3D Visualisation is a young man's game

[Matt Sugden]

The title says it all really. I'm doing what must be about my 40th house visual for the same house builder at the moment and while I will never complain about work coming in as a freelancer, I can't help feeling that at my lofty? age of 34, I perhaps don't have the same level of enthusiasm for the latest and greatest in techniques for 3D and I wonder if the work I am producing will soon (or is probably already) being eclispsed by a younger generation of artists who are hungry to use every new trick and 3D package they can muster.

 

I generally dont get excited about new software packages like I used to, and generally wonder just what else I can do to make a house look pretty when I am on about the nth iteration design by the same house builder. I feel more excited by the prospect of building a scalable business and trying to diversify the work and projects, than actually modelling the bricks and mortar and setting up another UVW map like a modelling donkey.

 

Anyone else feel like this?

[Roodogg]

I would say that every industry is like that - with young people coming in with new innovations and ideas. Though you have to appreciate your own experience and skills. I would argue that an artist with 7 years experience using 3DS MAX 7 with Mental Ray, and retouching with Photoshop 5 (as long as his methods and techiques are honed) could easily produce equally good, if not better work than a young lad with a 3DBOXX, Max 2015, Vray 5.0, Vue XXXStream, an army of HDRIs, textures and scripts.

 

I would argue that THE MOST IMPORTANT elements of viz are good, detailed modelling, correctly sized, well shaded textures and realistic / stylized lighting (delivered to the client on time).

 

When you see a new technology that you think could really revolutionise the way / style in which you already work, go for it, but don't bother adapting to change the way you work just to stay with current trends.

 

I am lucky in that I work with my brother and he likes to keep on top with softwares (Vray IS brilliant) But my mum occasionally still gets asked for viz as watercolour paintings.

Edited October 22, 2010 by Roodogg

[ihabkal]

I am in the same boat, almost 35 and feeling the same as you but I also agree with Peter on that experience makes up for not being young and full of energy and able to stay all night, actually with experience you shouldn't stay up because you make things right the first time. In addition to your problem I also have many more related to my place of residence and nationality. (war, anyone? people here care more about arms dealing than a pretty rendering). My wife the wiser one of us always says to me and I tell you the same thing, which is we should be happy that we got work to do despite the recession. 30% of US Architects are unemployed. So no matter how boring the task is and how discouraging the local way they do things is, if you are paying your bills and keeping with your expenses then I think we all should have a smile on our faces. I am dying to move back to the US or Canada, but I wonder if I am there would I be able to find a job in these hard economic times?

[neil poppleton]

Matt,

 

You need a break, get out and about and more important try and get to 3d exhibitions/conferences or just technology conferences. I attended a great afternoons session yesterday on 3d discussing stereoscopic in gaming. These events cannot help but give you the lift and inspiration you need.

Edited October 22, 2010 by lost in 3d world

[Dave Buckley]

I feel more excited by the prospect of building a scalable business and trying to diversify the work and projects

 

Do it and I'll happilly bring my army of HDRI's and scripts and become your modelling donkey if it means actually getting into a visualisation studio and out of this job I currently have

[Fooch]

Do it and I'll happilly bring my army of HDRI's and scripts and become your modelling donkey if it means actually getting into a visualisation studio and out of this job I currently have

 

jokes aside interested in moving to london and joining squint? I think the london team is always keen for really good ppl.

 

http://www.squintopera.com/blog/?p=397

 

Give andrew an email (contact in link attached)

[Nic H]

come along david it's nearly beertime.

[ihabkal]

jokes aside interested in moving to london and joining squint? I think the london team is always keen for really good ppl.

 

http://www.squintopera.com/blog/?p=397

 

Give andrew an email (contact in link attached)

 

 

please tell me that on your side of the sea there is a looot of work and everyone is happy.

[BVI]

come along david it's nearly beertime.

 

That's my solution as well - BEER.

