CGI is the application of computer graphics used to design still or animated visual contents. What is the full form of CGI? CGI is the abbreviation for Computer-Generated Imagery. It has wide applicability in films, ad commercials, television programs, videos, and 3D images.
CGI is way cheaper than the physical way of creating miniatures, as it does not require extra resources. Plus, it is also not safe to shoot in remote locations and possible to create such visuals. CGI enables 3D image creation that is otherwise not possible to do using any other technology.
CGI is a young art form used to create 3D pictures, animation, and visual art. With CGI, anyone can create high-quality product images and graphics to make their products gain a 360 view. Not just that, artists can add extended realities and interactivity through AR and VR to offer next-gen consumer experiences.
The combo of CGI and 3D rendering is a great pick. It helps in creating 3-dimensional product imagery that is a perfect fit to boost your brand across digital and e-commerce platforms.
CGI can be used to create many such 3D models of buildings, cars, humans, and far-off locations. The created 3D models are then connected to a real-life scenario to build engaging products.
HOW DOES CGI WORK?
CGI is executed in various ways. It uses algorithms to build fractals that help create sophisticated visual patterns. The other methods include drawing in a 2D pixel-based image editor and designing shapes to create images.
CGI allows easy assembling of 3D shapes and images. It only takes seconds or minutes to render a single frame that results in the creation of naturalistic photos.
The 3D graphics are also put to use to create computer-generated images. It works by ray tracing or vector 3D graphics. Ray tracing influences the way light shades fall upon the surfaces making them extremely flexible.
While rasterized 3D exclusively deals in the real-time display of animated images. It uses polygons and other shapes to add superior textures that help in defining the color, surface texture, and glow of a 3D image.
With CGI, a single artist can produce content without any use of actors, costly set pieces, or props.
3D RENDERING
You might have seen a 3D rendered image in recent times. Well, it is quite popular in the digital world of today.
Whether you are gazing at animated caricatures, tossing magazine pages, or scrolling through social media on your smartphone, you are likely to see digital images designed by the process of 3D rendering. In reality, 3D rendered images have become a new norm of the visual content industry for content creators, marketers, and many others.
Although 3D rendered images have become a common part of your daily life, they are just simple images created with artistic skills and graphics software. Let’s dive in to see what 3D rendering is and how it works in the domain of advertising and marketing.
What is 3D rendering?
3D rendering is the method of creating an image relying on the three-dimensional data stored in a computer. It is basically a method of turning a 3D model into a 2D image to make it viewable for common people. It can be used to create an array of images, anything from unrealistic to photorealistic.
The 3D rendering undergoes so much detailing that most consumers are unable to spot a difference between a captured snap and a 3D rendered image. The process of designing a 3D rendering image starts with 3D modelling which we will look into in detail in the next section.
The initial days of 3D rendering were limited to a handful of big organizations with deep pockets and plenty of resources. Just think of the big-budget films like the Harry Potter series and Tron that was produced by big studios.
But, it is easily accessible in today’s times. Even the software and tools that were earlier missing to render a 3D image have improved a lot and are widely available now. Today, companies of any size can come up with 3D rendered images without spending any hefty amount. Let’s dig in a little more to see how a 3D rendering works.
How does a 3D rendering process work?
The 3D rendering involves a fusion of planning, software, and artistic skills. Just the right strategy is not enough, what you require is the blend of the right tools and experience to create an appealing product that talks to viewers.
Step 1: Working on The Client’s Vision
The first step is to understand the client’s expectations. A 3D artist looks for the plans, sketches, and reference images shared by the client. The artist then visualizes the project and envisages the camera angles for a 3D image.
Step 2: 3D Modelling
The artist creates a virtual model using 3D modelling software. The 3D modelling process undergoes an array of steps to come up with a 3D image.
- Lighting: In this step, an artist uses software algorithms to reproduce natural lighting. The lighting effects are added within the 3D modelling software to amplify the image in all three dimensions. Lighting also helps to create a 3D image perception for 2D images.
- Texturing: The software reads the surface texture that is already present in the 3D model. Well, it does so by tracking the light and colour variations present in it. Texturing plays a key role in the creation of a photorealistic 3D rendered image.
Step 3: Rendering
Rendering is the actual process of image creation. What 3D modelling software does is convert a model into a high-resolution image. It then applies to plenty of visual content.
Step 4: Refining
The final process of a 3D image development is high-quality editing. The editing undergoes lighting, texturing, and various other editing programs to deliver a polished image. The 3D artists arduously work on the images to fine-tune the appearance of the image that matches well with the client’s expectations.
After the final rendering of the image has been refined and completed, it can then be applied across applications of the client’s choice.
How Much Time 3D Rendering Take?
