EddieLeon Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 Also, the "user interface" angle is sort of fine, because the company will make websites as well. I don't know. If you are going to do web design then adding UI makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day, you need to go with your gut and pick what makes you happy. Funny about Spine3D, because yeah, the initial thought is that the work doesn't match the title, but once I've seen the images the disconnect goes away. Yeah. Weird sometimes works. Actually, our official name is "Spine Studios". But, I thought it was too generic so we changed it 5 years ago to help clarify what we do. I'm still not convinced about our name and have been debating for a long time to change it. Maybe we'll shorten it further to just S3D. But, the more time goes by the less likely I will be able to do it. As long as we are able to get work I guess it doesn't really matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markw7 Posted January 24, 2009 Author Share Posted January 24, 2009 Thanks for the feedback Eddie. That vizui name is now sounding like a stinker to me too. Working on something like Urban Effects, Urban FX, Urban Myth. So, you guys started up in 2000 and you're now very well known in the industry. Any advice for a startup, raising capital, growing the business? It seems Spine started with 3 people. What were the steps that followed to make it successful? Did you hire marketing folk, or accountants or anyone like that soon after? From comparisons of viz companies it seems that Annual Sales are directly related to number of employees, but I'm wondering about the specifics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieLeon Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 You're welcome! Urban__ is a good choice. I only suggest that it should be something that feels right to you because you will be stuck with it for a while Yep. We started Spine in 2000 with only 3 partners and $0 investment. It was actually just a freelance operation until the beginning of 2004. Many things contribute to our success. Among them would be timing, outsourcing, and a lot of hard work. I did (and still do) all the marketing and we didn't really have any accountants or financial gurus to help us. Sales are somewhat related to the amount of employees. But, our operating rule has always been to get the work first and then hire as needed. Never spend more than you make or else you can get into big trouble when times are tough. The market today is very different than in 2004. I believe there are still many opportunities as clients shift priorities and place a greater emphasis on value. Regarding advice for a startup today, that would require a couple of glasses of wine and a few hours to chat. Maybe we can meetup at DMVC in April and I can share a few ideas Until then, good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markw7 Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 Thanks Eddie. Much appreciated, and looking forward to further discussion, definitely. So far business owners associated with the local SBA and SCORE offices have been very helpful, but those in the actual arch/viz industry have been petty and paranoid. So it's great that this forum is active and that vets like you are hanging around to help. Seeing as DMVC is in my front yard this year, I'll make a point of saying hello. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieLeon Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 ...but those in the actual arch/viz industry have been petty and paranoid. So it's great that this forum is active and that vets like you are hanging around to help. Seeing as DMVC is in my front yard this year, I'll make a point of saying hello. The arch viz industry is very young and many of the owners are self-taught in business. But, things are evolving and improving quickly as many studios are now recognizing the value of collaboration and the importance of supporting mutual interests. CGArchitect has been a key resource that has helped to bring everyone together. I would be very surprised if you couldn't find all the answers to your questions here. I look forward to seeing you and everyone else at DMVC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ihabkal Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I would be very surprised if you couldn't find all the answers to your questions here I believe that anyone who is in love with this profession is a member here so yeah you can get any kind of help on any subject. I was depressed for 18 months and I didn't participate in any discussion, but now that I am back I am happy to write everyday, it is like having 100 thousand friends. I don't go out much, and this website helped my social life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieLeon Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I believe that anyone who is in love with this profession is a member here so yeah you can get any kind of help on any subject. I was depressed for 18 months and I didn't participate in any discussion, but now that I am back I am happy to write everyday, it is like having 100 thousand friends. I don't go out much, and this website helped my social life. Thanks and welcome back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Homeless Guy Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 So, let me get this straight, ....if I started a business using my screen name people may be confused, or not know what I do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieLeon Posted February 6, 2009 Share Posted February 6, 2009 So, let me get this straight, ....if I started a business using my screen name people may be confused, or not know what I do? Lol...many people give "crazy homeless guys" money in exchange for nothing. Hmmm....seems like a good business concept. Another name could be "Will Work for 3D". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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