Presenting a 3D object in 2D form in the virtual world is called 3D illustration. Here, the role played by the illustrator is to convey the concept and design of the object in a rendered perspective in the best possible manner. 3D illustration is used mainly for animating and designing. It is created in such a format that it can be used in any resolution based on the client’s requirement. 3D illustration has come a long way from its beginning stage. With the arrival of digital tools, it has certainly changed a lot. Nowadays, 3D digital illustration is used in print, television, advertisements, movies, cartoons, websites, etc.
Purpose of 3D Illustration
3D illustration is used mainly for presentations. Modelling or designing a building for presentation and analysis is very different from that of creating a cartoon character. While creating a cartoon character the illustrator has an advantage. People have no idea how an imaginary character will look like. So, the illustrator can work according to his imagination. But this is not possible when designing a building. People have a preconceived notion about the structure of the building. So, the illustrator has to present the building in such a way that it will meet those expectations.
Technology has intervened in illustration so far and wide that instead of traditional tools digital tools are being used for creating illustrations. Today computer visualisation is considered very effective for presenting design ideas. The software available on the market today can be helpful for the illustrators who have good aesthetic sense in presenting concepts.
Various floors to explore
3D digital illustration is a very recent form of art. There are many unexplored areas left in this field that lie undiscovered. So far, the software used for creating 3D images has created wonders. The images were eye-catching and impressive. Since it is mostly an unexplored file you need the help of an experienced and well-trained 3D digital artist to create a 3D image. The digital technology used for creating 3D illustrations is always changing. Making 3D illustrations of buildings using digital tools often creates design problems. Most of the time, this problem is overlooked in the design process. There are many ways for creating a 3D model.
Collaborating with 3D Illustration and Architectural design
Everyone has their own perception of creating the same model. But in the case of architectural designing, it is different. There are very few methods that you can follow to design a structure. It will be good if every illustrator master's 3D Max for architectural rendering and creating 3D illustrations. The basic understanding of the tools in the software will be very useful while creating 3D scenes. Modelling is only the first step of making Architectural Visualization. The next step that follows in 3D illustration is the use of materials and textures. They provide a platform for adding colour and surface qualities to the design. Textures are formed either by scanning, painting, photographs, or actual materials projected on the 3D surface.
The next thing that comes after material and texture is lighting and rendering. To perform this task requires a keen eye for colour and tone. The illustrator should also have an idea about the limitations of lighting systems. To achieve perfection in creating architectural illustrations, you should have a basic knowledge of photography. This will help you to understand the use of light and how lighting can bring changes to an image. Studying cinematography would also be helpful because it is all about light in motion. Before you use lighting for illustrating 3D you need to master the types of light. You will require a solid grasp of the effects that different types of lights bring to the textures.
