How do you get that first client?

MulaG · March 8th, 2004

Hi,

I am just starting out and wondering whether anyone has got anyt tips on how to get your first client for an architectural project. I have been using C4D for the past 6 months and architectural renderings is what I would like to specialise in.

Do you need to present them with a portfolio? if so how many images and do they all have to be architectural (I assume)?

I know it's a bit premature to ask this but what sort of pricing (for starters) is recommended - I know this is a little difficult to answer as you have no image to go by - (quality of work). I am working on my first interior scene at the mo and will post for critique.

Another important question is it vital that you have AutoCAD? I've heard you can use Illustrator to tidy up files then use your 3D package and extrude? I would eventually get AutoCAD LT but for the meantime will Illustrator and C4D do?

STRAT · March 8th, 2004

no, it's not vital you have autocad. it's certainly a help, even acadLT, as if firms want to give you info they generally have acad themselves, so expect DWG's. (better than DXF format). you can ask them for different formats, but always go on the assumption that clients are rather dull, and need straight forward methods.

AcadLT is pretty cheap, and will allow you to view a 3d model with limited (but enough) editing/cleanup facilities.

C4D with illustrator is fine. C4D by itself is fine, providing ur a skilled C4D modeller. Personally i model in acad, then render in C4D.

The best method of getting work is to produce a strong portfolio, preferably in hard copy format. send firms copys, tell them how wonderful you are, how they cant afford to be without you. AND DONT OVER-CHARGE! even if the first couple of jobs are for peanuts.

here's a usefull site listing uk architects - http://www.ribafind.org/

MulaG · March 8th, 2004

Thanks Strat! Can't quite afford Autocad just yet is AutoCad LT about £800?

Portfolio - Am I right in assuming it's only architectural projects? (interior/exterior scenes)

Cheers

STRAT · March 8th, 2004

i think it's around £450-500 or something.

portfolio - yup, definately architectural projects.

fred_bock · March 9th, 2004

tip for start...well

Make a check list of the investment you did so far, speak with an expert that help you to settle a professional status, find a way to facturate.. make a price list, do also a portfolio, 20/30 images.. persentation card.. there you go.. to the phone, get a list of archi around, start to phone, first to the very far ones, to help you improve a speach, then to the ones you can after pass and leave you're price list and show them you'r portfolio... can be a way...

IC · March 9th, 2004

I agree with the above advice but going in TOO low can cause problems as the client will want to stay with you because you're so cheap.
It's then very difficult to raise your prices and even though the repeat business is good, it will take an age to make money.
Another tip is don't be that keen that you give unrealistic timescales.
Three all nighters in a row and you'll want to work at McDonalds.

MulaG · March 9th, 2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by fred_bock

tip for start...well

make a price list, do also a portfolio, 20/30 images.. ...

20/30 images! - I thought it was half that! But they have to get a good idea of what they are getting into I guess.

MulaG · March 9th, 2004

IC: Cheers!

What is the average time to do an interior scene - eg. an office? a week? if so do you double that to allow for contingency?

MulaG · March 9th, 2004

There is a question that I posted as a seperate thread which must be sensitive - about interior content - I only wanted to know whether artists model all their furniture from scratch which I enjoy, but I'm worried that it will add extra time on a project. Any suggestions/comments?

kingeldar · March 9th, 2004

a few places where u can get FREE or BUYable 3d stuff
http://3d-station.com/Tutoriaux/tutoriaux.php?id=91
http://www.abscissa.net/

http://www.autodrop.net/
http://cben.net/

http://www.3dcommune.com/

http://www.hivemindcreations.com/home.html

http://www.aeccontent.com/article-00.htm

http://www.marvin.com/products/produ...6310EE0F463FFD
http://www.point-idrop.com/
http://www.scottonstott.com/Designer.../catalog1.html
http://www.viziwiz.com/downloads.html

have fun
& good luck 4 dat new carreer

March 8th, 2004	#1 (permalink)
MulaG Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK Posts: 30 Name: Georgina Sallery	How do you get that first client? Hi, I am just starting out and wondering whether anyone has got anyt tips on how to get your first client for an architectural project. I have been using C4D for the past 6 months and architectural renderings is what I would like to specialise in. Do you need to present them with a portfolio? if so how many images and do they all have to be architectural (I assume)? I know it's a bit premature to ask this but what sort of pricing (for starters) is recommended - I know this is a little difficult to answer as you have no image to go by - (quality of work). I am working on my first interior scene at the mo and will post for critique. Another important question is it vital that you have AutoCAD? I've heard you can use Illustrator to tidy up files then use your 3D package and extrude? I would eventually get AutoCAD LT but for the meantime will Illustrator and C4D do?

