Advice to aspiring 3D artist.

Over the years, I have had many young students or aspiring 3D artists ask me for advice. For my first blog post, I have chosen to give some advice all of you. First, some background. Over the past 10 years the architectural 3D business has changed in so many ways. When I started doing this “on the side” in 1997 the internet was just a baby. There were no schools, websites, tutorials, or books that gave a clear approach. In 1999 I quit my full time job to start Pechara Studio. It was the best of times and the worst of times. On one hand, there were very few companies doing this. If I recall, there were only 2 companies in all of California who did 3D visualization. On the other hand we were all in the midst of the tech bubble bursting. Nothing was for sure. At the time, I was working in a small software company and the writing was on the wall. Within 6 months of me leaving, the company folded. At the time, 3D technology was not really being used as a mainstream tool. Many architects preferred (as some still do) to illustrate by hand. Over the 10 years I have seen this change 180 degrees. Most of my current clients use 3D to some capacity in their office. I think about 5 years ago the AEC community fully embraced 3D as a standard for design and presentation. These days I see many different companies offering 3D services to the AEC industry. Many of them are offshore, but that’s a topic for a different blog.

So what does it take to make it in the current 3D market you ask? I feel there are 3 major components that make a person a success.

Develop your own style.

It does not matter what software you use. Software is a tool, it’s a hammer, or a saw. There are more and more options out there. They are not all created equal, but most will work in some combination. Remember that you are the illustrator, the software is a tool that you use to create your vision with. The #1 question people ask me is “what software do you use?” My answer over the years has evolved to another question “Does it matter?” My father, who is a high-end finish carpenter can build things with cheap tools that a beginner could not even dream of building while using high-end tools. More importantly, all the work he produces has a soul to it, a vision, pride. It’s important to focus on the vision of the projects, and use whatever tools are right for you.

You have to know architecture.

Most young people that I have spoken to over the years have made this mistake. They go to an art school were they learn some particular package. Something that is widely accepted as the 3D standard tool. By they know close to nothing about the architecture and the way buildings are built. I have seen some nice renderings that violate code and any engineering standard. That’s how I usually spot fresh out of college students. My advice, forget 3D for now, go work in construction for a while, after that, go work for an architect as a drafter or designer, take architectural design classes that don’t use CAD. Autocad is a great tool. But it will not tech you how to build a building. Learn the inside outs of what you are illustrating. That’s how I got here.

Work Ethic.

While your path will be much different than mine, I feel that there is one thing that ties all successful professionals. Strong, almost compulsive work ethic and the need to please your clients. I found that the reason why my clients work with me over the years is that they can depend on me. They can depend on the fact that I always take a personal interest in their project. That I will give 100% to get it done within the parameters that we all have to live in. If you asked my wife, she would tell you of countless long nights and working weekends. A client who calls you on a Friday with a emergency project that needs to be done by Monday and you in turn accept the work happily and get it done, is a client who will come back and put their trust in you. You must never loose this drive, or become complacent.


There are many different other attributes and techniques that I hope to discuss with you in future posts. Since this is my first blog ever, I thought I keep it short. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or are looking for advice. I hope to be able to address your questions in future posts.