APPENDIX D

Common 3D Mistakes

DURING THE PLANNING OF THIS book, we decided that it would be worthwhile to include an appendix dedicated to common 3D mistakes. Rather than provide our own input, which we have done throughout all other areas of this book, we wanted to include input from other veteran artists in an attempt to provide a greater perspective and to help illustrate how common some of the problems are that we face in the industry. Ironically, some of the mistakes and advice mentioned here echo the things we have mentioned in several other places in our own writing. Some of these mistakes apply strictly to business owners and some are generalized for any 3D artist at any skill level. Regardless of your current position in the industry, reading about mistakes made by others may prove helpful at some point in the future when you are pursuing other avenues of work.

As an additional note, we decided not to edit this writing so it would reflect the true views of those who contributed.

Common Business Mistakes

Mistake: Failing to realize that money spent on useful resources is time saved

Solution: Invest in your business! Is there any pride to be gained in spending all day modeling a specific chair, when it could be purchased for a relatively small amount of money? These days, thanks to our wonderful global community, there are countless tools available to make our work easier and better. Weigh the cost of purchasing tools to assist your work versus the time and effort it would take you to produce the same result on your own. Consistently step back from your projects and evaluate where your time, energy, and money would be most wisely spent. You are bound to be more successful when you use better tools.

Mistake: Allowing a client to pressure you for a price on the spot, even if it is “just a ballpark”

Solution: Be firm with clients! Have a thorough knowledge of what you are pricing and review all relevant drawings before providing a proposal. Do not feel strange about refusing to quote a price over the phone or on the spot. One of the most important things you can do to ensure you understand the scope of a project is to retreat to a private corner when you have some spare time, and review the entire set of plans. This will help you discover what is missing, what needs to be fixed, and what is required of you as far as time and effort. When all else fails, pad your proposal.

Mistake: Failing to educate your client about the 3D process

Solution: Explain your work at every available opportunity! Educate your clients about the process and complexity of 3D. Although 3D is becoming more of a norm and clients are becoming better educated with each passing year, most still have little understanding of what we do and how we do it. Educating your clients helps ensure that they understand what you need from them to do your work. This includes the information you need, and the time you need to do your work. Explain how you will need certain information from them to complete your job and help them understand how your schedule is tied to receiving that information.

Demand the same respect from your clients that you show them. If a client respects you, he or she will be less likely to demand unreasonable deadlines and less likely to believe you can be taken advantage of.

Mistake: Not using a contract for certain projects

Solution: Always use a contract! Protect yourself by always specifying in writing, and in great detail, what you and your client are responsible for providing. Specify exactly what each side will receive and when it will be received. The real estate market is dynamic and ever-changing. Even more dynamic is the progress of a typical project. There are often many individuals a client must rely on to see a project through to completion, and if any of these individuals fails to meet his or her own financial responsibilities, a project can collapse. When that happens, your fees can be jeopardized. A project may also be delayed or fail to be approved entirely by a governmental agency. Unscrupulous clients may decide that since they are not going through with their project, they don’t have to pay you. Always plan for the worst in your contracts and think a few steps ahead.

Mistake: Never start working without a deposit

Solution: Demand a reasonable deposit upfront! Never begin working on a project until you receive a reasonable deposit, such as 33% or 50%. Anyone who is unwilling or unable to meet this simple and common business practice is probably someone with whom you should avoid doing business. There are countless reasons why it might seem suitable to begin working without a deposit, but it is not sound business. Making a deposit is the same as making a commitment, and clients unwilling to make such a commitment should be avoided.

Mistake: Making unreasonable concessions for clients

Solution: Be professional and consistent! Gaining respect from your clients and associates requires you to run your business professionally in all aspects. One way to lose the respect of others is to make unreasonable concessions for clients, such as not charging for things that are beyond the scope of a project, working ridiculous hours to accommodate a client who doesn’t pay you on time, and using informal business documents. Set up professional rules for your business, abide by them, and train your clients on what to expect each time they work with you. They will appreciate having a consistent experience with you, and feel more confident referring you to others.

Common Artist Mistakes

Mistake: Not devoting time to learn new techniques

Solution: Make time! Whether you are completely new to 3D or a veteran artist, strive to learn something new with each day of work. CAD operators in general seem to have a tendency to be set in their ways and learning new techniques is often a low priority. Take advantage of every available free resource, and as much as your finances allow, invest your own resources in furthering your education. Make the most of online forums, free tutorials, and peer relationships.

Mistake: Ignoring fundamental concepts

Solution: Master the basics! Many 3D artists produce outstanding work but work much harder and longer at it than is often necessary. Just as important as producing great work is knowing how to produce it efficiently. If you have never studied fundamental concepts such as memory management and proper scene assembly, you would probably be doing yourself a favor to invest some time in these areas.

Mistake: Not creating variety in your work

Solution: Create a unique look with each new project! Every project is obviously different, but too often 3D artists make their projects look the same. Many consistently use the same lighting, the same materials, and the same models with each new project. This not only makes your portfolio less diverse, it also hinders creativity and exploration of new ideas and new techniques. Put something unique and special into every project and expand your imagination whenever possible.

Mistake: Not taking advantage of online support

Solution: Create a support network! Create a network of support with others in the industry and solicit advice and constructive criticism on forums and websites dedicated to 3D visualization. Build friendships with people around the world doing the same work, as they are just as interested in hearing about your business as you are about theirs. Having access to a global community in these days of modern technology means that if you are stuck on something, you will have someone to help you at all hours of the night and on weekends. One of the best ways to improve as a 3D artist is through sharing opinions, receiving constructive criticism, and learning new tips and techniques from others.

Mistake: Ignoring useful resources

Solution: Create a collection of resources! Continually scour the Internet for articles, tutorials, news, reviews, and editorials, and make some type of organized record of them. Don’t overlook topics that are not relevant to a current project, because they may prove useful in future projects. The tools available for our work changes as much as any other industry, and if you don’t spend time looking for the next great tool, you are bound to never learn about it until it’s no longer so great.