Working with a Rendering Artist? Here are the 5 Things You Need to Consider.
Working with a 3D rendering artist on your interior design projects is one of the best time-saving and marketing decisions you can make.
Hours you could have spent going back and forth explaining design ideas to clients are cut significantly when you present an accurately rendered version of the final project. Your clients see why they’re splurging on the bold 36” chandelier rather than saving on a budget-friendly flush mount fixture. The seagrass floor mat is an easy sell when it’s shown in place with their white lacquer dining table.
But, how do you turn sketches and memos into a 3D rendering? As a rendering artist with over 8 years of experience, I have my work with designers down to a science. These are the 5 things I always recommend we have in hand before beginning a project.
The 5 Items You Should Share with Your Rendering Artist:
SOFTWARE PREFERENCES: There are a variety of software tools used to create interior design renderings––two of the most popular are Chief Architect and Home Designer (I offer training sessions in both!). Depending on your needs, you’ll want to discuss the best software for your project and whether your rendering artist works within that platform.
Master Bedroom Dimesions | Designed and Provided by: Anne Carr Designs
If you need to convey technical architectural details to your client, Chief Architect is your best bet. If the softer elements of your design are your bread and butter, then user-friendly Home Designer could suit your needs.
EXISTING PHOTOS OF THE SPACE: Yes, the after is what your client wants to see, but the before is just as important to your rendering artist! Photos of the existing space create context around the design. They allow for clarification of details that can’t always be represented with a floor plan or elevation. Before photos also define relationships between existing millwork and how it frames the design.
DIMENSIONED FLOOR PLANS AND ELEVATIONS: Floor plans and elevations provide the exact measurements and technical specifications that bring your design to life—in accurate detail. Providing plans and elevations could mean the difference between an interior design rendering that’s an artistic interpretation of a space and one that truly makes the space come alive down to every precise inch in Chief Architect.
Master Bedroom Concept Board | Designed and Provided by: Anne Carr Designs
MOOD BOARDS AND INSPIRATION: One of the unexpected perks of hiring a rendering artist is a second set of design savvy eyes on your project. With access to your mood boards and visual inspiration, your rendering artist is not only able to convey your ideas into a 3D form, they’re also there to let you know if something will work within a space. That large-scale custom burl wood coffee table may look fabulous in a showroom, but when put into place in Home Designer, it may become clear that there isn’t enough clearance to comfortably move around it. Or perhaps that ikat print settee is going to look stunning in a Southern exposure window, but the 3D rendering reminds you that sun-proofing is essential.
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS: You want your interior design rendering to represent a vision as close as possible to the finished product and the specifications are what make your design come to life for your clients. If applicable, include manufacturer, collection, model number, and color way for all specifications from kitchens and bathrooms to paint colors and flooring.
FINAL RENDERING | Designed by: Anne Carr Designs | Rendered by: Kelly Fridline Design using Chief Architect X11
How Should You Share this Information with Your Rendering Artist?
Wondering how you’ll share these files with your rendering artist? Dubsado and Dropbox are my go-to tools for interfacing with clients. Dubsado is not only a great project management tool, it’s also ideal for sharing plans and files. And when the files are too large or need to specifically be organized all my designers are assigned a Dropbox Shared Folder. Want to learn more about how I utilize Dubsado and Dropbox with clients? Reach out and we can chat!
*This post contains affiliate links, but in no way sways my use of the products noted above. I have used each of these continually for a minimum of over a year and highly recommend them.