Advice on Becoming an Architectural Illustrator

[flyingarch]

This is my first post ever, anywhere, so apologies if I don't get it right or have posted in the wrong forum.

 

I've searched all over CGArch for a post like this and have found similar posts, but nothing like mine. I've been interested in Architectural Illustration for a few years now and would really like to move into the field. I joined the USA-based American Society of Architectural Illustrators two years ago and spoke to a number of their members at their conference here in Washington, DC asking the question: How can I become an architectural illustrator? The answers then - and now - were all over the board. Most were (or still are) practicing architects. Some were/are fine artists, or graphic artists. To this day, no one can give me a definitive way for someone who has no background in architecture to get into the field. The only clear formal training (non-degree) I've been able to find is at the Boston Architectural College in Boston, MA. The training is in their continuing education program, and it appears they have two certificate programs. I'm just wondering if there is anything out there that I'm missing. I realize this is still a growing field, but I also wonder why there isn't more out there for someone like me. I have no background in architecture, engineering, art, or anything that would allow me to begin applying for jobs. That means I need to be trained (or mentored), and I find it hard to believe people are going to get degrees in architecture to not practice and to only illustrate. So, where's the middle ground?

 

Thanks for any advice you might be able to offer!

[JamesTaylor]

your biggest asset will be your portfolio.

 

as you mention this is a developing area and there are no specific qualifications / certifications which relate to our job roles. Additionally our jobs roles, in reality, pull together the expertise from a number of different industries, be it architecture, graphic design, interior design, multimedia, games design or the film industry.

 

I myself have no specific architectural training but a degree in multimedia, my experience of being employeed as architectural visualiser is that it is very much a self taught area of expertise. Obviously there are few key ingredients you need to have a level of competance with - mainly being able to model in a 3d application (AutoCAD / Studio Max are probably the most popular but by no means the only ones), knowledge of a 2d paint app such as photoshop and probably the most important basic requirement, the ability to read architectural drawings.

 

If you can do these basics you need to build a portfolio that you can send out to architects / agencies / studios, depending on your current level of competance it doesn't have to extensive but certainly broad enough to show your interest is a serious one.

 

The key is to get yourself out there trying to get a foot in the door, if your an absolute beginner be truthful (as much as possible) - don't sell yourself as the greatest thing since sliced bread, sell yourself as someone who is keen and willing to learn by working hard. Someone will give you a chance, but you may need to keeping knocking on there door, but your portfolio will be the key.

[flyingarch]

That element about "the ability to read architectural drawings," I have found, is key. This, I feel, is part of that "middle ground," since have have taken a digital art class in Photoshop and am very familiar with working on a PC. Do you think some training in Autocad would help? My concern here is that if I don't have more fundamental training in architecture, the training may be too advanced. I think I'm going to have to knock on a lot of doors, but finding a mentor would probably work best for me. Thanks for your advice, James!

[newdirection]

While there may be no specific qualifications there are certain disciplines you can teach yourself, if an architecture degree is out of the question. It's a constant learning process I think.

 

I've been teaching myself 3D Max for about 2 years. I've gone back to Uni 1 year ago to start my architecture degree. The level of my work has dramatically improved since and the tutors are adamant that I'm not allowed to use the computer to present my work and they won't teach computer skills. So why is this? It's because all the skills that they have had to drag me kicking and screaming to develop, like sketching, observing details, modelmaking, reading and recording emotional responses to building and environments are impacting on what I do in the computer.

 

I got my first commission recently. I was sent a set of plans with very little detail. Without some exposure to architectural drawings I would have struggled. It still took me a day to sort through the drawings. That is a learning experience, managing the client and your time. It's hard to appreciate till you go through the pain. Just jump in when you get the opportunity.

 

My advice: keep a sketchbook. Visit buildings and draw them. Look and record how the details work. Get journals and books on details, plans and sections. Find a mentor if poss. Take an art class. I've just found that all the years I've spent trawling tutorials on the internet for Max have been wasted until I've been able to appreciate what a good image is from traditional media. Translate this back to the computer.

 

BTW I am no expert so take my advice or not! Just talking about my experience. What do others think?

 

Good luck. We all need it.

[flyingarch]

Great perspective. I do keep a sketchbook with me, so I'm glad I'm doing something right! Thanks, Adam!

[njohneer]

An excellent question, Flyingarch. I am in the same position you are. Thanks for your help Newdirection and JamesTaylor.

[JamesTaylor]

I think some training with AutoCAD will certainly help as it'll first of all introduce you to the software and also i would expect give you some exposure to orthographic / section type drawings as that is the area it is aimed toward. Although the specific drawings may not be architectural during generic training the principals of plans and elevations or orthographic projections are universal.

 

i would also point out that AutoCAD isn't always the tool of choice for visualiers when it comes to modelling, different people will different workflows and applications - but autoCAD is very common

 

I'm not sure what is available to you in the states but i studied City & Guilds AutoCAD qualifications in the UK which covered all aspects of the software both in 2D and 3D, i found the experience very helpful and was actually the experience which has brought me down the path to architectural visualisation.

