arch cg pay vs. cg pay

[trey]

Can anyone tell me

the salary difference between

a full time cg person working

in a cg office vs. a cg person

working in an architect's office?

 

also, how is the california

market for cg architecture business?

[Jeff Mottle]

Hi Trey,

 

While I don't know exactly the going rate in your area, take a look at this thread and buy the book I posted. It's worth every penny.

 

http://www.cgarchitect.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000003#000001

 

Jeff

[John Dollus]

In an architect's office, you are considered an overhead expense for the most part. In a CG office, you are part of the billable workforce. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

 

John D

[Cesar R]

so what are some of the advantages and disadvantages?

[John Dollus]

Some I can think of:

 

Benefits of a CG office:

1. Variety of projects

2. You are viewed as directly contributing to the success of the company

3. Access to latest tools

 

Benefits of an architecture office:

1. Viewed by others as a professional career

2. Job security as there are usually very few dedicated 3d artists in an AE firm

 

Disadvantages of CG office:

1. Always someone willing to do your job for free 'cause it looks cool'

2. Instability in the market leading to transient career

3. Latest technology screwing up your workflow

 

Disadvantages of architecture office:

1. Viewed as technical staff, not professional

2. Style of office leads to monotony in work

3. Lack of support for 'non-productive' work from corporate

 

Just a few opinions/observations.

[Cesar R]

cool, so i guess we have less disadvanteges and are better off right? thanx

[John Dollus]

Personally, I prefer the CG office. I like the creative energy. However, in the Midwest US, the pay is less than $30,000/yr so it would be better financially to be in a 'protected' AE firm.