3D model render became an indispensable part of marketing and commerce. Lately, 3D modeling has been used more and more often for presentations and selling products on the Internet. Just a few years ago, 3D model render could be afforded only by manufacturers of expensive products. The situation has evolved since then, and nowadays 3D visualisations are used by manufacturers and distributors, as well as online shops. Architectural visualization and product modeling are particularly in demand.
Quite often, the customer wants to see preliminary results of work – to add some new information or just to make changes to the initial Technical Assignment. Besides, he wants to make sure that the object has been shown in the best view. It is especially relevant for creating 3D model renders for catalogues.
Sometimes, the customer only needs to create the geometry of an object, which means a 3D model with material settings and lighting, for he wants to perform the rendering by himself. In other words, in such situations, the final result of the modeler must be passed to the customer as a file with the geometry of the 3D model. These may be files in .max, .3ds, .obj, etc.
That brings us to the question: what is the best way to agree on the details of the 3D model render in such cases?
Of course, the best option for your 3D model approval is to use high-quality 3D renders. They are quite often associated with photorealistic models, but that’s not always the case. The artist might also need to create another type of 3D model render – from the grid of the model to full photorealistic image.
Let’s take a look at the types of renders and when each of them is applicable.
3D Model Render: Intermediate Stages
Here are the intermediate stages of the project where you can request the result for corrections.
Grid Render
In open 3D galleries, professional forums or websites with collections of 3D models you can see beautiful visualisations, where instead of photorealistic shaders and textures on the surface of objects there is a segmentation grid. This “technical” visualization is done primarily in order to show the colleagues or the architect the geometry of the 3D model, without diverting attention to the surface effects, glare and color of materials.
3D Model Render in Gray Material
With this type of render, you can see a completed 3D model in volume, but without colors and materials. You can also adjust angles and light sources to the settings of textures and materials and get an image of interior or exterior design project. In this image, geometry and architectural features of the project will be clear to designers and architects. However, it is way early to show the project to the end customer, for architectural renders (for example) need some additional work to become comprehensible.
Both ways are appropriate for the approval of a 3D model. To agree on more complex objects, such as interior or exterior design or a 3D model of a disctrict or a city, there are more convenient types of rendering.
Take your design presentation to a new level with interior rendering
Types of 3D Rendering for Complex Objects
Following are the types of rendering process for more complex objects and the types of intermediate results you can ask for.
Fast Renders or so-called Preliminary Drafts
They are mainly used to speed up the approval of the end result. Textures aren’t traced very clearly, but the process takes only a few minutes. As for their advantages, first of all, the drafts let you see the geometry and lighting. Furthermore, they allow to check whether all the elements of the project correspond to the Technical Assignment, and the customer can make corrections if necessary. Rough drafts is a perfect way to reach agreement on details of 3D model render between the architect and 3D visualiser during the work process.
Final 3D Model Render
Once all necessary corrections are agreed upon, it’s time to render in final quality and get the design approved by the end customer. At this stage, settings are specified for final resolution of the 3D model render, and the computer calculates the image in the highest possible quality. Depending on the image resolution, quantity of objects in the scene and complexity of object materials, rendering can take from 1 hour to a few days or even weeks. The process is carried out by the computer and doesn’t depend on the visualiser. The only way to speed up the process is to use a more powerful computer or a render farm. Once final rendering is completed, there are a few more things to do before demonstrating the architectural masterpiece to the client; in other words, your 3D model render is not ready yet.
Final Drawing with Post-production
3D visualisation has long since passed the stage of a technical skill to become a type of art.
At this stage, the 3D visualizer can improve the brightness, contrast and add special effects. As well as that, he can liven it up with people figures and even create a story thus making sure your 3D model render is natural and appealing. This option is ideal for presentation of the project to the end customer or for marketing purposes. To cut a long story short, your 3D visualisation turns into a high-quality architectural render – a piece of art that makes a real impact.
As you can see, the intermediate stages of rendering allow to get faster approval for the model. This way, it saves you more time for working on the project. When ordering 3D modeling and rendering services, ask your personal manager if it is possible to see preliminary results, such as a grid render or draft render. This is especially important if you do not have the full technical assignment and it is to be completed after showing preliminary results to the client.
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ArchiCGI has an individual approach to every project. Need high-quality 3D rendering services? Contact our sales managers and we will find the best system of model approval that will ensure your project’s success.
We wish your companies prosperity, and 3D model renderings – highest quality ever!
Catherine Paul
Content Writer, Editor at ArchiCGI
Catherine is a content writer and editor. In her articles, she explains how CGI is transforming the world of architecture and design. Outside of office, she enjoys yoga, travelling, and watching horrors.