 

in terms of finding a mentor i would suggest that if you are prepared to put yourself out there, show willing, build yourself a portfolio - to whatever standard - off your own back then someone will take you on and in essence act as your mentor. Get applying for those junior positions that come up on the job board here and see what happens, Once you get a foot in the door you'll be away

 

can i ask how old you currently?

[Devin Johnston]

I didn't read the whole thread so if this has been mentioned already then I'm sorry, there is a Masters program at A&M University in Texas strictly for Visualization. I've included the link and from what I've heard it's a very intense and high quality program, ILM and other FX houses routinely recruit people from there to work for them after Graduation.

http://www-viz.tamu.edu/

[RodT]

Hi Chip,

All of the advice since your question has been no doubt great. One aspect that hasn't been mentioned is that of hands on experience in the field actually working on a building. Seeing the labor that goes into building gives yet another perpective that a classroom just can't give you. Working through the myriad of details that the successful delivery of a completed building entails allows one to adjust their mindset to what actually works. Seeing a building's "bones" how the electricty, HVAC, plumbing, etc is routed will expand your perpective. Not that you need to spend a lifetime doing construction. I don't know your age, but perhaps a summer wearing a hard hat could be a good thing....

[flyingarch]

Thanks for your advice on AutoCAD. Regarding a portfolio, it's funny: I keep hearing "you have to have a portfolio," and I'm thinking, "I haven't even gotten close yet - I need the training!" However, I get the point I'm 41, so it will be a big change for me if I pursue it. I've been trying to think of the pursuit as if I were a high school student just ready to train for a professional career, and the lack of clear direct formal choices has resulted in my frustration. What I've concluded so far is that architectural illustration just isn't as far along as, say, landscape design, or other similar niche fields (just an opinion).

 

I think some training with AutoCAD will certainly help as it'll first of all introduce you to the software and also i would expect give you some exposure to orthographic / section type drawings as that is the area it is aimed toward. Although the specific drawings may not be architectural during generic training the principals of plans and elevations or orthographic projections are universal.

 

i would also point out that AutoCAD isn't always the tool of choice for visualiers when it comes to modelling, different people will different workflows and applications - but autoCAD is very common

 

I'm not sure what is available to you in the states but i studied City & Guilds AutoCAD qualifications in the UK which covered all aspects of the software both in 2D and 3D, i found the experience very helpful and was actually the experience which has brought me down the path to architectural visualisation.

 

in terms of finding a mentor i would suggest that if you are prepared to put yourself out there, show willing, build yourself a portfolio - to whatever standard - off your own back then someone will take you on and in essence act as your mentor. Get applying for those junior positions that come up on the job board here and see what happens, Once you get a foot in the door you'll be away

 

can i ask how old you currently?

[Ernest Burden III]

That element about "the ability to read architectural drawings," I have found, is key.

 

It is. More than key, it is essential. It's also fairly easy, as long as you can think in 3D. You can take a drafting class to learn how to put arch. docs together, then you would know how to read them.

 

finding a mentor would probably work best for me.

 

Follow your leads with ASAI, and also look into the New York Society of Renderers, we're a friendly lot. http://www.nysr.com

 

What you didn't say was why you want to work in architectural visualization. I would be interested in your thoughts on that.

[flyingarch]

Hang in there, njohneer!

 

An excellent question, Flyingarch. I am in the same position you are. Thanks for your help Newdirection and JamesTaylor.

[flyingarch]

Thanks for the link!

 

I didn't read the whole thread so if this has been mentioned already then I'm sorry, there is a Masters program at A&M University in Texas strictly for Visualization. I've included the link and from what I've heard it's a very intense and high quality program, ILM and other FX houses routinely recruit people from there to work for them after Graduation.

http://www-viz.tamu.edu/

[flyingarch]

I agree - it's the ultimate 3-D experience! Thanks RodT!

 

Hi Chip,

All of the advice since your question has been no doubt great. One aspect that hasn't been mentioned is that of hands on experience in the field actually working on a building. Seeing the labor that goes into building gives yet another perpective that a classroom just can't give you. Working through the myriad of details that the successful delivery of a completed building entails allows one to adjust their mindset to what actually works. Seeing a building's "bones" how the electricty, HVAC, plumbing, etc is routed will expand your perpective. Not that you need to spend a lifetime doing construction. I don't know your age, but perhaps a summer wearing a hard hat could be a good thing....

[flyingarch]

It is. More than key, it is essential. It's also fairly easy, as long as you can think in 3D. You can take a drafting class to learn how to put arch. docs together, then you would know how to read them.

 

Makes good sense to me.

 

Follow your leads with ASAI, and also look into the New York Society of Renderers, we're a friendly lot. www.nysr.com

 

I am working on this, and glad to know NYSR are equally friendly. ASAI's members have been gracious, patient, and super good to me.

