animation55

10 Top Tips for Getting

the Best CGI’s Ever



1 Your Tips instantly


.home design
Architects, Designers and Developers have almost no time, so



with this in mind we have placed a shortened version of our



ideas at the start of this informative guide.



If you are a seasoned professional or new to commissioning CGI’s, you will find the advice within our guide beneficial.
architecture



Tip 1: Meet Up and Get Creative - Pre-production meetings are often beneficial. So why not consider meeting up and getting creative next time.



Tip 2: The Feel and look - Consider what you would like or need your visuals to focus on - then select the entourage details appropriate for that requirement - it will be the feel and look that can sell your visuals.home design



Tiphome design 3: Formats and Models - Ensure your CGI Company knows the format(s) in which you will supply your design information. This will assist mitigate unnecessary delays or conversion issues.



Tip 4: Feedback and Commenting - Let your CGI Company understand the dates and times if you are accessible to comment. This means that you won’t be disturbed once you don’t wish to be.



Tip 5: Your Designs and Schedule - It is much better for everybody involved if clients do not change their model design after the Model Stage of the workflow as this may delay production.



Tip 6: Contracts and Contacts - Make sure you are satisfied with your contract schedule and details - make sure you Look At The SMALL PRINT!



Tip 7: Begin with the final in your mind - Make sure you have performed as much cultural homework as possible with regards to the etiquette of the nation in which your designs have to be viewed or advertised.



Tip 8: Size Matters - Be sure that your outsourced CGI Company includes a secure way of sending finals and information to you and receiving confidential information from you, e.g. an FTP service using a secure login - making sure your designs remain completely confidential during transfer.



Tip 9: The Multiple Benefits associated with Multi-Media - Ask your CGI Company for advice regarding how to create your concepts and designs stand above the competition using a multi-media presentation. They are sometimes more cost-effective than an animation.



Tip 10: If you have zero public speaking experience or are feeling nervous, why not ask your CGI provider more about how to create effective, powerful professional presentations to win your next project, After and Before -.



1Meet Up and acquire Creative



OK, now you must seen the previews, let’s get straight into some detail.



Before you begin planning the visuals you want, have you ever considered investing just one hour of your time to give your CGI Company a detailed overview of your next project?



A meeting can prove invaluable to both them and you, assisting you reach the visual goals that you require.



If you are willing to offer them your outsourced business, they should make the effort to meet with you if it is convenient to do so.



Communicating the feel and look that you would like to view in your project visuals is much more easily conveyed in this way.



Where personal meetings usually are not possible, video conferencing is often utilized to great effect to help your CGI Company understand your project requirements more clearly.



A personal meeting will further help production to get moving in the right direction from the very beginning if it is mutually practical to do so.



If you want some creative input, or alternative ideas to consider, it is also far more beneficial.



This might incorporate your CGI firm helping to make a draft animation path when you watch for example.



If you outsource your CGI needs, why not ask your visualiser if this is a service (or perk) they offer with their valued customers.



It is essential that you and your visualiser be aware of the overall objective of why your visuals must be created and what they really want to pay attention to. Knowing the kind of audience that can ultimately judge your visuals is also an essential consideration.



Is today’s world too quickly paced? Our company is bombarded with information and technological advancements it sometimes seems life is all about time savings and getting things done as soon as we are able to.



To slow the pace a bit, nothing can beat an old-fashioned meeting to aid get the creative juices flowing - this will certainly help to improve the caliber of your CGI output.



Tip 1 - Pre-production consultations and meetings are often beneficial. So why not consider meeting up face-to-face (or virtually) and getting creative next time.



2The Look and Feel



The adage "A photo may be worth one thousand words" refers



to the notion that a complicated idea could be conveyed with



only a single image.



This broadly rings true whenever a look at your design is professionally visualised, so when this visualisation accurately represents the actual way it will appear when built in real life.



The words photo-real is overly used. Only images and animations which use actual video and photographs is highly recommended to become photo-real in their representations. Take a quick look at http: //youtu.be/MquNP8RQUpY for instance.



Photo-real imagery and real-world models are available for UK cities and further afield for a small fraction of what it would cost you a visualisation company to create.



Although these companies benefit from economies of scale, with regards to project budgets, this does not mean to express that photo-real model data is cheap!



