CompuServe Messages

Hi Paul, Architects are such cheapskates aren't they? If these firms tried to hire a traditional illustration firm, they'd be spending that $300-$1200 budget on a single marker rendering (probably much more). Of course since you're using a computer it's no work at all and so it should be cheaper, right? <BG> Even if the firm tried to have one of their senior production staff whip up a marker rendering, it would easily take a full day and assuming a billable rate for the employee of $45/hr you're still talking $360 for a single image. You will probably have the most marketing success by pointing out that you can create a much higher quality 3D model for the price of a few traditional marker renderings, and that the more views they need of the model the cheaper the per image cost becomes. While billing by finished second of animation is common in the broadcast world, architects and engineers are much more comfortable with the concept of an hourly rate for service provided. What is important is that, regardless of the billing method, you ensure that you are sufficiently compensated for your work. Just for comparison, a survey of architectural billing rates shows that your $30-$40 per hour rate is equal to the average billable rate for intermediate drafters. IOW, you are equating your skills with 3D Studio and animation with the value of someone drafting sections and details. Good Luck, Steven P.S. I'm glad you liked the book, thanks!