March 8th, 2004	#2 (permalink)
STRAT Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK. Age: 36 Posts: 6,488 Name: Stephen Leworthy	no, it's not vital you have autocad. it's certainly a help, even acadLT, as if firms want to give you info they generally have acad themselves, so expect DWG's. (better than DXF format). you can ask them for different formats, but always go on the assumption that clients are rather dull, and need straight forward methods. AcadLT is pretty cheap, and will allow you to view a 3d model with limited (but enough) editing/cleanup facilities. C4D with illustrator is fine. C4D by itself is fine, providing ur a skilled C4D modeller. Personally i model in acad, then render in C4D. The best method of getting work is to produce a strong portfolio, preferably in hard copy format. send firms copys, tell them how wonderful you are, how they cant afford to be without you. AND DONT OVER-CHARGE! even if the first couple of jobs are for peanuts. here's a usefull site listing uk architects - http://www.ribafind.org/ Last edited by STRAT; March 8th, 2004 at 07:05 AM.

March 9th, 2004	#10 (permalink)
kingeldar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Paris, France Posts: 323 Name: Steph deux	a few places where u can get FREE or BUYable 3d stuff http://3d-station.com/Tutoriaux/tutoriaux.php?id=91 http://www.abscissa.net/ http://www.autodrop.net/ http://cben.net/ http://www.3dcommune.com/ http://www.hivemindcreations.com/home.html http://www.aeccontent.com/article-00.htm http://www.marvin.com/products/produ...6310EE0F463FFD http://www.point-idrop.com/ http://www.scottonstott.com/Designer.../catalog1.html http://www.viziwiz.com/downloads.html have fun & good luck 4 dat new carreer __________________

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March 8th, 2004	#3 (permalink)
MulaG Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK Posts: 30 Name: Georgina Sallery	Thanks Strat! Can't quite afford Autocad just yet is AutoCad LT about £800? Portfolio - Am I right in assuming it's only architectural projects? (interior/exterior scenes) Cheers

March 8th, 2004	#4 (permalink)
STRAT Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK. Age: 36 Posts: 6,488 Name: Stephen Leworthy	i think it's around £450-500 or something. portfolio - yup, definately architectural projects.

March 9th, 2004	#5 (permalink)
fred_bock Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Quimper (France) Age: 33 Posts: 33 Name: fred bock	tip for start...well Make a check list of the investment you did so far, speak with an expert that help you to settle a professional status, find a way to facturate.. make a price list, do also a portfolio, 20/30 images.. persentation card.. there you go.. to the phone, get a list of archi around, start to phone, first to the very far ones, to help you improve a speach, then to the ones you can after pass and leave you're price list and show them you'r portfolio... can be a way...

March 9th, 2004	#6 (permalink)
IC Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Age: 36 Posts: 2,259 Name: Iain Collins	I agree with the above advice but going in TOO low can cause problems as the client will want to stay with you because you're so cheap. It's then very difficult to raise your prices and even though the repeat business is good, it will take an age to make money. Another tip is don't be that keen that you give unrealistic timescales. Three all nighters in a row and you'll want to work at McDonalds.

March 9th, 2004	#8 (permalink)
MulaG Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK Posts: 30 Name: Georgina Sallery	IC: Cheers! What is the average time to do an interior scene - eg. an office? a week? if so do you double that to allow for contingency?

March 9th, 2004	#9 (permalink)
MulaG Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: UK Posts: 30 Name: Georgina Sallery	There is a question that I posted as a seperate thread which must be sensitive - about interior content - I only wanted to know whether artists model all their furniture from scratch which I enjoy, but I'm worried that it will add extra time on a project. Any suggestions/comments?

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