 

What you didn't say was why you want to work in architectural visualization. I would be interested in your thoughts on that.

 

Ah, yes. Over the last few years, every time I'd come across a rendering somewhere - especially the CG photorealistic ones - I'd think, "cool - I'd really like to know how to do that and be a part of the creation." A lot of what I see comes across as art to me - not just renderings. I also recall always enjoying architecture from a young age - mainly more modern skyscrapers and airports. I can remember building a balsa wood model of a new terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor (where I grew up) back in high school for some class. If I had to do it all over again, I'd have become an architect, but I don't know if I have the aptitude, time, money, or interest at this point. So, it's complicated. I really enjoy computers and the blend of the technical and creative aspects of architectural illustration represents beauty to me - and I want to find some way to be part of that. Maybe not a full explanation, but it gives you some insight.

[Ernest Burden III]

I really enjoy computers and the blend of the technical and creative aspects of architectural illustration represents beauty to me - and I want to find some way to be part of that.

 

Sounds good. What have you been doing up 'till now?

[newdirection]

It's never too late. At the age of 30 I've given up my career as an IT consultant and gone back to Uni to study my Architecture degree. There are mature students on the course with familys and little money. It's hard but for me a no brainer. Rather be in a field I like than frustrated by my job.

 

Not that I'm saying you need an architecture degree for what you want to do.

[flyingarch]

I've been a benefits administrator for the last 10 years, so not even close career-wise. Most of what I do is intangible, so the ability to see the fruit of your labor through the actual visualization appeals to me.

 

Sounds good. What have you been doing up 'till now?

[flyingarch]

Well-said, and I agree. Boy, it's hard, though, to change your mindset later in life - especially when you're somewhat rooted. Still, I recently quit my job - creating a hole to hopefully fill it with new and exciting things. I may not end up being an illustrator, but I do hope to be more closely connected to it.

 

It's never too late. At the age of 30 I've given up my career as an IT consultant and gone back to Uni to study my Architecture degree. There are mature students on the course with familys and little money. It's hard but for me a no brainer. Rather be in a field I like than frustrated by my job.

 

Not that I'm saying you need an architecture degree for what you want to do.

[RodT]

Wow, seeing age 30 and the term, "mindset later in life", is a bit hard to swallow at the age of 56 LOL. And I'm still in classes, thanks Brian Smith and Vismaters, building my skill sets. After being an Environmental Geologist working on contaminated sites while wearing a space suit until my kids graduated from high school, I anxiously jumped out of a distastful career choice into my first love of building communities and homes. I say it's never to late to cinch up the belt and dedicate yourself to somewhere your heart leads you.....

[innerdream]

I hope you like long hours, big egos from people designing mini malls and low or no pay! Architecture is a profession for people who have rich families or made their money else where. I have to give you the reality.

 

And, if you free lance you will have to compete with wage earners from the undeveloped world. Now isn't this fun!?!

[Andy Park]

Hi,

 

I'm 31 and I am currently working in a call centre. I use 3ds a hobby mainly.

 

I approached an architectural firm last year to find out how to get into the business as a visualiser. He gave me some great pointer and even some sample dwg files to get me started on learning Autocad.

 

I have no formal training no experience in architecture, but I worked on my portfolio. Last week I got a call asking me to come in for an interview. I should hear in about 3 weeks if I get the job.

 

From what I can tell experience is not essential, being able to read architectural drawings is handy. Your portfolio should be all you need. If I get the job I'll let you know.

[PAWUK]

From what I can tell experience is not essential, being able to read architectural drawings is handy. Your portfolio should be all you need. If I get the job I'll let you know.

 

 

Good luck Andy.....wish I had the balls to change over , Id like to do the same

[haflen]

Hello peoples how are we all? This is a great thread, I'm in a similar situation.

I believe RodT has a good point about onsite experience, although probably not possible for every one, my experience and 10 years as a plumber have certainly given me some great skills which I believe will transfer across to the visualisation field. I studied Architectural Drafting before taking on a plumbing apprentiship and now wish to return to the architectural field. I've recently gone back to school to study a diploma of screen (3d computer graphics and animation) there's nothing where I live (that I've found) that is specific to architectural visualisation.

 

I do have a question (well questions) for those of you that have gone out on your own. What was your experience like? What advice do you have in starting your own visualisation business, the dos and don'ts? How to approach potential clients? Also, who to speak to about general business advice? Given my past experience in contruction and studying 3d for the past 3 years, I know I can make the switch.

[glorybound]

Great thread! You have to love to draw. Drawing with a mouse or pencil, there really isn't much of a difference. Learn the art, and work hard to get work. Don't rely on the computer to great an illustration of interest, learn the basics, and pick the media you like best.

 

Good luck.... if I can help in any way, really, I do write a lot about technique on my architectural rendering blog. If you post me a question I will answer, I answer them all.