Getting into the Business

[LeoBlanchette]

Hello,

 

My name is Leo I'm new to the forums here. I actually joined to hopefully get a little guidance form the pros!

 

I'm presently an illustrator. I do vector art, 3d, and traditional art. Right now I'm marketing it all through the stock photography business (hence I haven't linked to my works so as not to advertise!) and I'm quite certain that business will be seeing its end within a year or so. At least it will stop being lucrative for contributors like me simply because the market is becoming saturated with contributors.

 

So my question is simply how does one get into 3d visualization? I'd like to work with architects and start developing it as a life career. Even if I start in visualization and take it further into architecture, my mind is open.

 

What sort of obstacles should I expect? What should I start learning? Usually I've found that simply "doing" something is the first step to succeeding in it. But in something like architecture in general an official education is necessary. Does OJT count in this business? Self education?

 

I have a lot of questions, but I'm sure the guidance from the pros will steer me right!

 

Thanks!

[WAcky]

Hi Leo, welcome to the forums.

 

I started out by simply reading reading reading. I have done so much reading. Probably 2X as much reading as I have actually doing 3D work. Either way, I started out just by coming across an architect that I had talked to in my previous job (printer) and he gave me some plans for a house and i just started out with those plans. Im lucky that he gave up alot of his time to help me out.

 

I also had a family friend who did the same and helped me out. After doing a few works I've now quit my job and am building up my portfolio. I've called around the local architectural firms and had a meeting with someone the otherday and have already scored a 40 job per year contract which includes residential, multi-unit and commercial buildings.

 

It was alot easier than i thought but who knows how it'll go!!

 

 

What i would do is take advantage of the relationships you have with ppl that could help you out in any way, shape or form. Start reading! Go here and especially here. I would consider buying the books written by 3DATS too. You're in the US, there are conferences and stuff going on like this one which looks awesome. I would also try and find some sort of short course for plan reading. I'm trying to find one at the moment as i dont have any previous training as a drafter or architect.

 

Either way, good luck!

Edited May 18, 2008 by WAcky

[LeoBlanchette]

That is absolutely wonderful that it can be done by self-teaching! And like you say, I expected it would be a lot of work. Where I am moving in Hawaii I will have quite a few connections with Architects, so I will definitely follow that advice too.

 

If anyone else has any pointers, I'll certainly be taking them into consideration!

 

I'm curious how you were able to quit your job -- are you a student presently or are you making money with what you have so far in your study? I have three children below three years old and I'm a sole provider, so I have to be strategic in how I take on new skills.

[Ernest Burden III]

Are you moving to Hawaii? You will probably have more opportunities in the Northeast US, based on where the most work has been traditionally in our industry. However, if you have existing contacts in another region, that's worth exploiting.

 

Once you have some skills in place you can look at some of the studios for what you still need to do to be a good candidate for employment. Otherwise, you will have to jump into the pool as a freelancer or one-man shop. That can certainly be done but it's not a cakewalk, either. You do have the advantage of already being a successful illustrator, of course.

[William Alexander]

That is absolutely wonderful that it can be done by self-teaching! And like you say, I expected it would be a lot of work. Where I am moving in Hawaii I will have quite a few connections with Architects, so I will definitely follow that advice too.

 

If anyone else has any pointers, I'll certainly be taking them into consideration!

 

I'm curious how you were able to quit your job -- are you a student presently or are you making money with what you have so far in your study? I have three children below three years old and I'm a sole provider, so I have to be strategic in how I take on new skills.

 

Leo,

 

I'd suggest in your case your to ease into it. You appear to have solid skills in other 'Artisic' areas directly related to ArchViz. Leverage your contacts for information as to what they expect from ArchViz then self teach to meet and exceed those expectations. This industry, wether those in it or not, believe's itself to be vastly unique from the greater CGVFX industry that it is a niche' market of. Sorry for those who disagree The fastest learning path to understanding the majority of archviz is the process' and tools of the CGVFX industry. For two reasons. First, along with what Cgarchitect has to offer, the free online training is very abundant. Second after watching cgarchitect and this ArchViz industry change over the last 8 years all of those CGVFX tools are getting greater exposure. on the top end work there is very little difference between CGVFX and ArchViz. Greenscreen, serious in depth compositing of rendered elements, matchmoving of live footage to CG, and the overall high quality can only come from the very in depth techniques practicied every day in those studios. Only difference I can see is that ArchViz tends to be a bit more bare bones asseset wise. Generally small shops, very versitile artisans, limited applications and hardware. Obviously charactor animation, motion capture, immaculant keying and compositing, Full HD deliverables at a cinematic quality are very difficult to accomplish.

 

This industry can be a bit quirky, imho. Which can make breaking into challenging and making it a full time money tree (as opposed to a weed that pops up here and there) very frustrating. Don't let go of the idea of continuing what you do now-go. You never know. I freelanced for two years rather successfully, had a 'life change' (ex wife) took a job in a studio in Dallas Tx working on a very large alledged Archviz project and found myself not in that studio (Thankfully) but without a whole lot of freelance work. LOL Not to mention a very nasty taste in my mouth overall about the greater CG industry in general. This story is stating the obvious, but it's very easy to get emotionally attracted and finacially affected. I let go of what I had done for 20 years to move into CG work and the life change bump in the road, coupled with leaving the studio made me rethink many things. Was reminded of an anology about work/jobs. Always have one your shopping for, one you drive everyday and one your trying to get rid of. LOL Where I'm working now is the vehicle I was getting rid of overhauled into the one I was shopping for. hehe though the tracks I want to race on don't open very often

 

With three small children I hope you see where I'm coming from. Work toward it, use your networking,don't over reach and keep trading up

 

Cheers

Wax

[WAcky]

I'm curious how you were able to quit your job -- are you a student presently or are you making money with what you have so far in your study? I have three children below three years old and I'm a sole provider, so I have to be strategic in how I take on new skills.

 

Im young, i dont have many bills to pay, no kids and my main weekly spend is on petrol and beer...