The time taken to render a 3D image depends on the context and the starting point. Let’s go through some examples to understand it.
Example 1: 3D rendered images for a product catalogue
Suppose, a B2C brand wants to expand its e-commerce photography. Well, it is possible to create natural images for its entire catalog with the use of rendering software.
A brand can create a million high-resolution images in a week. The brand then replaces the traditional product photos with these 3D images. 3D rendering is way faster than traditional product photography.
Example 2: 3D rendered images for product customization
A 3D rendering application also allows shoppers to view product customizations in real-time while shopping on your website. With an interactive 3D application, it is quite possible to develop 3D renderings in real-time.
For instance, a shopper can make color changes and view extra features instantly.
Example 3: Start fresh to create 3D rendered images
Both of the above examples considered the 3D product file to be ready with you.
When you start from scratch, the process of creating a rendering will take time. Developing a basic model takes time on which a 3D image is created.
3D MODELLING
3D modeling is all about creating a 3D illustration of any object or a surface by exploiting simple shapes, polygons, and edges in simulated 3D software. Well, you can see all of that in current movies, animations, and the unstoppable video games teens are crazy about.
Based on the modeling format, real-life objects are fed into 3D software through a 3D-scanning device. You can then create a final 3D model using these digital objects. After that, you can exploit these objects the way you want to use them.
3D Modelling Uses
Let’s look at a few industries where 3D modeling finds its use extensively.
- TV/Films – 3D modeling is the key to create CGI characters, objects, animations, and creative titling for movies and commercials.
- Video Game Development – It helps create the whole 3D elements of video games. These video elements are pretty much the same as the animations being used in any film or TV commercial.
- Architecture – The 3D CAD models are a great help to create real-life fabrics. A 3D modeling can build engaging renderings of buildings and structures.
- Engineering – It comes with various techniques to create designs and models to ensure engineering masterpieces. The 3D way of doing things has replaced manual fabrication and offered a quicker solution to build things.
How Does 3D Modeling work?
A 3D artist starts by creating some primitive shapes like a cube, or a plane. Well, it’s just a start to modeling.
The artist creates a basic form and then exploits the basic forms with the help of modeling tools. To get started, it’s always better to make simple forms and then head for complex forms and shapes.
3D modeling is all about following an outline to place the individual vertices to get the right contours for a specific object.
The mesh exteriors comprise polygons that can be divided into short forms to design more details. These small forms play a key role to create a 3D animation.
When creating delicate models like creating a character’s knee or elbow bends, it needs extra polygons to establish dynamic motion.
Well, various tools help you hasten your modeling process. All such programs have a mirroring technique that aids an artist to create a symmetrical model. You can create such well-formed designs by working on even a quarter part of the object.
It offers great help to design creative characters. What an artist need is to work on one side of the character and the 3D software aligns the desired axis on the second half to create a perfect model.
This way an artist can create an appealing model, they can even design more complex models than it is. These kinds of techniques come to great help for creating complex video games.
A Look into 3D Modelling Softwares You Must Have
3D modeling software offers wings to an artist to create 3D objects and design characters. The tools are an inescapable way to pour your creative art into adding realistic details to your designs. Here is some 3D modeling software in high use among 3D artists.
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD is into the 3D world way before people came to know about it. The commercial software was released in 1982 and designers reckon it as the gold standard of 3D designing. It is available for Windows and macOS users.
- ZBrush: ZBrush displays clay sculpting tools into practice and is very much there in its pro-level software. The process does take hours to execute and is not a great fit for newbies. Sculptris also comes from the same bunch of developers, which is similar but more of a simple choice to make.
- SketchUp: SketchUp offers a 3D program for designers having basic know-how of 3D modeling. The tool helps to create architectural structures and is even used to visualize interior designs, engineering, construction, and urban planning.
PHOTOREALISTIC RENDERING
Photorealistic rendering is the magical realm of transforming a crude image into a real-life photograph. Well, it is a branch of 3D rendering to create a final image that is hard to differentiate from reality.
These images find extensive use in the domain of architecture and interior design. It creates basic know-how of how a project will look like at its final stages.
Photorealistic renderings also channelize real estate marketing to build an emotional connection between the client and the property, even before its construction.
Furniture catalogues also use photorealistic rendered images to put up furniture in real life setup. That too, with no need for physical setups.
They come to great help even into product design and prototypes along with a wide variety of areas.
Steps to create a Photorealistic 3D image
#1 3D Modelling:
It starts with creating an object’s geometry predefined measurements. We have plenty of tools to design 3D models such as Google SketchUp, ZBrush, and a few more. If you want a free tool, try your hands out of Blender.
#2 recreating physical attributes using materials to design realistic images
The tools already come with materials in all colours and surfaces. These surfaces and objects you work to reflect and absorb light. So, it is important to tune up a few traits like transparency, object texture, and a few more.
