#How much to charge?
14 messages in this thread
Any suggestions on putting together a cost estimate for creating a fairly
simple fly-through of a building? This would be at an initial proposal stage
— roughed out building and equipment with a simplified site plan. (We're an
architecture firm.)
We've never done a walk-through before, and would be buying 3DS for this
project. How much time does it take to get started, learn the software, etc?
Do people recommend doing fly-throughs on a computer system or dumping the
images out to tape, and if the latter, how much does that cost?
Sorry for the stupid questions, but we have to start somewhere.
Thanks.
Hi John,
No questions are ever stupid. We had to start out asking the same questions a
little over a year ago. Now we are a full fledged animation firm specializing
in Architectural visualization.
As to the cost questions, it all depends upon whether this is the only one you
wish to do or if you plan on making the 'walk-through's a standard part of your
architectural services. If this is the only one you want to do, or if you only
plan on doing it a couple times a year, your most cost effective solution would
be to hire an independent contractor to create the animation ( you can always
call us).
If you plan on making animated 'walk-through's a standard part of your service
package, plan on getting the following equipment and spending the amounts shown
or more (this just shows some of the major stuff we had to get to do the same
thing you are wanting to do):
3D-Studio $ 3,000.00
S-VHS vcr $ 3,000.00 – 6,000.00
NTSC video card $ 2,000.00 +
VCR controller card $ 1,000.00 +
Misc other cards/sftwr/etc. $ 2,000.00 +
This doesn't include the time to come up to speed on the new software, install
and fight with all the new hardware, or the other expenses that surprised us
when we started.
Regarding your question about how to show the animation, either on the computer
or on video tape; Think of it from the client's perspective, if he spends
extra to have a walk-through done, he's gonna want to show it to other people,
and you probably don't want all his friends, relatives, and business associates
pouring into your office to look at your computer screen, but he won't have to
bother you if its output to a video tape he/she can take with them.
It's a pretty big investment of time and money to get into creating animated
walk-throughs and do it right, but if you plan to do it often enough it may be
worth your while. If not, 'out-source' the animation part of your project to
an indepent contractor.
I hope this info is helpful. If you have any questions, please send me a
message here, or call or write to the following.
DesignTec
255 Celia St.
Boaz, AL 35957
(205) 593-7789
Do you have a brochure and/or video of your company's work?
Yes sir, we do have some information and a copy of our last project that we
could send you. If you could give me your address I'll send you something in
the next couple days. If you could tell me a little about what you are looking
for It will help me know exactly what to send you.
Thanks
Brandon Bartlett
DesignTec
My address is:
P O Box 361986
San Juan, PR 00936-1986
I'm interested in architectural visualization: modeling, rendering, animation,
ect…
Rachid
Thanks for the address and info, I'll put together some info, a sample
paper rendering, and a VHS copy of our last architectural project. If you
need anything else just let me know.
Brandon
DesignTec
John;
How much to charge? That's a big question, it is like asking an arch.
how much it cost to design a house but not giving any details. But I will
try to shed some light on your situation.
As far as learning 3D Studio goes, that all depends on who is trying to
learn it and how much of a hacker they are. If your firm is already
working in ACAD and especially in 3D in ACAD then you have a jump on
the situation. Your models can be imported directly into 3DS, however
some elements are not read correctly by 3DS. And therefor a modeling
technique will be developed over time for clean importing into 3DS.
Once you are productive in 3DS, animation costs very greatly between
just creating small flicks to play back on the computer or creating
broadcast quality animations on video. One thing to keep in mind in
regards to creating flicks is that to get smooth play back, the flick must
fit in RAM and it is very easy to create a 30 to 60 Mb flick. On the other
hand to put high quality animation out to tape you need massive storage
due to the fact that there are 30 frames per second and a single frame
will be anywhere from .5 to 1 Mb. That adds up quickly.
There are a few systems out there such as the PAR which allow for some serious
compression while still maintaining good image quality, but that's a whole
other story.
Well I know I did not spit out any numbers for your clarification, but I
hope this did shed some light on you situation. My company does
Architectural animation as a major source of revenues, and I will be
happy to give help you further in any way.
Zac (AZ-TECH)
Berkeley
Hello Zac, Thanks for the reply.
