Getting Started in the Industry

[michaellawson1]

Hey All,

 

I was wondering how you all got started in the business of arch-viz. Did you go to school for it, get an internship somewhere, or just train yourself? I'm extremely new at all this, and very curious.

 

Also, in the US, do you get certification and how useful is that?

 

Thanks!

[John Dollus]

I started out by modeling 3d rosebuds in AutoCAD because i was a broke college student in the Architecture Dept and wanted to give my girlfriend a dozen roses.

This was way before Max and way before certification. The roses were a hit so I started building all of my 2d drafting projects in 3d after that.

Oh, the days of monochrome monitors....

[michaellawson1]

That certainly seems like a fun way to get started, albeit a bit difficult!

 

Would you say certification is necessary for the industry these days?

[Scott Schroeder]

Certification is rather pointless, especially the Autodesk course. You learn the bare bones operations of the software and commands no one ever uses in the real world.

 

For the most part in the US, a degree is required. Especially if you want to work for an architecture firm. Sometimes you'll get hired without a degree, but your portfolio has to be impeccable.

[michaellawson1]

Hmm, good to know. I'm currently working at an arch. firm as an assistant and they're being kind enough to let me teach myself 3DS Max and other programs to work on arch-viz. I'll look at some degrees in the area.

[Corey Beaulieu]

Architecture degrees help to develop your knowledge of the objects/designs you are rendering, art degrees make you sensitive to color and light, and though not all that different from an art degree, photography can help make you more aware of the compositions via a camera. All of these things can be learned on there own, but are definitely expedited in school.

 

I have always been a generally quick learner when it comes to computers and software, so that helped, but if I'm being honest, the most important thing in my development as a digital artist was getting in a studio with a lot of other people who are equally as nerdy (or more so) about this stuff as I am. I have learned more in the short amount of time I've been working from just asking questions, looking over shoulders, and just discussing different methods with the people around me.

 

I realize that my beginnings are not going to be the same as everyone else, but I'll put it out there that sites like this and a general interest in architecture will get you pretty far. Share your work; ask questions; keep trying to take everything you do to the next level.

[Tommy L]

I started out by modeling 3d rosebuds in AutoCAD because i was a broke college student in the Architecture Dept and wanted to give my girlfriend a dozen roses.

This was way before Max and way before certification. The roses were a hit so I started building all of my 2d drafting projects in 3d after that.

Oh, the days of monochrome monitors....

 

Digital flowers! I thought that was my idea. I forgot my wifes birthday once and sent her a digital dozen roses. She most un-amused.

 

I started with an arch degree and was doing my post-grad, just fell into 3d and decided I was a better 3d guy than architect. I dont think formal trining is necessary, just a bang-up portfolio. A working knowledge of architecture is extremely helpful, being familiar with styles, vernacular, technical terms and reading drawings, but this can be self-taught for the most part. Not worth doing a formal course.

Edited September 26, 2012 by Tommy L

[anwarhakim]

Hey there ,

 

Well i was a school drop-out could not complete my Last year of school .

Back then in i really was in love with Architecture & Interior's so when in 2009 i went back to my native I was planning for a Bussniess degree . but then my brother told me about A-cad ( I did not have any idea about it ) got up a course . finished it . Came back Kuwait . Worked as Free-lancer .

Then was a time to study atleast to get the Knowledge of how Interior workds the basics the details Got a Diploma Done

 

Working now as a Interior Designer & Arch Viz :)

The best thing is people are happy with my work but i aim to get a Degree in Arch or Interiors's .

 

Can any1 tell me about any degree specifically on Arch-Viz / Similar thing ?

[Umesh Raut]

Its been noted well before me, but a degree that would come nearest to arch-viz is called BFA (fine arts, I think). If its available where you live is a different thing, but generally good interest and ability to learn quickly take one a long way in this lane.

[michaellawson1]

I definitely see the appeal of a degree, but finances and time don't stack up in my favor in that regard.

 

I am putting about 5 hours of work in per day (intermingled with my 9 hour day job) just trying to learn as much as possible in 3DS Max and other programs. It is intense stuff!

Edited September 27, 2012 by michaellawson1

[M V]

Arch degree is not worth the cash investment to be a viz person. If you have a full ride at a university, then go for it. If not, than I would say that working in a office is a good start into the field.

[Chris MacDonald]

I don't think a degree is necessary at all for arch vis, though a background in architecture and/or design certainly will help you a lot I think.