Client / Vendor Compatability

[broozee]

Hi Group,

 

How important is it for a vendor to have software compatible with the client?

 

For example, I love modeling in Rhino over 3DS max. Autocad models seem to import well into Rhino, but exporting doesn't seem to be all that great from what I experienced. With that said, here are some questions.

 

1) If an architectural firm hires me to do a model and rendering, how often, if ever, would I need to share that model with them?

 

2) In regards to rendering, it seems 3DS max is a popular software. I assume, Max is being used simply as the interface to higher quality renderers like Maxwell?

 

3) I also assume Max is preferred because of the many, many third-party applications that help create more realistic visuals?

 

4) How often would someone need to actually model and render? This seems client driven but I don't really know.

 

As you can see, I'm not in the industry. Your answers would help me understand how this business works and perhaps, consider having a go it.

 

Regards,

Bill

[Brian Cassil]

1. You will almost never need to share your model with your client.

 

2. Some model and render in Max (like me), and others do as you say, use it as an interface for rendering. Split almost 50/50 I think.

 

3. One reason Max is popular is because of the 3rd party apps. Not only those for rendering but lots and lots of others as well. Another is because you don't have to go far to find someone that can offer support and answer questions with max.

 

4. I usually model and render all my projects. Sometimes I will work with a sketchup or revit model, and sometimes I'll sub the modeling work out to others, but usually I'm modeling and rendering at least most of the scene I'm working on.

 

Hope this helps.

[broozee]

Brian,

 

Thanks for the response. Very helpful information. My concern about sharing the model was for future editing reasons. In the business I'm in, clients are very concerned about having the model so they can make edits, re-render etc.

 

If I were to model in Rhino for example, and import into 3DS to render and animate, the model will be meshed and unchangeable in Max without importing again.

 

Again, thanks for the helpful feedback.

 

Regards,

Bill

[chiquito]

I agree with Brian, the model should be yours.

If you were to share it, you should know pretty well what you are sharing, in terms of massing studies, lighting, etc. Other wise you will be hooked in a strange back and forth situation, and even worse if you have compatibilities issues.

I have not used Rihno, but i know models can be exported to max and otherwise, what I dont know is how do this translations apply to your geometry. facetation, triangulation, id's, etc. In case you wonder about file compatibility, check this out. You might find it tricky to alter or update geometry that was "clean" before exporting it, and that after importing changed geometry you have a hard time.

As for rendering, if they hired you for a model, they get a 3d model file, if it was an image, you do the model and they get an image. You shouldn't render their model.

rendering engine, should be up to you, or theirs, but should be arranged prior to hiring services.

Good luck.

Martin