Is there any money to be made in...

[ryder133]

Basically, Ive been an avid LW fan for ages now mainly a hobbyist user but now as I get older Im starting to wonder if I can use what Ive learnt to make money?:question:

Ive been drawn mainly to interior design in LW so this would seem a field of work where I can have fun in.

What do you guys say, I dont know the first thing about demand for LW users in the CGI industry so would it be worth it? Who, as clients, could I sell 3d interior mock ups to?

[Iain]

The sad truth is that there isn't a large market for anything like this.

There is work for freelance artists, regardless of what app you use, in all areas but where software choice becomes an issue is if you want others to employ you or take your work and use it further.
Then LW is a bit of an albatross, in this country at least.

The best advice I can give is to learn at least one other application and don't restrict yourself to one type of work.

Good luck.

[OnlineRender]

if you can use 3DC or ZB with LW your onto a good start ,just remember there's very little scope atm for employment full stop .
You have to be lucky or extremely good ,and unfortunately I'm nether

[ryder133]

Thanks for the replies, although thats fairly disappointing I really thought there was a market for this kinda stuff albeit a small one. Unfortunately I only know one program and thats LW and really dont have the time to learn a whole new program right now. I fall in the same category as you onlinerender as being neither also.:i_agree:

I have been on a few sites like these and its a place where you can sell your own 3D models to buyers it looks like this is the best bet for making money from interior models.
http://www.3dexport.com

http://www.3dm3.com

[cresshead]

that segment of the market is small..there are people doing it obviously but i think they are ususally interior designers who either do it themselves or have a contract in place with a 3d studio to turn their sketches in a cg image.

most interior design with Cg is done with 3dsmax and Vray being the most dominant renderer for such results as the client needs...obviously lightwave or any 3d app can be used but 3dsmax seems to have abit of a hold on that area though sketchup pro is also gaining alot of ground in bridging the sketch >>to cg model and has also recently added Vray as a renderer choice.

my best advice is to network/visit/call interior designers and their associated contacts and create a sample of work [portfolio] for them to look at and maybe offer you some freelace work in that area.

[biliousfrog]

Unfortunately 3d is expensive and time consuming so any work must be cost effective. I've done a little work for interior design companies but it's not a market that usually has a lot of money to throw at 3d. The interior designers can usually create plans and illustrations that are good enough to get a concept across so the 3d stuff needs to do something extra special and the end result must be that the interior designers win a contract for much more than they've spent.

A prime example is a couple of interior renders of a proposed restaurant upgrade for the national archive. I was hired by a company that designs kitchens and food hall installations, they were hired by an interior designer. Once they got the contract the restaurant required painting, new serving areas, new furniture, new kitchen, rewiring, replumbing...that's a lot of work so they wanted to be sure that they got the contract. A redesign of a living room isn't going to require anywhere near as much work so some simple sketches would probably be enough, it's unlikely that anyone would hire a 3d guy to construct, surface and light the room for a few days of redecorating and some scatter cushions.

[archijam]

Ive been drawn mainly to interior design in LW so this would seem a field of work where I can have fun in.

Archvis is a difficult trade to get into, but as far as LW being bad software - Iain, I totally disagree with you on this one.

(oops sorry Iain - misread you - if you want to work at an office, it would depend if you are the only one filling that role. With LWCAD working from cad drawings has never been easier)

One area where you are not disadvantaged in LW is Archviz, as a solo operator, IMO (as much as we always ask for more). LW has never been better in this regard (FPrime + 9.6.1 notwithstanding)

Actually I think it's very regional. Look for who else is in your area doing visualisations, and (if you can) find out prices. You may be surprised (both bad or good) ...

[prometheus]

A little interesting info.

I believe that in the latest 2009 IKEA catalog, most of the interior stuff is made in 3d, something about 90% of it is what Ivé heard.

And probably 3d max I believe, They were looking for some 3d max people around 2 years ago.

Michael

[Hieron]

The program of choice seems an uninteresting part of the equation, but you stated LW is the only option anyway. so that's settled :)

If you're currently employed then money is not the biggest of issues, make sure you allocate plenty of time and really build a few very good portfolio renders of the business you want to be in. And if you plan to do it solo, make sure you are excellent at selling yourself and your work. Perhaps that's even the toughest part..

Think about all the people you know and their positions and jobs. Who has a possible need for visualisation (don't stick to arch vis) and is in the position to give you one. etc. Do one for free for a friend if you must, to gain trust and show you are able to bring a project to the finish line.

It's alot more complex than just about the program, the renderer and whether there are even jobs.

[ryder133]

Thanks for the advice, I have recently started putting a portfolio together but the hardest part is getting the renders to look good and professional, (ala otacon :D)

I know they're other areas of work where the market is bigger and more chance for work but interiors are more fun for me so I think Ill stick with it a little while longer and see where it goes.

May I ask Iain, do you make your interiors for clients or is it more personal hobby work?

[Iain]

My interiors are mostly for employers and clients with the odd personal work thrown in.