State of the architectural vizualisation industry

[mkofmainchester]

Hi CGarchitects,

I am looking to plunge into the freelance market of architectural visualiztion, even though I know it's a bad time. I wondered if you would be kind enugh to share with me your thoughs about the state of the market, particularly in continenla Europe. I am looking for some data for my business plan, so size of the market and outlooks are of particular interest for me. I noted the excellent survey by Jeff and hope to lay my hands on the relevant issue of 3D world soon.

 

Also I'd be interested what you think the next best thing since sliced bread will be technology wise - GPU-Rendering? parametric-modelling (not really new)? 3D displays? Augmented reality?? something completely different?

 

Thank you for your comments.

[Iain Denby]

The silence is deafening!

[Koper]

The silence is deafening!

 

PINGGGgggg............, hahaha

 

difficult times man, difficult times.

 

although as a freelancer, If you're portfolio is above average then i guesse the market should be ripe for pickings.

 

and I think GPU rendering is somewhat on the ups right now.

 

A

[Devin Johnston]

You couldn't have picked a worse time to start up a freelance business, unless you already have a loyal client base I'd say don't even bother until the economy really picks up.

[SandmanNinja]

I'm finding WHO you know is at LEAST as important (if not MORE) that WHAT you know.

[Nic H]

time right now to increase your quality and spam people with your new work so when they get money they remember you.

 

recessions just mean shit companies die and good ones get better.

[EddieLeon]

recessions just mean shit companies die and good ones get better.

 

Nic,

That's not entirely true. Recession just means poorly managed & under-capitalized companies die and the efficient ones survive. I have already heard of 2 good companies file for bankruptcy.....

 

I agree it's important to raise your quality in this market and keep close contact with your best clients. Trying to compete on price alone is suicidal.

 

Marcin,

The idea of plunging into this market at this moment is kinda crazy. If you don't have a strong client base it will be extremely difficult to find profitable work. I recommend that you diversify your services and client base. Consider other industries that are not affected as much by the recession. Online/Interactive is relatively good and also product visualization.

Good Luck,

Eddie

[mkofmainchester]

Hello and thank you all for the reply's. I understand the silecne from people coming from Continental Europe is due to the loads of work they have to deal with at the moment

 

Actually I checked the market and at least in Germany it is not as dramatic as elsewhere - it is tough, but there seems to be still some work out there.

 

I am aware thet diversification and cooperation is key at the moment and I am working in both directions. Other markets are a completely new area for me though. I would like to ask on this occasion if anyone has experience with sourcing jobs from advertisment agencies?

 

I am still looking for some input on technical matters - I figured if Ihave the opportunity to start from the scratch, and have the luxury of being able to bridge an initial dry spell, I could build on cutting edge technology right away.

[Devin Johnston]

I am still looking for some input on technical matters - I figured if Ihave the opportunity to start from the scratch, and have the luxury of being able to bridge an initial dry spell, I could build on cutting edge technology right away.

 

What do you want to know about, hardware wise you want the fastest thing you can afford and if your looking to buy for the future and will be using Vray I'd get an Nvidia card with lots of cores so that when their new GPU render engine comes out you can use it.

[Tommy L]

[quote

 

I am still looking for some input on technical matters - I figured if Ihave the opportunity to start from the scratch, and have the luxury of being able to bridge an initial dry spell, I could build on cutting edge technology right away.

 

Yeah right, I dont think so. If there's one thing you will not do right away, its match a company with experience when it comes to technical expertise. Even if you are a generation ahead on both hardware and software, the ability to optimize both is more important by a factor of about a sqillion. I would lower your initial hardware purchase to be a generation BEHIND the bleeding edge. This may sounds counter-intuitive, but it makes sense on a financial forecast. In snowboarding its known as "All the gear and no idea", referring to a beginner with state of the art equipment and an inability to ride.

 

(Edit) Just re-read my post. Sorry, that sounded really shitty. What I meant to say was, get your feet wet before you spend a bunch of money. New tech costs plenty. The previous generation costs a fraction and its going to be like 80% as efficient at worst.

Edited September 13, 2009 by Tommy L

[AJLynn]

I agree. Technology doesn't make a business - you need clients, and you don't get those by having a fast computer, you get them by marketing.

[mahorela]

I agree with tommy, understanding how to optimise your scenes etc is infinitely more important than bleeding edge stuff........find the price point on hardware, biggest bang for your buck.