How to Choose the Right 3d Imaging Company for You?

PICKING A 3D DESIGN AGENCY BASEED ON YOUR GOAL

Your 3D requirements will differ greatly if you’re seeking to obtain technical images on a white background for a catalogue or if you’re looking to create a wild and quirky universe for a one-of-a-kind advertisement.

The first thing you need to do is clearly define the goals that are specific to your 3D project, regardless of whether it’s still only in the planning stages or not.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR SEARCH, YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF THE APPROPRIATE QUESTIONS :

• What level of realism are you looking to achieve? Do you consider the realism of the final image as an important criterion?

If so, it’s important to target the right agency because 3D realism is a dedicated area of expertise. According to your level of requirement, you’ll be able to assess an agency’s experience by checking out its portfolio. And you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for additional images, ones that are specific to your sector of activity, if you feel you need more evidence to back up your decision.

If not, you can of course save on the cost of achieving bona fide realism by opting for a more blatant 3D rendering as it makes no difference to you if the end result is ultra-realistic or not. This is especially true in cases such as technical illustrations where the expectations of consumers or users are merely for informational purposes.

• Are you working with tight deadlines or can you wait a few weeks to find exactly what you’re looking for?

You’d be surprised at how promptly some companies can respond to tight deadlines while others are much less efficient in quickly setting the process in motion and validating the project. This is an important factor and one you’ll need to check before you begin as it can have a huge impact on your specific project! Don’t be afraid to ask them exactly how quickly they can deliver and if they are willing to give you priority if you have to contend with tight deadlines.

• Do you need a large number of 3D images or just a few beauty shots?

If you’ll be needing a large amount of 3D images during a single year, it’s important to make sure that the 3D studio will be able to handle the volume, and it’s even MORE important to choose them for their working methodology.

CHOOSING A 3D IMAGING STUDIO BASED ON ITS AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Obviously, each individual 3D studio develops its own specific type of experience over time. Companies are often singled out because they’ve worked on similar products so clients feel that they’re in chartered territory. And this, of course, is a good argument.

You’ll notice that there are several areas of specialization in the field of 3D photorealism: the rendering of textures and materials, of water, fire and other natural elements, of indoor and outdoor environments, and so forth. You’ll see that realistic 3D visualization encompasses everything relating to interior design, the creation of manufactured products, clothing and sporting goods, the textile industry, the agri-food sector, packaging, etc. In other words, all companies looking to obtain visuals that are as close as possible to the end user customer’s reality.

However, you shouldn’t automatically assume that the agency doesn’t know how to do anything else just because you haven’t seen examples of their achievements. You’ll be happy to know that when it comes to ambitious challenges or innovative projects, you may find that a team that doesn’t have ten years of experience with your type of product can sometimes provide fresh creative energy. Design studios love to innovate and tackle new challenges!

One thing you should never turn down is the offer of a free trail run to see what their 3D designers are capable of achieving. It’s a great place to start if you want to put them to the test!

THE COST OF YOUR 3D PROJECT

The cost will obviously be a deciding factor in your final choice. Committing to the lowest priced company can be tempting but it’s not necessarily the best decision. After all, it’s your public image that you’re entrusting to these masters of the three dimensional.

Just imagine how much an ill-chosen service provider could cost you, one who doesn’t understand your needs, makes you repeat what you’re looking for, wastes your time or, worse still, with whom you will never be able to achieve your goals.

Quality comes with a price tag! 3D design and modelling requires time and expertise, but more importantly, a good agency should put customer service at the top of its list of priorities.

FINDING A 3D STUDIO WITHIN YOUR MEANS

Don’t have a clear idea of how much you’ll need to budget in order to carry out your 3D project? Requesting a quote and establishing personalized contact will help you get a clearer picture of what to expect.

It is generally agreed that you need to request 3 different quotes in order to have a good idea of how much your project will cost.

Of course, if a company immediately catches your fancy or if you feel there’s a strong connection personality-wise, your gut instinct is also a good guideline to follow. An agency that gives the impression they want to work for you is always more appealing than the other way around… And as the saying goes, we should stick to our first choice because spontaneity is rarely wrong.

CHOOSING AN OPTIMISTIC AND DEDICATED TEAM, BUT ONE TAHT IS ALSO WELL-ORGANIZED AND AVAILABLE

The part played by the team that spends its time working on a project is often underestimated and should be taken into consideration when making your final decision.

It’s always nicer to work with friendly and attentive people who are committed to doing their job well.

And doing one’s job well is more than just mastering one’s trade and knowing one’s sector of activity. The team also need to ask the right questions, be attentive to the project’s goals (in other words be committed to its success), not hesitate to ask clients questions in order to pinpoint their needs, and sometimes even anticipate them if necessary.

A committed and diligent team brings added value to the 3D design company you’ll decide to work with.

A STRONG ABILIY TO LISTEN AND EASY DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE DESIGNERS: A MESURE OF QUALITY

The time will come when there’s a lot at stake in your 3D project and in this type of situation you’ll need your 3D team to be highly responsive.

Communication is key to overcoming difficulties. And a team’s efficiency can be measured by its ability to listen. The easier it is to contact the 3D designer in charge of your project and the more accessible they are, the more you’ll feel you’re in safe hands!

A TIMELY RESPONSE AND FLEXIBILITY

Finding a 3D design company that you can trust can be a lengthy process the first time around but you’ll save so much energy in the long term.

Ensuring that the 3D designers are readily available by email or phone, and that you can interact with them directly and rapidly through any channel of communication, is a valuable benchmark when choosing a design company, especially when it comes to sharing information or if you have a question you need to ask or there happens to be a comprehension issue regarding the project.

If you’re making a long-term investment, it’s well worth the effort to find a friendly and well organized team to work with because in the long run you’ll be saving a lot of energy on your project.

Have you found yourself in a last-minute rush and need a 3D image right away, this very instant? A team’s flexibility in this particular case is invaluable. Doing business with a company capable of recognizing your priorities as a client is a way of protecting yourself for the next stages of the project. It’s a guarantee that the people you’re working with are both reliable and loyal. And that is simply priceless.

QUEBEC, CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES: THE POSSIBLE COLLABORATION

Companies no longer need to be geographically close to maintain successful business partnerships. An increasing number of American firms are choosing to call on service providers located across the border and Quebec is a truly appropriate choice when it comes to 3D projects…

Canada has carved out an enviable place on the international 3D stage.

Quebec has an abundance of highly skilled professionals and talented 3D designers, but that’s not the only reason it’s beneficial to work with the Belle Province. American companies have in fact a lot to gain by working with Canadian contractors because Canada is recognized as having a highly competitive quality/cost ratio! And that will be a nice surprise when you receive your final bill.

There’s also the time zone difference that allows your projects to move forward in a virtually continuous manner. While you’re asleep, we’re hard at work, and during your working day, we’re taking our break! The perfect scenario for synchronizing deadlines.

You now know everything you need to know about choosing the right 3D imaging studio for all your upcoming projects!