#3 picking up light sources
The lighting has a key impact on your model object. It can be both artificial and natural. For an artist, choosing the brightness and depth of light matters the most in creating a real object. Even the shadow work plays a significant role to design a dynamic 3D model.
#4 ideal placement of virtual cameras
For a 3D artist, placing the virtual cameras keeping the right angles in mind is very important.
#5 rendering
3D rendering or portraying the image onto a 2D surface is a key part of 3D modelling. PRMan, Corona Render, Maxwell Render are some popular rendering tools in wide use among artists.
#6 adding special effects
Processing of handy images by the use of special effects tools like Adobe After Effects Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro. An artist can explore wide horizons of artwork by feeding special effects like surroundings, extra shades & effects to create atmospheric images.
You can pour your vision onto 3D digital software to create something meaningful either for yourself or your clients or even your personal business.
A 3D model can even be reused after its final construction. This has made possible the availability of ready-made models into the market. Now. Designers can pick such models as per their project needs and lower their overall expenses.
Benefits of Photorealistic renderings
These images offer plenty of benefits to a wide audience looking to scale their businesses, enhance their personal profile, and create unimaginable stuff.
- Help developers and real estate agencies sell their products
Developers and realtors are leaving no stone unturned to connect better with their target audience. They are using content marketing (blogs & social channels) to create brand awareness, engage with their audience, raise their brand reputation, and boost their sales.
There are ample ways to do that.. Photorealistic rendering is one of them. It is a great way to make your brand stand out from your rivals.
It does the most important job for real estate developers and realtors. That is building an emotional connection with people.
The only thing they need to take care of is producing a refined image to maximize their marketing goals. As a realtor, you can even test the market before construction to check if people are actually interested in buying something that you are willing to offer.
- Allow architects and designers to make an impact
As a designer, you would spend a lot of time preparing a project for an architectural bout. So, why not give your best to it?
The best sane advice we would give is to heed the visual quality of your proposal.
Imagine the jury being shown plenty of project boards. Now, which one do you think will excite them? The project board with amazing visuals. Isn’t it!
Before submitting your project, make sure that your project boards create an instant connection with the jury and stand out from the rest.
Not every idea demands quality visuals. Quite often, you only need to have a visualization of how space would look after it’s built. So, it’s enough to create a basic 3D model in the design phase.
- High-End Visuals For Social Networks
Visual content is undoubtedly the king on social channels. Being exposed to so much information day in day out, only the striking visuals manage to catch our attention. That’s where photorealistic rendering comes in…
Did you ever think of how many daily hours you spend on the Internet to find some inspiration for your projects? Well, people spend an average of 144 minutes daily on social media.
And that’s why you must rethink your marketing strategy to create something unique and alluring for your audience right away.
If your architecture has still not hit the floors of social media, now is the right time to do so.
Open Facebook and Instagram one by one to create your business profile right now!
3D RENDERING SERVICES
3D rendering services not only save your time and money, but also offer a unique model to make your brand stand out. There are plenty of benefits for you, your clients, and consumers. Let’s delve into what it has to offer for you.
3D rendering services are a time play, but it offers a tangible solution to your business needs. With advances in rendering tools and powerful computers, it has overcome the old school miniatures and mockups. Even the creative art that was a matter of hours is now a few minutes affair.
For the sake of keeping it short and crisp, we will look into what it has to offer for real estate and construction marketing.
Interior Visualisation
3D rendering creates realistic interior visualisations. What it does is allow a client to see what a property will look like in its final stages including all the interior arts and decorations.
From projecting lighting effects to paint colours, and the work of texture, 3D rendering does it all. It also gives easy demonstrations for housing furniture and decor placements.
Let’s move on textures…
Textures
Seeing the miniature examples of a building interior does incite you to find out what a full-blown structure will look like. Rendering services help cross the transition phase and make it to the final stage.
Interior textures may seem fancy when seen in swatches. However, it may turn around to be overly thick or a deceiving combo of lustre and colour in lit conditions. Swapping elements parallelly is only possible through 3D rendered visualization techniques and does offer a captivating client experience.
That’s the power of 3D rendered techniques. It lets you swap the colour shades in a jiffy or realign the gloss to display a spray-sand finish.
Even the flooring choices like a wood floor, carpet, or marble setting are feasible, and that too in minutes.
Well, carpeting and floor work does not eat plenty of time, even in real life. But a change in layout can create chaos. It could be rocky to move the elements without adjusting the walls, even in a miniature model.
Thanks to the 3D services – just drag and drop is all you need to move objects within a room. With a default decor setting, your clients can see the final model in a flash.
