Making it in the industry... * * * * * *

[charlesp2]

Hi fellow CG Architects,

 

My name is Charles and I am in charge of all the 3d renderings at the render cafe dot com... I have done semi-pro renderings for local clients in south america as you can see on my web site...

 

The question is : I'd like to turn this hobby of mine into a full-time, well-paying JOB... Id like to replace my current job as a software programmer (breaks my fingers, lol).

 

HOW HARD is it break into the renderings business? What do you guys feel? What are your experiences in the biz? Here are some samples of my work, maybe you can judge by that ...

 

 

 

 

Well, I hope we can discuss the subject, i'd love to read you guys impressions and comments on how hard it is to break into the business full-time ? And be succesful at this...

 

Thanks. Sincerely.

 

-Charles

[ihabkal]

Those renderings are great, much better than what my competitors are doing in Lebanon, so I think you have what it takes artistically.

[EddieLeon]

This is an excellent question and timely topic. There are many artists that are seriously considering starting their own 3d companies. On the other hand, there are many 3d companies that are seriously considering getting out of 3d and into web or media and entertainment.

 

The fact is our market is evolving and opportunities will always exist. Ultimately, your sales & marketing skills will determine how quickly you can succeed. The market is heavily value-oriented. So, being in El Salvador might allow you to compete in the US market. The quality of your work is good. You just need to make sure your customer service is excellent.

 

The typical recommendation you are going to get here at CGA is that you need a really good website that shows your best work. Others might recommend that you send a good introduction email to some prospective clients, you will need to be careful not to "spam" them. I recommend that you try to "build relationships" and not just try to get jobs. This is very tricky and it takes time. You will definitely need to make an investment of time and money to visit clients if possible.

 

I encourage you to make the effort even though things are very gloomy these days. Success breeds success, so always try to get the best and biggest projects that you can. Eventually you will build a good reputation and your work flow might become more steady. But, nothing is ever guaranteed because the competition in our industry is very fierce.

 

Good Luck!

[Ruprect]

What a good reply Eddie. Makes me think there maybe hope after all in the current economic climate.

 

I have just been admiring some of Spine3D's work in 3D World magazine. Absolutely outstanding.

[EddieLeon]

What a good reply Eddie. Makes me think there maybe hope after all in the current economic climate.

 

Thanks! It's important to stay positive and focused on succeeding in spite of these tough times.

[Klokwerks]

Keep going! Practice makes perfect. You only get better and faster with more practice. Great job.

[shaneis]

Today I heard an interesting fact - currently, Australian banks are requiring that builder/ developers sell 70% of dwellings off-plan before they approve final finance and even then, they're demanding substantially more equity against the finance. On the same note, home loan approvals that aren't translating into purchases are up from 25,000 (December) to 34,000 (January). It would seem that the residential building sector is having a difficult time getting people with finance to actually buy.

 

So, I'd imagine that builder/ developers would be looking for some very powerful marketing material to show and win their prospective buyers on proposed developments and this is one area that visualisation really comes into its own.

 

In some ways, tough times in property development can be a great time to build relationships. If you can help a few developers push their proposals through to realisation now, there's a good chance they'll see the value of a well crafted render and it would be more likely that they'll be doing business with you in the future.

[Spacelord]

Shane,

Its funny you say that, I had a client call the other day saying he normally gets sales without any marketing material but in this economic climate he needed some (vis).

I just think there will be fewer projects.

I here the queensland market will pick up towards the end of the year, "they" say theres some many people moving up here and not enough housing. I guess we will see.

 

Charles with work like that you shouldn't find it hard to get a job. Its probably easier to work for some else than it is to build your own clientelle.

Good Luck

[alexg]

Seems like Sydney is still a complete halt at this moment. The one's that is still running are the ones already into construction. It is still a wait-and-see situation. I don't think the bank's requirement will help boost the industry.

 

But from what I know, VIC is still going strong.

[Justusson]

Hi,

I must say that those were some great renderings, Nice job! Might I ask what program you have done them in? I'm studying to be an architect and I'm exploring what different kinds of programs there are for my work, and which feels suitable for me. Nice pictures again!