You mentioned that your company does a lot of architectural rendering /
animations — is that for in-house projects only or do you also develop for
other AEC firms? Could you send me e-mail with details if it is the
latter?
Any suggestions on books / instructional materials that would help us get
up to speed faster? Two people have recommended "Inside 3D Studio". are
there other books / video training / CBT (or courses in the Chicago area)
people are aware of that focus on / work well for architectural rendering /
amimation?
Thanks.
Hi John!
You didn't happen to mention where you were located.
We are sponsering Wisconsin's 1st Annual Hands-On 3D Digital Artists Conference
& Training Seminars Program. There are over 20 Vendors present and the Classes
are being run by Steven Elliott.
You could call me almost anytime at (414) 435-7345 or at (414) 437-3898.
or E-Mail me your Fax number for 4 pages of class descriptions and Exhibits &
Conference going's on.
James M. Murphy
Hello James,
Actually, we're located in Chicago. What part of Wisconsin are you in?
Also, do you have any suggestions re. books, training videos, CBT, or other
stuff to get us up to speed in 3DS and outputting to Video?
Thanks.
John,
If your that close then you better think about coming to this 3 Day special
event we've got going,
Here is the Posting for the Conference and Exhibits Portion of our 3D Artists
Conference and Seminars:
The Conference and Exhibits:
Mr. Rick West from Autodesk will be in attendance. Plan on hearing from him
regarding Autodesks direction as well as recently announced New Products of
interest to Videographers, Engineers & Architects alike.
For those interested in doing Professional Broadcast work, Mr. Tom Yager from
Matrox will be showing the newly released Professional Digital Animation
Recorder, the Matrox MAX as well as the Illuminator Pro card and related
technologies.
We'll also be showing the Sanyo GVR-S950 Video Production Center.
FARGO will demonstrate 600 dpi Photo-Realistic Dye-Sublimation color printing
for under $1600.
Mr. Ron Wilson will present WACOM's 12×12 Cordless, Batteryless Pressure
Sensitive Pen tablet and will be introducting New Product.
You'll see all the New Yost Group, Digimation, and Schreiber IPAS Routines.
Turtle Beach Systems will be showing off their QUAD Four Track Digital Audio as
well as other related audio Products.
Of Course Steven Elliott will be speaking on several subjects and we are still
adding Vendors to this list.
Conference Cost is $50. per person which includes Steven Elliotts 1000+ page
book & CD-ROM "Inside 3D Studio", Schreiber Instruments Visual Design CD-ROM
(Pending), Free 1years subscriptions to New Media as well as subscription deals
& Copies of latest issues of CADence, Cadalyst, Digital Video, Bill Allen's 3D
Artist, Morph's Outpost on the Digital Frontier and, of course the first issue
of Planet Studio with a Special Charter Offer.
There's more: We're adding to the list daily and will also be giving away much
more valuable information regarding Presentation Graphics and Digital Video as
well as Products such as AutoVision, Syndesis 3D-ROM, Autodesks Texture
Universe CD-ROMs….this list is growing too!
See the other posting for Classes.
If your not attending Classes and wish to attend all three days of the
Conference and Exhibits for just $50. Registration and lodging information may
be obtained through James M. Murphy JMC located at 1431 Garland Street, Green
Bay, Wisconsin 54301 Phones: (414) 435-7345 or 437-3898 CompuServe id
71165,1321.
Classes run from 9:00am to 4:00pm
The Conference and Exhibit Hall are open from 8:00am to 6:00pm
Where:
This all takes place August 29th, 30th, and 31st.
at the "Bordini Center" located at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 North
Bluemound Drive, Appleton, Wisconsin 54913-2277.
The Bordini Center is an Authorized ATC and we will be presenting Certificates
of Completion for the Courses offered.
I've omitted several Vendors whom we have yet to firm things up with but I can
tell you now you will have free access to CompuServe for all 3 of these days as
well as 6 additional vendors who have indicated interest in showing product and
providing materials and software for this "First Wisconsin" Hands-On 3D Digital
Artist's Conference & Training Seminars.
Thank you for this consideration.
