mbr

Most large firms don't need full time illustrators. When I worked as an architect at a large firm (not 3D guy), they had one person in their LA office that was dedicated to it fulltime. He had the job. GREAT pay, and i mean really great (for fulltime), 3 workstations, etc., etc. But other offices from around the country would send him work when he was slow, so those offices didn't need it.

The firms I've talked to said that they need someone that can pick up some redlines when times are slow. Be careful about accepting that, as it will immediately lower your 'specialist' value (hence the 35k), not to mention be a head ache.

Learn what you can on your own. Really, some of the best are self taught. It's one field where you can learn it all without having any training.

I use Max and Final Render, but if I had to do it again I'd think about C4D, or even Softimage, simply because the prices are reasonable. Discreet/Autocad is really abusing their user base with the inflated prices (ok, in all fairness, you get a lot for $3k+, but we only use a small fraction of that - I can do without reactor, particles, or character studio, if I want them, let me buy them individually). Things to think about.

Oh, and I'd skip Mental Ray for yourself. Look into the alternatives. Programs will be more and more modular, so don't limit yourself to something that you couldn't buy more of (even with 7.5's licensure, it is still beyond the means of a mere mortal to purchase enough to net render - you coudl have another render farm for the prices of the licenses alone!!)

Final Render will be a standalone version for the next release, so you can use any 3D package.

manta

Here is some more inspiration for you...


http://www.vismasters.com/VM_Gallery.cfm?Professional=1

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DESIGN FORWARD
http://www.mantastudios.com

Christopher Nichols

WOW!!! I knew there was a reason I left architecture.... But then again, to do what I do I have to live in LA, and life costs more here, plus we just had another earthquake (5.3) about an hour ago. I guess life is a bunch of trade-offs.

Edit: downgraded to a 4.9

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Christopher P Nichols

wda

Curtis,

Anyone ever say your too old to be making a switch LOL Just kidding hehehhe I can say that . Your never too old or too young.

Answer your question...... did you do architectural drafting? If you did/have, you probably do not need to brush up on archy speak to communicate.

You should, however seriously think about, taking some art classes. There is more of that in ArchViz than the arch part, imho. You deal in light, texture, form, color, visual/graphic communication, much more than-modeling.....if you want to become 'masterful'.

Discalaimer: not to say that you wouldn't learn that in arch classes...it's just a faster way to understanding ArchViz, once again imho.

Cheers
WDA

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From the calm seas.... Into the CG Fire...... Into the Heart of Texas

mskin

practice practice practice....

I think landing a job in an architectural firm is essential to learn the basic concepts of design, or at least the process. It will give an understanding of what firms are looking for and you will get valuable experience drafting and designing. In the meantime, use the drawings you create at work to practice modeling. I believe autocad gives employers two seats for each liscense so that employees can have a copy at home (someone correct me if im wrong).

good luck

John Dollus

In Tampa, AutoCAD drafters are in high demand and are being offered $20/hr for drafting work with little experience so you should have no problem finding a higher salary. Most of the work is in transportation, though so you will be happy with your check but probably not very happy with your work. Like someone said - tradeoffs.
Getting into a 3d position with no 3d education or production experience is not going to merit a high paying offer.
While you will not be buying a beach house with your first 3d job, $50k/yr will get you a 2000 sq.ft. suburban home with a pool and a community golf course in Tampa so that isn't too shabby.

skauty

I'm also looking at getting my start in archviz, but have no architectural experience whatsoever. My background is in multimedia and design, and I worked at an animation house in Toronto for a while, so I know 3D fairly well (though not nearly as well as some of gallery artists on this forum). With practise, I hope to be able to produce some decent looking renders, but I don't know if a viz firm would consider me because I have no architetural background, and, if not, how to go about getting freelance jobs. This is all further down the line. First I need to develop a nice portfolio of practise pieces

archmitoi

helo all,

I'm new! this is all amazing! but i'm kinda lost, .. anyway if you could help me out here, i'm actually looking for a job in uk. I would appreciate if any of you guys could help me find the right job there. I'm an Architect for almost 9 years now.

thanks,

mitoi

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notamondayfan

hey all.
i guess i was in a simular boat to some of you guys a few months ago. i have no actual architectural experience. im currently in my 3rd year at uni, doing virtual reality design, and i landed a placement in a leeds architects.

i had used max in uni a lot, and so was quite advanced before i joined, but my skills are constantly improving, along with my speed.

not knowing much about architecture and autocad hasnt really stopped me doing my job. all i use are plans from autocad, and sketches from the architects.

all i sugest is become fluent in a popular 3d program and photoshop, and develop your own portfolio.

good luck!!

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Pikcells Animator, Modelling & Environment Designer

STRAT

i fully second all that

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