Setting up a 3D production studio
How to create architectural renderings in-house – useful advice for architects, designers and planners.
Learning how to create architectural renderings is quite a process. And just when you think you know it all, it takes years to polish your technique. If you are an architect, a designer or a planner, I recommend outsourcing such a burden to a reliable 3D company. But if you are still thinking of creating 3D renderings in-house, here are some tips on what your setup should look like to produce high quality, photo-realistic renderings.
Equipment: You will need to start with a workstation that has good processing power. Office desktops intended for Internet browsing and word processing will not work for this. 3D graphics requires much more fire power than any standard desktop (never mind laptops). Key characteristics to look for when you buy a computer for creating 3D graphics are:
- Fast Processor – 3D takes a lot more recourses than ordinary computing
- Dual processor is preferred – to cut rendering time in half
- Video card tailored for 3D graphics – to view and rotate complex 3D models on your screen without getting stuck after each move
- Get as much RAM as you can – to cut down your rendering time
- Buy a screen at least 22” in size. 24” and up is preferred. Each inch adds to productivity exponentially.
- Spend at least $3,000 on the whole hardware setup. Put money mostly into a processor and a video card.
Software: There are many options and every 3D pro has different preferences. Here are mine. This setup combined with proper skills delivers stunning photorealistic results, guaranteed. View examples on our website.
- 3D Studio Max – to create scenes, models and environments
- V-Ray – to add photo-realism to your renderings
- Photoshop – to touch up and polish your images
- Total software expense – around $6,000
Workforce: It is a good idea to have three people on your 3D team. One person dedicated to modeling and geometry, another to materials, lighting and rendering and the third one to animation (if you ever plan to create fly-throughs and videos). I have known individuals who manage to combine these skills, and that is OK as long as you are not slammed with 3D work.
Useful advice: Make sure your workstations are ergonomic. Working on 3D models, rotating, panning, zooming and editing tiny details can create a lot of tension in your body if your workstation is not setup properly. There are quite a few professionals in this industry and almost half of them complain about carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or increased stress levels due to their workplace not being ergonomic (and they don’t even realize it!). 3D graphics designers are a very special breed. They take a lot of pride in what they do and they treat their work and equipment almost religiously. So make sure your 3D designers love their workstations. You will see a huge gain in productivity if you do it right.
Wishing you good luck setting up your 3D production studio!
Or you can always get 3D renderings from One Imprint at a fraction of the cost.
Filed under: 3D Renderings by admin
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