Custom Model Creation / Purchase for a Project

[David Turner]

I'm curious as to how people approach this issue in a project.

Often times after I have had a proposal signed, retainer paid, then the client provides some additional information for furniture, fixtures or equipment (cut sheets) that they need included in the rendered images.

In the past, I have just modeled out anything custom that the client has requested.

However I find now with an increased workload that I don't have the time or that I will end up being inadequately compensated because I have taken the extra time to create custom models.

To avoid this I have been including the copy below in my proposals:

 

This proposal excludes the creation or purchase of custom models. Models for the rendered images will be supplied from the existing model library of David Turner Studio to match the desired style(s) as specified by the client listed above. Renderings requiring the creation of custom models or the purchase of models

specified by the client listed above will require the submittal of a revised proposal reflecting fee increases and reimbursable expenses for the additional service of custom model creation and purchase.

 

I know that this should be discussed beforehand with the client, but sometimes there isn't the time or opportunity to discuss details. Sometimes clients don't respond until they see fee figures and something in writing.

Anyway, I'd like to get some feedback on how people approach this issue.

By the way, this is why I avoid interior designers like the plague!

Thanks.

-DT

[Arnold Sher]

Hey David,

 

I do not think we have used a library model like...ever... Granted we do loads of hotel and casino work and all of that stuff is custom so all our models get made specifically for the interiors that we produce. When we quote for our work we taken as a given that all our work is going to be produced in-house. Also, and this is my view personally, that if i am in the business of 3d, i would actually like to produce my 3d work myself as opposed purchasing it online and putting it in. I do understand that sometimes we just do not have the time to model each plant individually and i get that. In saying that when we do custom furniture, light fittings and object d'art, those things we like to be in control of. Anyway, this is just my two cents worth.. All the best...

[Devin Johnston]

David I have the complete opposite opinion of Arnold, I see no problem in using library models for your 3d work. Unless your business model is one of creating 100% custom renderings which can get expensive most people realize that using model libraries is a great option. Not only will it save you time but it's much cheaper than doing it yourself and who in this business can't do with a little help in both of those areas. I use model libraries almost exclusively to populate my renderings, I make it clear to the client before the contract is signed that this is how we work. We will do our best to match the look of the furniture they want in their rendering and most of the time the client is very happy with this. If there's a light fixture or piece of furniture that's very unique and we can't use a substitute for it then we'll model it but that doesn't happen very often.

 

Of course this also has a lot to do with the kind of client you have, if your working for someone who expects custom everything then you have to give them what they want. There are different levels of customer sophistication when it comes to renderings, Arnold is a good example of someone working for a client that has higher expectations.

[MohammedYusuf]

Hey george do u know some one who models customized furniture in 3ds max. I want some customized furniture to be made for one of my clients. I am not supposed to buy it from the internet.

[Francisco Penaloza]

I have the same process , like Dave, I always write in proposals that furniture, landscaping and over all entourage will be produced from my libraries, trying to keep it as close possible to represent the design intent, if any custom models needs to be produced it is charged separated, and this also may impact the final dead line time. Most of my client understand this, if it is presented early in the initial meetings. Sometimes if it is a simple coffee table or something that I know it will take me no time to model I won't bother charging, but over that I have to charge, because some clients like to try different combinations of furniture and just model something to be discard for one of those version will add up very quickly.

[David Turner]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the feedback. I will make sure that I initially discuss with the client regarding the need, quantity and complexity of custom models and work that into my future proposal.

-DT

[Morne Erasmus]

Hey george do u know some one who models customized furniture in 3ds max. I want some customized furniture to be made for one of my clients. I am not supposed to buy it from the internet.

 

If you can find it on the internet from a library, it will be much cheaper. The "cheap" cost is made up by many people bying it, so the modeller still makes his/their money

 

If you want something custom for a once off, it will likely be quicker and cheaper to do it yourself.

[artmaknev]

I think the solution is simple, you need to outsource the 3d modeling or hire 3d modeler for specific jobs, explain to client why it would cost extra.

 

I work with interior designers and its true, almost every revision could mean new furniture, new accessory, new chandelier, and most of the time its all custom. I was including all that in the one fixed fee per render and then charging for each revision separately after they exhausted all their revisions (usually 3-4 revisions included in 1 fixed fee).

 

Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose with the pricing... sometimes I spend all night modeling the crazy new chandelier when I am unable to outsource it. And by the time the rendering is finished I have already declined 2 other requests because I was busy with this job that I didn't even profit from...

Edited May 5, 2015 by artmaknev