How much do you make? $$$

[tcorbett]

Couldn't be possible establish some kind of ratio like: n Square feet could take x hours?

 

While the square footage calculations make sense for estimating costs for actual design & building materials, I don't think that they make any sense for 3D renderings. Rather, level of detail, level of realism, complication of the design, and desired finished product are what will drive your design direction and thereby the number of hours you will spend working on it.

 

I agree that the only way to know how many hours is to learn by doing. Everyone works differently, so there is no one formula that works. My first project for my office I estimated at 1 month, but came in at 3 months. Thank god I didn't quote a fee for that. Now after a few major projects, my estimates have become more accurate.

 

The best advice when estimating? It is better to have a correct number than an attractive one. Know your abilities and limits, and factor in some "stupid time" because you will make mistakes.