A few examples of truly photo-real city models can be viewed at www.skapeworld.com



Getting back to the look and feel of your image, consider also the people-types you intend to see inside your views.



If you want the viewer to target more about your architectural interiors, design and landscaping, using semi-transparent ghosted individuals will assist the viewer’s eye focus more on the areas you want those to see.



Sometimes tricky to pull off without making your views too CGI, even though if, however, you want to achieve the most realistic views possible, adding images of real people in view is better.



This kind of design could also detract from the style of your architecture that you intend to illustrate. If you place real people within a CGI visual, it is a tricky balance to get right.



Sometimes you find yourself with an intangible impression of the view that seems too false.



Making real people softer or perhaps a touch transparent sometimes helps to accept the side of their false appearance, without detracting excessive off their reality in the view.



Therefore, when you are planning to commission CGI work and you also like the look of something you have seen before, send these precedents to your CGI firm.



By doing this they are fully aware what look and feel you desire your visuals to get based on and they also subsequently can advise how advisable to illustrate the atmosphere, entourage and inhabitants within your visuals.



Alternatively, request examples of work comparable to your project from the CGI provider in terms development, scale and region. This can ultimately save you time, with the end-result being nearer to what you really are after with regards to visual representation.



When choosing further entourage detail including flora, cars, fauna and trees, select images that have similar tones, colours and hues to the ones that you would like.



This can make sure that when adding lighting and the finer details in your scene, your visuals can look how you desire them to.



Tip 2 - Think about what you need or need your visuals to concentrate on - then select the entourage details suitable for that requirement - it will be the feel and look that will sell your visuals.



3Formats and Models



Try to make sure that your CGI Company knows the info format(s)



which you plan to supply your design data in. This is particularly



important if your project timelines are tight and you also are



supplying separate components of your design at different times.



Your CGI Company should be able to supply you with a list of the file formats they can work with that could include common formats such as Rhino, DWG, DGN, SKP, OBJ and 3DS FBX etc…



It is worth asking what your CGI Companies preferred data supply format is, however.



This means that they can reduce the time spent converting model files possibly and unnecessarily needing to reconstruct your model data.



Model conversion and reconstruction processes can often cause introducing errors and extra time and energy to the process.



Also, check if your CGI Company can model using all formats and varieties of information that you will provide for your designs.



These may include hand-drawn side, front and sketches-elevations, top-down plans or full-blown 3D models.



It is vital in CGI workflows to have the model complete and confirmed at the earliest opportunity which means that your visualiser can take more time on post work production that can ultimately sell your designs.



Tip 3 - Make sure your CGI Company knows the format(s) in which you will supply your design information. This will assist mitigate unnecessary delays or conversion issues.



4Feedback and Commenting



Think about this topic as being a potential minefield.



Some may argue perhaps that it is an issue containing enough substance to fill a total guide in its own right!



Everyone has a different way of commenting on visual drafts, in conjunction with varying degrees of patience.



It is crucial that both parties communicate clearly and effectively to ensure the visual outcome is what is required by you, the customer, even though some are more saintly than others are.



If you follow some basic steps, it will help you to minimise wasted time and ease some of the pain, whatever category of tolerance you fall into.



Provide numbered, typed and or arrowed-in instructions. It may sound obvious but what might seem simple and plain may not be obvious in your visualiser.



You may also hold the most fantastic calligraphic handwriting nevertheless the less artistic amongst us may not be able to read it.



It is actually therefore advisable to type, arrow and number-in your feedback onto the drafts avoid and provided architectural acronyms where possible.



Microsoft PowerPoint is actually a useful mark-up tool as it can certainly import all manner of picture formats and contains pre-determined arrow types and drawing tools to permit swift commenting.



After that you can print your comments to a free PDF writer - I will recommend one called CutePDF, http: //www.cutepdf.com/products/cutepdf/writer.asp - other free PDF writers are available.



Let the visualiser know when you may be available to receive draft visuals and supply feedback, even including weekends.



If deadlines are tight, working this way will help speed up progress.



Production ought to be tailored to fit your needs so you should not be held up waiting for drafts to reach and will comment anytime you like.



Tip 4 - Let your CGI Company be aware of dates and times if you are offered to comment. Which means that you won’t be disturbed whenever you don’t wish to be.



