Questions about gaining experience, schooling ect

[LCirrintano]

Hey everyone. I'm new to this but I thought it would be a great way to figure out some much needed information. I'm almost finished getting my bachelors degree in Interior Design in Chicago and I've realized that 3D modeling and rendering is what I'd like to do. Obviously my interior design degree isn't enough for this. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do for schooling? Where should I go from here? You could also tell me what road you took to get here. I would really appreciate it. I want to get started and even look for possible interships. Thanks for you help!

Laura Cirrintano

[TheAllusionist]

There are many schools around that focus on 3D exclusively, I don't know what schools have a regular curriculum and offer great 3D, but I believe the 'Art Institute's' offer 3D, if it is for architecture, then a knowledge of architecture is important as well. A lot of people kind of figure it out on their own, sometimes working in architectural firms and working their way into 3D positions.

[Da_RoCk]

Hi LCirrintano,

I also share the same sentiments last time but took a different path somehow. For my case, as an architect; when i was getting my degree, i slowly started experimenting on 2d and 3d application. i started of in autocad. eventhough autocad was offered late in our curriculum i started learning it at an early stage of my degree. with my knowledge of 2d i started to apply it in my plates. and so 3d came in just as my 2d experience. I learned it from my peers, people who knows, forums, books and by trial and error.

It did crossed my mind that i should take up classes for 3d to enhance/speed up my learning towards 3d but never had the chance to do so because of financial problems.

i suggest that you try to familiarize yourself first before going into an institution to learn it further. help files with in the program will surely help. its just a matter of getting to know which buttons to press. Overall, id say that its thru ur dedication and on how bad u really want to learn the trade.

Good luck; generally we are a community that aides people in learning.

[LCirrintano]

I just had my VIZ class last night and I spoke with my teacher about some things. Basically she told me that this degree means nothing. That an architect would look down on me. And that I would need something in the Arts. I was kinda brought back by that.

This is my DREAM to do this. I have 3ds max 8 on my computer now. I have some books on the way that I ordered from amazon. I don't mind teaching myself. I actually like to teach things myself and gain that satisfaction.

I'm hoping to get an Internship that deals with 3d but I'm not sure how well that would pan out.

I'm just glad I found my niche. I'm just trying to gather information from people who have the experience to get some type of direction and do it right the first time.

[pradipta]

welcome LCirrintano,

nice to see your interest on the 3d modeling and visualization. it's a great field and but you have to be on your toes most of time because of the competition. but, it's always nice to realize the dream how difficult and challenging it would be.

as per that basic trainning, i think rather than going to a school you could get some good video tutorials, and books and articles from net to study. video tutorials are proving a great source now a days. but, still you could get a degree if you want.

if you are into architecture visualization (which you are) 3dsmax is probably one of the best software. you can have some good rendering plugins as well.
in case of any problem you could post a thread here and we would be glad to answer your query.

Cheers

[TheAllusionist]

I would disagree with your instructor, but that is a different matter. I think to get to go where you want that you should really press the 3D in interviews, etc. In firms it is easy to get trapped in one role, like if you can do construciton documents well, that is what makes them money and they dump that kind of work on you, but if you are known as the 3D person in an office, that is the type of work you get, so make sure they know you are taking the job with the understanding that you are a team player and 3D work may not be available all the time, but when it is, that is what you want to do, in as much of a diplomatic way as possible of course

[Da_RoCk]

Hi again laura...

i can feel the enthusiasm in you. its starts from that satisfaction that you are talking about.... supprisingly, it will be an addiction (in a positive way of course, ull thirst for more info) then if you still pursue it; it will eventually become a passion and from that... id assure u that no architect will look down on you.

to be honest, im mostly working as a 3d vizualiser myself but behind all that i still input my architecture practice and yet designers still look up for me to give them a decent product.

and if you are pursuing interior design... 3d viz and interior design goes hand in hand as far as im concern. your internship can come from those interior design firms looking for an inhouse artist. if you go into one, always remember that they are there to design not to produce vizualisations and thats where you come in. On the other hand, presentation methods are picking up rather quickly now and to my shock clients are demanding animations for such small projects; sometimes VR... still they are the pay masters

Overall; u are in the right path. Just dont let listen to any people say about ur degree. sometimes they say it as a personal opinion not a general statement from the industry. if you then consider this your niche; im sure ud make the best out of it. Surrounding urself with good people is also a must when learning; but when u learn enough, teaching is the next best thing.

[shikuku]

Hi Laura~ well i'm not as experience as anyone else here, but will like to share opinions with you and everyone here. I will say that I'm in the same boat like you. I've thought of getting into courses that teaches 3D Modelling, animating and visualising, etc... But I faced financial problem and I don't believe the lesson and courses in the local(Singapore). I look up at many CG artist at every forum around the world. It is their work that fantasizes me. The quality is definitely luring my tempt to pick up this skill. I'm in love with 3D visualising especially in archi viz. I've started working in the local archi firm, n do not expect to work alot on 3D, always dry draughting(just as Branko said). But never deny that 3D vizualising is gettin hot in Architecture and design line. We are in the starting steps. I believe if you have the mind to reach the highest step, nothing stop you other than sleeping at night... hahaha...

[d.sign]

Hi Laura, welcome to our site and to world of CG as we call it ...
I think I understand your motives and goals, I was there myself few years ago... I think you should follow the path your feelings show you. It can only help in your professional growth as an architect. If nothing else, it will improve your abilities to percieve space in three dimensional manner, unlike most of the so-called architects who only think in two dimensions. Also it will help you to develop your creativity.
About learning, I can first advise you to be patient and persistante. It is very important, cause some things may cause you trouble and doubts but you need to keep on working and trying again and again.
I agree with Pradipta, best way to start is to look for all the tutorials on the web, and there are many of them. For every problem there is solution in some good tutorial. Max is great tool, there are lot of users and lot of help you can get on the web.
I can recomend to get Vray rendering plugin also, that is best way to enter world of Global Illumination which is now standard in CG. Good tutorials on architectural modeling you can find at CGarchitect tutorial section... Many good links and resources are presented on our site here...
Also you can always post your work or ask question on our forums. We will all try to help. You can download free models and scenes and use them to learn and analize other peolples solutions...
I can say that real progress for me started when I looked for guidance on the web.

[stu3d]

you may want to have a look on if you have some free time too: http://www.highend3d.com/boards/index.php?showforum=263

i had a quick peek around and it looks as if alot of people are in the same boat as you

i remember i was in the exact situation this time last year, and i ended up going to university and doing a course that i let other people pressure me into doing - and needless to say i dropped out after 3 months as i wasnt enjoying it at all

i can only agree with what has been said thus far too, one of the best ways to get involved in CG is to start to teach yourself... it is hard at first but after a while everything will just click and you ll be on your way...