James M. Murphy
James Murphy Consulting
1431 Garland Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301
(414) 435-7345
(414) 437-3898
Murph'
John,
Also Please Consider this:
Ok Here's the Official Posting of our 3D Studio Conference and Seminars.
Coming up August 29th, 30th and 31st.
The Seminars:
Steven Elliott co-author of "Inside 3D Studio" who also taught at Autodesk
University last year will be out instructor. We'll be offering a Menu
approach, this way you may sign up for all three days or for just the days that
you want:
Monday Aug. 29th 9:00am-4:00pm (Break for Lunch)
Day 1: Lofting and Modeling Tips and Techniques.
This class focuses on modeling techniques primarily used in the
Shaper/Lofter modules with some infromation provided on face and vertex editing
in the 3D Editor. Issues to be covered include; the creation of efficient
models through the use of Steps and Refine; complex lofting paths, deformation
grids; editing and welding vertices; and detaching and attaching faces.
Day 2: Mapping Techniques for Creating Realistic Materials.
this class looks at advanced materials creation to avoid that "computer
look" when rendering your scenes. A lot of time will be spent on exploring the
use of map masks and combining multiple maps within a single material.
Creating effects such as grime, rust, smudges, and composite materials through
the use of multiple maps and masks will be presented.
Day 3: Keyframing for Quality Motion.
This Class studies the design of motion in the keyframer and how to plan
for and simulate realistic effects. Traditional concepts such as anticipation,
follow-through, and secondary motion will be explored. Examples of these
condepts include vibration and collision effects, takes, double takes, the
effects of weight and inertia, and basic character animation.
Where:
The "Bordini Center" Located at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 North
Bluemound Drive, Appleton, Wisconsin 54913-2277.
During Classes each student will be provided with his own Professional Graphics
Workstation. The Class rooms are separate from the Conference and Exhibits
room that is also taking place. In addition to your own comfortable
Workstation the instructor has the use of a wall sized rear projection screen
for computer graphics display as well as VCR Audio and Video and slide usage.
You will be working with the Latest releas of 3D Studio Release 3.
Cost:
Classes are priced at $200 per day per student. This is an extremely good rate
considering the level of instruction being provided. We are extremely lucky to
have Mr. Elliott here to conduct these classes.
There will be a seperate Posting regarding the Conference and Exhibits.
Here's the Breakdown.
Classes Registered Conference Bundle Total
0 Classes = $ 0 $ 50 $ 50
1 Class = $200 $ 35 $235
2 Classes = $400 $ 20 $420
3 Classes = $600 $ 0 $600
Classes Run from 9:00am to 4:00pm
The Conference and Exhibit Hall are open from 8:00am to 6:00pm
This will allow those taking all 3 classes time to catch the morning and
evening speakers as well as time for the exhibit areas. The lunch hour will be
staggered to allow for additional time also. Call for the full Conference and
Exhibit Agenda.
Class Registration Form:
First Name:_________________Last Name:________________________
Job Title: __________________________ Telephone: _____________________
Organization: ________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Address: (continued) _________________________________________________
Fax: ____________________________ E-Mail: ____________________________
I wish to register for Classes: (Please Circle)
Day 1: Yes No Day 2: Yes No Day 3: Yes No ( $200ea )
I would also like the Conference Bundle: Yes No (See above)
Enclosed Payment: ____________Checks and money orders (US$) should be made
payable to James Murphy Consulting. Refund requests must be made in writing
and received by Aug. 12th. There is a refund processing fee of US$50 to cover
materials purchases per registration.
Registration and lodging information may be obtained through: James M. Murphy
JMC (414) 435-7345, 437-3898 or on CompuServe id# 71165,1321.
See our Conference Posting also in this forum: Thank You. James M. Murphy
James —
Thanks for the posting. It's a little close to the date for us to schedule,
but I'll make sure word gets around to all of the people here who most need to
get training.
Paul!
Hey..we got 3DS'rs flying in from Atlanta, Texas, etc!
We just booked a sound system that imporves on what the Center had about 1000%
and Upgraded to a Higher Resolution Video in _Both_ Rooms.
There's a million little other details including a lot of door prizes.
And that's just for starters!
Come On Paul…fill the Van up, button er' down and Yell "ROAD TRIP!!" <BG>
Murph'