5Your Designs and Schedule



Landscape, Architecture, Interior and Urban designing are ever-evolving processes.



Based upon the project style and type, differing design values have differing levels of influence and importance, including aesthetic, social and environmental factors that need consideration.



It goes without saying that providing your CGI Company with a completed building and landscape design before visualisation procedures begin is the ideal scenario.



Practically, this is rarely the case.



The problem is that most, if not all visualisers will only move into the rendering stages of a project after the view of a model is confirmed as being correct in terms of its detailed massing and camera angle and height.



To illustrate, this is where rendering sits in a typical visualisation workflow,



1.Consultation stage> To verify requirements & agenda



2.Model stage> Build model & view angle, comment/confirmation



3.Render stage 1> Set materials & lighting, comment/confirmation



4.Render stage 2 > Post-work & entourage, comment/confirmation



5.Delivery stage> Supply final visuals to deadline



6.Courtesy stage> CGI Company follows up for the feedback



If for example, key elements are supplied to them one at a time, such as a landscape master plan first, detailed building design later etc, some visualisers can be flexible.



By doing this, general modelling and landscaping works may start whilst the detailed building elements and hard/soft landscaping that is still being designed may be dropped in later.



Before the project begins, it is helpful if you provide your visualiser with an understanding of when the finalised designs can be supplied.



They are going to then have the ability to generate a schedule of works enabling the two of you to manage and agree the timeframe and commenting process more efficiently.



If you do not change your model design after the Model Stage of the workflow as this may delay production, tip 5 - It is much better for everybody involved. Your visualiser should allow it to be clear when model confirmation must approved by.



6Contracts and Contacts



It is vital that your CGI Company fully understands what they will receive in terms of information and data in order to price your project accurately.



Any other work which may be required when it comes to modelling must also be clearly defined.



This could are the visualiser needing to create block-massed buildings to surround the detailed design you may provide later; or maybe needing your visualiser to interpret specific landscaped areas that you do not have time and energy to create.



It will be the visualisers responsibility to then draw up an entire business agreement that lists all the works required that protects the interests of both sides and commits the visualiser to produce the CGI’s to your detailed specification and project timeline.



Once returned and signed, the two of you should issue a clear listing of colleague contacts in order that everyone relevant to the project is held in the loop right right from the start.



Tip 6 - Ensure you are pleased with your contract schedule and details - make sure you Look At The SMALL PRINT!



7Start out with the conclusion in Mind



Finding an answer for the question what exactly is



the best objective of my views? is quite



Your visuals nee, important because ultimatelyd



to market your design.



Otherwise, why have them produced to begin with?



Understanding the kinds of individuals who is going to be judging



your designs is essential too.



Clients, local politicians, planners, the general public - many eyes may view your designs and all sorts of may come away having a different opinion.



Most will fall directly into two categories - Like or Dislike.



Comprehending the objective(s) of your own visuals may help sway more of your audience to maneuver into the Like camp and help close a choice in favour of the design.



Also worth considering is the culture, atmospheric lighting and ambience of where any project design is located.



From the cultural perspective, you also need to be cautious of certain dos and don’ts regarding specific customs and etiquette observed in certain countries.



As an example, the modesty of one's personal attire might be of great concern, or it could be frowned upon illustrating public displays of affection between people, including holding hands. Additionally, it can be inappropriate for ladies to get alone in public places.



Inadvertently making cultural blunders in your visualisations will get the competition entry disqualified or possibly upset your client.



Tip 7 - Be sure you have done as much cultural homework as is possible with regards to the etiquette of the nation where your designs have to be viewed or advertised.



Have a look at some variations of renderings produced for that Middle Eastern market ;



http: //youtu.be/5maJgPfVqmc



8Size Matters



Tying in with the chapter Start out with the conclusion under consideration is your need to understand where and how your visuals have to be seen e.g. brochures, internet, cinema and billboard gallery etc…



Will it be necessary that your visuals must be printed on A0 Foamex boards to get a formal presentation? Are they also to be reproduced in A4 brochures or even be viewed online for marketing purposes?



ISO printing standards tend to be the standard and will likely dictate the physical dimensions at which one last render will print. Tied to this really is your final render resolution in dots per inch (DPI)



This really is reliant upon the physical print size that you want.