[Fran]

It sounds to me like you are more entrepreneurial in nature and that the work you are doing is not challenging enough. Perhaps you perceive the job as a dead end. If you feel that the work you are doing would be better done by "modeling donkeys" then you clearly don't have the zest or respect for the occupation that you once had. If you have the acumen to run your own business and you have a viable plan, then you should do it.

[AJLynn]

You could always find some modeling donkeys to outsource the modeling donkey work to, and do other parts of the business yourself.

[Christiansltd]

I have recently found the joy of subbing out work, i have a little army of subbies now for a range of differing jobs, less stress for me and it leaves me time to pursue new ideas and enjoy myself a bit..

[Tommy L]

IF you're disillusioned with arch-vis, then maybe its time to spice up your work by diversifying a little. Chase product work, or marketing animation or anything you'll find more challenging.

Without wanting to get back to the 'is arch-vis art' question (which went extensively through the ringer) an artist is never bored with their work. My opinion is that arch-vis does come to a dead end creatively unless you have amazingly interesting clients. I had my hand forced, my arch-vis was so quiet I decided to chase marketing work (product vis, medical vis etc) and I have never looked back. Whilst the money is roughly the same, the variation project to project is huge and you find yourself learning new techniques on every job. It makes your arch-vis work both easier and more enjoyable.

I too worry about 'the kids', but if you keep learning, they will never catch up to you. You have the benefit of experience and all the skills they can put in a pot will not compensate for that if you stay on your toes.

Of course, the other option you mentioned is just as viable, if not more so. Creating a company and employing the kids that are chasing you will solve all your problems.....providing you can pull in enough clients to sustain the business.

[Iain Denby]

This is quite interesting. I'm now 50 years old! You lot in your mid 30s were my 'new kids...' Now, the 'new kids are worried about the new new kids!

 

I too have lots some ambition and drive over the years. it's partly to do with the fact that I'm pretty happy with the standard of work I produce these days, so in a way I feel i've levelled out. If my current software does what I want it to then I don't upgrade. I'm still on Max 2008 and CS3. I don't have the time or energy to experiment with new stuff.

[J.C]

I too have lots some ambition and drive over the years. it's partly to do with the fact that I'm pretty happy with the standard of work I produce these days, so in a way I feel i've levelled out. If my current software does what I want it to then I don't upgrade. I'm still on Max 2008 and CS3. I don't have the time or energy to experiment with new stuff.

 

your conceptual work is gorgeous and very much unique. I saw the rendering for the Westin in my hometown Guadalajara on the construction site and I immediately recognized the style, went to your site and there it was (no there anymore) that was more than a year ago. I tend to browse galleries from time to time on evermotion, cga, cgtalk etc and have not come across anything similar. I'd be as comfortable as you if I had developed that technique.

[JohanR]

If you´re unique in your style and work, it doesn´t matter if the young puppies comes with their extreme 3d skillz and latest updates. With time, experience and good reputation I think you can be sucessful as an elderly person as well.

 

 

/hungry puppy

[STRAT]

i'm not feeling any lack of enthusiasm personally.

 

new softwares never really thrill me, never really did. as long as i have a nice big fast computer with a facility to render on it (mainly vray/c4d) then i'm happy. i still love doing what i'm doing and as far as i can see on a personal note i'm improving and getting better all the time.

 

my only longer term concern is what future this holds for me. i'm not really into freelance and self employment to be honest, even though i currently do it part time. i like to work for a boss. just gets me thinking.

[Brian Cassil]

I think the real question here is when did "Modeling Monkeys" become "Modeling Donkeys"? I was OK with being a semi-intelligent primate... but a Donkey!? That really sucks.

[Justin Hunt]

it comes from "Donkey Work" or really boring , repetitve tasks that take little skill and can be learnt easily.

 

jhv

[Iain Denby]

I don't think it's a young man's game at all. I can see no particular advantage a young person would have over an oldy like me with regard to the quality or style of illustration, other than travelling up a steaper part of the learning curve -catching up. I have as much enthusiasm for the work itself as I did when I was younger, I just feel differently about worrying about my future, the new kids on the block and having to upgrade software to the latest bells and whistles.