information + portfolio

Its not important for everyone to understand our workflow (it is a bit complex), but it is an important aspect of how we successfully deliver services, and for those who "like to know" we have included a detailed outline of our methodology. Suasive_visual has a flexible methodology to accommodate the variety of project types and the varying scope of work that needs to be achieved. That said, each project can be typically broken down into a variety of steps in a standard methodology that can be adapted to meet the unique requirements of each project and client. We have found that having a carefully thought out aproach to our projects saves time, focuses creativity and makes even the largest project manageable. We can adapt this basic framework to projects that take several months, to projects that take just a few hours.

1. Gather and Receive Client information. Gathering and receiving information is an ongoing process throughout the production of the project, and can range from a napkin sketch to a complete package of information materials depending on the nature of the project. Initially at least some client information must be provided and may include, but is not limited to (or all required), source documents, material and colour, viewing angle/camera position, environment and photos. Source Documents: Client supplies or suasive_visual gathers all architectural renderings or animation project pertinent information (including but not limited to, CAD drawings, PDF files, hand sketches, or photos). Material and Colour: Clients may supply pictures for material and material colour, list descriptions or pick material and material color from suasive_visual’s material library. Viewing Angle / Camera Position: Clients may specify the viewing angle for the model. Client may request different angles for model view before deciding final viewing angle. Environment: Clients may describe the surrounding elements that need to be incorporated into the renderings; for example, people, trees, signs, terrain type, climate, and etc. Photos: Client may provide or suasive_visual may gather photos for backgrounds or montages.

2. Review Client Information. The information will be reviewed and accessed in order to determine a recommended solution or to quote a specifically requested solution. Particular care will be taken to familiarize with the project as much as possible in order to be properly prepared for discussing the project and its possible solutions with the client. Multiple options may be developed as required or requested.

3. Recommend and Determine Solution and Provide Quote. Suasive_visual will contact the client and recommend and discuss possible solutions to the Client. Based on those discussions, a solution and scope of work will be determined and suasive_visual will provide a precise fee and estimated project completion time base on the project’s and client’s requirements. Projects begin upon authorization (medium or larger projects will require written authorization). Suasive will assign a unique project number to the project.

4. Schedule Solution. Suasive_visual will schedule the solution based on the project’s requirements and completion time. Deadlines for each element or phase of the project will be determined and the client will be informed of their required participation dates and requirements, such as deadlines for review, and deadlines for providing key information (if they are still developing the design, which is often the case). For medium and larger projects a Gantt chart will be produced to allow for easy adjustment of the schedule as required and to clearly outline the workflow and track as it progresses. There is sometimes, but not always a significant lag between step 4 and step 5, such as a project will be quoted and scheduled several weeks or even months in advance while the designer further develops their design.

5. Production of the Solution. Suasive_visual will produce the solution based on the schedule, revising the schedule as dictated by the realities of the project. There are too many possible permutations to document the often unique requirements of every project, but a typical 3D architectural illustration project will consists of the following:

A. Modelling: Modelling is the first step to the creation of 3D objects: That is, defining the shape and construction of the object to be created.
B. 1st Client Review: Client reviews and approves progress. Return to Step A as required for revisions.
C. Texturing: Texturing is a process whereby any graphic file (e.g. BMP, JPG, PNG etc) is actually 'wrapped' or 'projected' onto the 3D mesh itself, so that the mesh can more accurately represent complex materials such as wood and marble.
D. Lighting and Environment: The project is lit and any required environmental effects such as haze and typical atmospheric conditions are added.
E. Test Rendering: The project is partially rendered in the desired style and form of output, such as stills, animations, or interactive products at draft quality.
F. 2nd Client Review: Client reviews and approves progress. Return to Steps C-E as required for revisions.
G. Final Rendering: The project is completely rendered in the desired style and form of output, such as stills, animations, or interactive products at final quality.
H. Post-production: Video editing, photo compositing, graphic layout or other required post production is implemented.

6. Final Review: Verify the Quality of the Solution. The preliminary final output will be carefully reviewed and then the client will be presented the proofs for the project and consulted to verify that the work provided meets all their requirements and any final revisions are implemented as required. Client satisfaction is paramount and a signoff is required to verify completion.

7. Deliver Solution: Client will be delivered the product in its required final form, such as prints, digital files and DVDs. A third party provider will be utilized for printing services and other forms of media. A project CD archive and proofs will also be provided for their use and records.