Seattle, WA - Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, TX  based 3DAllusions LLC formed a dedicated visualization studio in an effort to effect change on how things are done in the industry and to capitalize on a strong community of artist, 3DAllusions Studio consists of visualization artist from around the world. Professionals, who generously devote their time and energy to help other artists hone their skills and improve their craft. A team from around the world who have come together through the power of the Internet.

Diego Gadler of aXYZ design investigates possible alternatives to photo-realistic 3D entourage by thinking outside the box and using everything but the diffuse map on some of their product line and applying materials more suited to traditional physical models in order to express digital architectural visualization in an ‘Old School’ style.

Branko Jovanovic (a.k.a. d.sign) takes the new MentalRay in Max 9 for a spin and compares it to some of his experiences with Vray. A quick review of sorts looks, at Mental Ray now, compared to experiences in the past with some favorable if not cautious observations as to MR’s place in the architectural visualization industry.

We are always looking at theoretical discussions on architecture and architectural design. Members are encouraged to start dialogue concerning architectural theory in the forums and participate in any on going discussions. We tend to focus more on architectural visualization and in an effort to try and entice theoretical dialogue, I am posting a bit of a dialogue with Diego del Castillo  (a.k.a. ddelcast).

The Business of 3D software: Whatever field we enter into, it is honorable to make a profit on our efforts. With that said, I have noticed a trend in the 3D/CAD software industry. Smaller companies scale their prices in relationship to the market while giants in the industry take advantage of the situation to swallow up the smaller ones. It is apparent that some companies no longer are working for their customers and potential clients best interests, but for the stock holders of the company and base their decisions on profit margins alone and seem to answer only to the Board of Directors.

Old School! OK, I know a lot of architectural designers will scoff at relying on historic vocabularies, citing that we should be creating a fresh new language unfettering our shackles of the past and creating architecture for the new world order. Those of you who fall under that category can just move along, nothing to see here, this is for those of you who like to have some fun and don't take themselves to seriously or over intellectualize everything.