DPI resolution affects the sharpness and clarity of your own image when viewed at full size. Additionally, it dictates time it should take to render your final visual.



Other consequences with this process are the overall file size of the completed render as well as the time that it takes to deliver this to you personally electronically.



A popular way of file transfer from a single person to a different is by File Transfer Protocol (FTP) upload or sending a download link via email to your file transfer site.



Be clear straight from the outset concerning the physical printing dimensions necessary for your visuals. Your CGI Company will be able to advise you of the resolution which will be suitable when printed.



Tip 8 - Ensure your outsourced CGI Company features a secure way of sending information and finals to you personally and receiving confidential information by you, e.g. an FTP service with a secure login - making sure your designs remain completely confidential during transfer.



9The Multiple Advantages of Multi-Media



Perhaps you have considered animating your renderings as opposed to just showing them as stills?



This format can add spice to your presentation without having to be as costly as a full animation.



Remember - your CGI’s are available to promote your designs and concepts to someone, otherwise why ask them to created?



A multi-media approach is considerably less expensive than a full animation and will differentiate your concepts and designs through the competition.



For a relatively small additional cost, your CGI Company can animate the renders which you have already bought with activity - bringing your visuals literally to life.



Your CGI Company will also be able to assist in the story boarding process.



A storyboard’s primary function is being able to focus yourself on your vision by putting everyone, as well as your CGI Company, on the very same page.



Your visualiser will also help you plan-out your entire multi-media production when it comes to look, music, feel and animation path.



Why not ask to find out a back catalogue of multi-media presentations they may have produced so that you can pick-up some ideas that can help you choose what to do next.



Tip 9 - Ask your CGI Company for advice concerning how to create your concepts and designs stand above the group using a multi-media presentation. They are sometimes more inexpensive than an animation.



Click here : http: //youtu.be/cX0h_Xnlncc



10Both before and after



Before a project requires high quality finished renderings, you may need a general 3D context model for a project feasibility study.



This may be around the globe and could involve you trawling the web for any geo-data which is available. You may be able to extrude block massing from 2D digital plans, if they exist, if it is a well-mapped site!



If you have time and available resource, trawling the web for available data is sometimes the only way to get information that you need to create your 3D terrain or building massing.



If you are stuck for either time or available resource, your CGI Company may be able to help with either free advice on where to go for such information or provide the required models for a modest fee.



By doing this, you can focus your time on creating your detailed designs whilst your context massing developed for you.



For examples of quality ready-to-go context models follow this link here now, http: //tinyurl.com/7xnfd4m



Once you have visualised your designs you may have to formally present these personally.



Talking to a small group of strangers can be a daunting and uncomfortable experience for a few.



Preparation is key. Your presentation has to be succinct, have good structure, be timed and the presenter will need to have confidence inside their delivery.



Tip 10 - If you have zero public speaking experience or are feeling nervous, why not learn more about how to create effective, professional presentations to win your next project.



11Thanks A Lot



Dear Reader,



Companies usually do not say it often enough but thanks for downloading the best guide and taking some time out to read it.



It really is completely free and is filled with handy tips and advice - whether you use an in-house CGI team, tend to outsource or do both.



Getting any visuals created, regardless of where they are produced, is definitely an often time-consuming and, perhaps for some, frustrating process.



It does not need to be all pain and no gain, however.



This is because the best guide contains helpful advice that can make the whole process of getting the best visualisations easier for everyone.



10 Sure-Fire Ways of Having the Best CGI’s, Ever will help you to stop you wasting your time, whilst having the visualisers you employ to help make your designs stand out from the remainder.



These some tips does apply to both outsourced CGI work as well as helping you improve how you get organised along with your in-house resource, lighten your CGI workload and get the best visuals produced for your next project.



I am hoping this free guide helps - SO TAKE ACTION TODAY - and obtain the CGI visuals that exceed your expectations.



Yours sincerely,



David Launders MSc



Director EMEA at Lifang International



Expert Architectural Visualisation



YouTube | Blog | Website | Free Brochures



Skype: david.launders | LinkedIn | Facebook | Pinterest



Lifang International CGI



One FetterLondon and Lane, EC4A 1BR, UK



Email: david.launders@lifang-cg.com



UK mobile: 44 7786 777358 | UK desk: 44 203 4405938 | UAE mobile: 971 562 640069