Client Requesting 3d and PSD File

[Brodie Geers]

I can see the appeal of using these 'tricks' as valerostudio called them. However, I can see how they'd backfire on you. If they're wanting the source files you have to assume they'll know what they're looking at when they open them up. If you send them a 3d model that's all collapsed and funky or a Photoshop file that has major layers merged and such they'll either know that you're purposely screwing them or they'll think you have an incompetent workflow which doesn't lend well to future changes. Either way isn't good. I think you're better off being honest about it and either just saying you don't provide source files or providing them at some charge without messing with them.

 

-Brodie

[M V]

Brodie, I wasn't suggesting being dishonest. What I am suggesting is that if a client wants a PSD file, then I will give them one based on what their needs are. If they want to move people and plants, then I will give them a file with the rendering composition flattened and the people and plants on top. If you feel ok with sending your full PSD file with all of your adjustement layer settings and basically give somone in an arch firm the ability to pick you workflow apart, go right ahead. I doubt you will get a return call for more work from them. The years of learning and skill that goes into making my edits in Photoshop is not something I am going to send off to a client. There is just no way. Besides, all of those people and plant textures are licensed as well, so I would think you couldn't send that to a client anyhow.

 

I would like to mention, that this rarely ever happens. Of all the clients I have worked with, I can only remember one that wanted a SKP file supplied and that was part of the contract and I charged accordingly. Just make sure you contract clearly states what the deliverable is. "(1) One JPEG format illustration - X# pixels in largest dimension" is the verbage I use.

[Brodie Geers]

Valero, I didn't mean to imply you were doing anything unsavory. I was mostly agreeing with your previous statement in fact. I was mostly disagreeing with a few of the people who were suggesting you somehow 'sabatoge' the file before you send it over so that it's essentially uneditable. That seems like dirty pool to me.

 

I think that if you have proprietary 3d/2d assets in a file that's a very good reason to either not send them the file or let them know you'll have to remove those assets as you aren't licensed to sell them, even as part of a file. I've gotten the impression from some people though that this could be used as an excuse to not send files, though, even if you don't have proprietary assets in the file. Also dirty pool.

 

-Brodie

[plastic]

I think that if you have proprietary 3d/2d assets in a file that's a very good reason to either not send them the file or let them know you'll have to remove those assets as you aren't licensed to sell them, even as part of a file. I've gotten the impression from some people though that this could be used as an excuse to not send files, though, even if you don't have proprietary assets in the file.

 

Well, my own assets are also proprietary assets, all textures, custom models, light settings, render settings. I can't just give them away. I would imagine, nobody can. The thought of it is absurd, unless you are evermotion.org.

[Michael J. Brown]

I suppose I am fortunate in that both times clients have requested my 3D model, they have understood perfectly when I tell them they will not be getting my secret sauce. the model will be stripped of all textures, lighting, cameras and render settings.

 

In fact, this last client request for one was in the form of a .3ds file. They don't even have 3dsMax. I'm perfectly comfortable with that.

[Brodie Geers]

Well, my own assets are also proprietary assets, all textures, custom models, light settings, render settings. I can't just give them away. I would imagine, nobody can. The thought of it is absurd, unless you are evermotion.org.

 

They are proprietary but they are yours to sell. I can't imagine just giving those source files away. And if there's no amount of money you'd want to sell them for, then I can respect that too. But suggesting to a client that you "can't" give/sell them the source files is simply dishonest in that situation which is what I think is wrong. I'm not suggesting you do that or recommend it and I'm too lazy to see if anyone else has suggested it in this thread, but I've seen the sentiment before. I think being dishonest ruins credibility and is unnecessary. Better to just be honest and explain to the client why you don't sell source files or why they're priced as they are.

 

-Brodie

[M V]

I also think that maybe clients might not realize what you would be giving them anyway. If they have little knowledge of MAX or Photoshop (and your workflow), they would be lost anyway. It would be like me opening a Revit MEP file and thats assuming I even have the software to open it. I think the bottom line is that a client should not be asking for these files after the fact. That seems dirty to me.