happened but I was pretty sure it was rare.

There are some breathtaking pics on this site that I don't know if I am capable of matching so I suppose I'm a little frustrated and anxious.

 

Any other suggestions of course are welcome!

 

Thanks again

[Gus_Rayvus]

Danielle,

Any company you go into straight out of school knows they are going to have to train you. When looking at junior artists resumes, I look for a few basic things:

 

1) They have a good cover letter that shows they have looked at my company’s website, they have done some research into what we do, and they know what job they are applying for.

2) Portfolio wise, they should demonstrate a good eye (a sense of composition, color, and light). I would rather see a really basic scene, well composed in the correct scale than a dozen trade show booths just floating in space.

3) Have some artistic skills outside of general 3D. If you have only two good renderings just show those, plus some photography, drawings, sculpture and so on. The hardest thing to find is a good artist; you can train anyone to use programs, but it's much harder (even impossible) to train someone to have a good eye.

[da-rc]

Danielle,

Any company you go into straight out of school knows they are going to have to train you. When looking at junior artists resumes, I look for a few basic things:

 

1) They have a good cover letter that shows they have looked at my company’s website, they have done some research into what we do, and they know what job they are applying for.

2) Portfolio wise, they should demonstrate a good eye (a sense of composition, color, and light). I would rather see a really basic scene, well composed in the correct scale than a dozen trade show booths just floating in space.

3) Have some artistic skills outside of general 3D. If you have only two good renderings just show those, plus some photography, drawings, sculpture and so on. The hardest thing to find is a good artist; you can train anyone to use programs, but it's much harder (even impossible) to train someone to have a good eye.

 

hi, I'm looking to do similar to the thread starter (but in the UK). I hadn't thought of diversifying my portfolio much (it's got some photoshop and some renders but no artwork). I'm a fairly keen photographer so should probably put some shots in my portfolio, how would you recommend that, large prints of two good photos or more a range of large thumbnails? Thanks.

[jophus14]

phix95: Don't be that concerned with making sure your work is up to speed with some of the work you see on this and other CG websites. A lot of the members on here have been working in the field for a long time and they had to do a lot of work in order for it to be as good as it is. My advice would be to google-up some interior and exterior scene and try to duplicate them. Don't try to be a designer or an architect with your images (I made that mistake....Haha). It's easier to create a scene off of a reference image because you will be able to see the correct mood, lighting, textures within the image. Like Gus_Rayvus said, do your research. Find a company that you would like to work for and go from there. One of the best ways to get your work critiqued is to post it on a site and let the other members give you comments and suggestions. Sometimes it be harsh, but it will only help you out in the long run.

[Gus_Rayvus]

I think quality verses quantity. The portfolio you send out to potential employers should consist of about 8 pieces (the one you bring with you when you interview could have more). As many good renderings as you have, nothing half finished (it makes it look like you don’t complete things). In your case include 3 of your best photographs. Also it’s good to label the medium. Another thing is put your samples in a PDF unless the ad states otherwise. Name the PDF with your name. When going through 100 resumes its hard to keep track of various different jpegs. I think when you apply for a job just try and think about from the employer’s point of view. I could write a whole page about this, but I think this answers your question.

[Gus_Rayvus]

I have to kind of disagree with Joseph. While I do think getting an interior and copying the geometry might be a good idea to certain point. I think if you copy the camera and lighting all you are doing is showing your technical skills, which at your level, might not be the best in the world. Doing your own lighting and camera angle shows more about your sense of composition, etc. Making an exact replica of a photograph shows nothing about you as an artist.