3D Architecture: Workflow

Today, I have decided to share with you my workflow when creating a 3D rendering. Technically, the workflow I am accustomed to is far simple than most 3D artists are using. I created this blog, well of course, to share and at the same educate people who are starting in this side of the business. So I might as well share with the the basic workflow I am using.

Since I am creating architectural images, most 3D models aren't that complicated when compared to the character 3D modeling like cars, people, etc. Most of which are already available in the internet.

Check out these websites:

http://www.evermotion.org/
http://www.archibase.net/
http://www.turbosquid.com/
http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/
http://www.3dmodelsharing.com/
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/

These sites save me a lot of time, since I will just have to pick which ones are applicable to the design. Aside from 3D model Libraries available on the web, textures are also an important item when creating photo-realistic rendering. If textures are flawed like low resolution, not seamless and those problems, it is likely that your rendering won't be that realistic.

For textures:

http://cgtextures.com/
http://www.arroway-textures.com/

Anyway, I'll proceed with my workflow discussion. Most of the time, 2D CAD details are the first drawings I'm using since most of the architectural details are drawn in AutoCAD. Here in CAD, I draw the complete plans, elevations and sections (if interior is needed). Some details such as doors and windows and special railing details, stairs etc., I also draw in CAD. Sometimes when, I don;t have enough time to draw all these, I go straight to doing it on 3D.

1. Sketchup PRO

Yes. Sketchup. This freeware readily available for anyone to download, is my first choice when doing basic 3D models (although I'm using the Pro version since it has most exporting tools I need.) It is simple and easy to use. Most people can learn this by themselves, which I myself did. Meeting deadlines are always crucial. And sketchup gives me that allowance since it is fast and easy.

I patterned my Sketchup shortcut commands to most Autocad shortcuts so as not to be confused when transfering from CAD to Sketchup, and vice versa.

Here, I work almost most of the 3D architectural environment. Walls, floors, roof,, doors, windows, etc. As much as it is possible, I do it as detailed as I can. It well come in handy when rendering because often small details are the ones that make the rendering look realistic.

Still in sketchup, I put in textures. Sketchup, I must say, has equally good texturing capabilities as most high-end 3D softwares have. It also has the same flexibility that most users aren't aware of. You can position textures in anyway you would want it to be. I set up cameras as well here in sketchup since it is easy to pan and rotate models.

Export in 3Ds format. ;-)

2. Cinema 4D + Vray

Here is the complicated part. Well, not that much when compared to other 3D artists' workflow, i guess. :)

Fortunately, the 3D model I did in sketchup can readily be opened in Cinema 4D. And since Cinema 4D has a superb importing capabilities, reading 3Ds format and other file types are mostly as easy as pie.

The challenges most 3D artists encounter is making textures look real. Here, materials editor helps you with that. Bumps, speculars, illuminations, reflections, transparencies for textures can intrinsically be edited and manipulated here. With the right bump maps, specular maps etc., everything would be a breeze. Of course, trial and error is important. You have to be patient most of the time cause it'll be frustrating if sometimes you won't get what exactly what you want your material to look. So patience is also a factor. :-) Can't help you with that though. :-)

Aside from materials editing, Creating the 3D environment is also a big challenge. Adjusting the correct camera settings, F-number, white balance, ISO, shutter speed.