skauty

I'm interested in getting into the architectural visualization field but am unsure whether an architectural background is needed or not. My background is in new media design and 3D. I have experience using 3DS Max and Maya. My concern is not so much whether I have the 3D skills but whether I can succeed as a visualization artist without being an architect. I'm aware that many people are both, but in the research I've done, it seems there are a lot of firms that work in conjunction with architects or contractors to produce photorealistic visualizations. Are most visualizations artists CG artists or architects?

Dibbers

Well I'm from a traditional illustration background. I have no architectural training at all, although I am trained as a designer. Being an architect means you undertand building and their structure etc but not neccessary good at the artistic side. If you are from a design/3D background you are probably good at the artistic side but possibly not so good at understanding architect's drawings.

I believe if you have artistic flair you will be at an advantage. Learning how to interperate architect's drawings etc will come eventually.

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ingo

Hi and welcome to the forum Scott,

the advantage of beeing a designer/architect is simply that the client doesn`t have to tell you how the building has to be modelled/constructed, so you only need a short briefing. Specially useful when you work on competitions.

Otherwise it maybe a good idea to work more closely with your clients in the beginning so that you get the idea what they talk about. And invest some more time in the beginning for meetings.

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skauty

Thanks. I appreciate the info!

mbr

I think there are numerous small things that will help you, if you were an architect.
Like the door height, what a mullion is, etc., but they are all things that you could learn with minimal effort.

I'd suggest getting ahold of some floor plans and elevations and making a few buildings. It's not rocket science, but it helps if you can understand how a section is cut, or what represents what.

Mostly pratice.

Look through the gallery, save a ton of images, print them out. Then grab a few books/magazines with photographs and look very carefully at them (actually, the other way around). Then try to duplicate the lighting and the 'feeling'. Again, not rocket science, but it does take time, patience, and practice.

Cesar R

"Being an architect means you undertand building and their structure etc but not neccessary good at the artistic side"


If you are a GOOD architect, you can design beautiful forms or buildings and yet understand their function and structure. Actually is it design and function then we worry about structure.....

opus13

hey all... im in the same boat as senor skauty up there.

ive tried this at my school (currenty in the animation program, but im better ad modeling and rendering) and i have found that poeple in the architecture program are rediculously reluctant to give out copies of their work. i understand that they dont want to give out their stuff for free... but come on. its not like they have great designs or anything, they just started learning autocad a year ago, and they arent exactly ninja masters at it.

anyways... are their any resources out there for dxf/dwgs? is there a repository that people can access for a low price/free as a learning aid?

i like working with real projects; showing someone a renderingthat i made on a whim isnt as convincing as showing a floor plan, and then what i did with it.

Cesar R

I have GREAT designs... and I i can relate to why they wont give you their stuff. Its not the CAD they are conservative about its the time and effort invested to produce the concept of the "model" I would not give my stuff away to just anyone just bc they think my work is not GREAT. U are not an architecture student and haven't spent the time to develop an architectonic concept so you woult not understand good design from bad design and the hard work that goes into a good design; I guess - and dont get offended. I am just telling you the thruth because many people do not realize how time and effort consuming architecture as a major is.

I am sure you would be reluctant to give me a 3D model so I can animate it. no matter how good or poor your model is specially if its something that you created from scratch based on knowledge from something you studied.. I did animation in school and you dont need much knowledge of anything but software to model something. So be more considerate with your statements

just make some friends in the architecture dept and share info. and maybe offer to help them with a presentation that way you both can befefit - u know what I mean? give them the render at the end to present and credit both of you.

sorry if I sound a little harsh - not my intention at all.

opus13

I may not be an architecture student, but I’m not the average student either. I am a designer and have been actively working freelance for the past 11 years. I am what you would call a 'returning student'. I do have some experience in structural design, and I know a good design when I see it; conversely; I also know a class project when I see it.

"I am sure you would be reluctant to give me a 3D model so I can animate it."

i understand the sentiment, but i do not just walk up to someone and say 'give me your stuff so I can play'. I’m a little more couth than that

I try to interest them in a collaborative project utilizing their designs and my vis., I personally thought it would be an easy pitch, but I guess not.

Cesar R

I understand what you're saying. Well just keep trying. If not just look at some maganizes and try to copy those images. good luck