Even the colours and texture adjustments are feasible to give the room interior a holistic view.
Site Animation
The exterior changes are also pretty simple to execute with similar yet distinct site animation contours.
Create memorable landscapes to display the visuals you want to…
You just need a few mouse clicks to morph a grass into local flora. Adding effects like simulated water, sewage or weather changes or even a time-lapse video is easy to create.
Displaying a tree’s growth can do wonders to create a visual story of how a house turns into a home with a family.
That is so profitable for your business…
HOUSE RENDERINGS
Home renderings conduct a full rendering of your home to create 3D house plans. It can turn your unique ideas into 3D animations & build a real model to show it to others.
The visualization techniques in house renderings can imbibe a lot of customizations. It can add all kinds of objects like people, shades, trees, etc. To glorify your home exteriors. You can even add interior details to display your house at its best in front of your clients.
3D House Renderings Services
It is in wide use with interior designers, developers, real estate firms, and realtors. The 3D house renderings are a great resource to turn your property on paper into a top-selling deal.
Choosing between property or designers is a crucial choice to make, especially when your money is on a bet. For that, you need the right tool that can ease out your rendering process.
To see reliable architectural contours, you need to use a professional rendering service.
3D rendering plays a key role to pick out flaws and other problems in your house rendering. It helps you to correct your errors before getting it published for clients. A reliable house rendering service will save you time and money before making any costly investment into construction.
Let’s show you the 3D house rendering services that can turn your rendering into creative photorealistic visualizations that will include highly artistic designs.
- 3D Floor Planning
A 3D floor photograph is a great way to add elements like doors, windows, and many other such things. It can give you a key planning strategy to showcase the room sizes, layouts, and furniture design for your clients.
A floor plan is a key way to check out any potential issues and is a better way to plan out your budget accordingly.
- 3D Interior Renderings
Designers use the 3D interior renderings to help clients see through their prospective homes and help them see the core elements and colour selection. The tool is key for your homeowners to explore a house. It will help them get what they want with added features and design specifications.
Picking up a house animation is a cost-friendly solution to display your model homes in a good light. And it’s so easy to spread them across to your potential clients.
- 3D Exterior Renderings
The house exterior matters as much as the interior of it. A sketch is not enough for clients to grasp the home specifications. A 3D tool can create a dream house exterior for you with so much ease.
You can choose all the exterior features you want to display in your model house. Adding a driveway, walking path, or creating a landscape is not much difficult.
PRODUCT RENDERINGS
Product rendering is a wonderful way to advertise your product in the industry.
High-end camera images are a thing of the past. Designers no more need to undergo lighting setup and work on editing for hours.
So, what exactly is product rendering? It is all about using the rendering tools to create photorealistic images to drive marketing and advertising campaigns. You can easily display a single product from distinct angles.
Product rendering allows marketers to project house ideas before they are put to construction.
Uses of Product Rendering
Used for designing purposes.
It is a great way to develop concepts for end products. Engineers have a good time working on the initial stages of product development as it helps them predict better what to expect in the final product.
The design elements such as lighting, colours, and texture are for aesthetic purposes. However, the technicalities of product designing can be worked upon with a specific visualization in mind.
Product sketch rendering helps designers project raw ideas and concepts through sketching. It gives quick product insights and establishes a better interaction among the client and designers.
However, a product sketch renderer does need good artistic skills to create a natural-looking product.
Now, let’s look into the various fields where product rendering plays a key role to carry out the specific process.
- CAD formats
Product renderings have replaced the need for physical prototypes. It is easy to create sample outlines, pictures, CAD formats, and client-specific layouts with photo-realistic product rendering.
The product renderer needs to take care of the lighting setup to give a real look to the model object. 2D images do offer a bit of fancy but the use of 3D elements makes the product design way more engaging.
The recent introduction of a new feature known as Live Linking, allows users to render and work on CAD models at once. It takes users to the next step of design and rendering integration.
- Cloud-based rendering
Product rendering is not only a play of high-end software. The advances in technology have made rendering feasible through web-based channels.
Lagoa is a great platform to carry out 3D rendering and product visualization. It gives high definition product images without any need for high-end hardware or software.
- Advertising goals
Even after a product rendering is complete, you still need a bit of editing to make your products look stunning. Creative elements like touch-ups filters and superimpositions add an extra hand to your product designs.
These elements may seem a little superficial to the customers. However, they are a great pick for marketing and ad goals to lure your customers.
Smart tech has given wings to product development that allows users to create exactly what they want a product to be. It reflects a captivating lifestyle and influences the customer to test the product.
Apart from displaying the intent of a product, it also lures customers into its grip. That’s the power of product rendering.
You must choose a reliable designer to create ads for your products. That will ensure you gain maximum on your product marketing and test the market.
