What does 3D visualization cost? An attempt to explain.

Are you a 3D novice and don't know how these spatial visualizations are created? Then you've come to the right place. We describe the steps necessary to create 3D content. Are you afraid of high expenses for 3D images? You will see: CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) is not that expensive. The costs are comparable to a photo shoot without the technology and material abundance. In addition, the processes can be automated over time or even handled by machine learning without human intervention. However, for the time being, this applies mainly to large-scale productions, where the already immense effort can be reduced in this way. For individual projects, much human power is still the order of the day.

3D projects always involve different steps that lead to the result. For a general overview, see our article on how 3D content is created. The first steps are very similar to the real world: for a picture or a movie, the first step is always to get the extra - your product or whatever is to be starred - into shape. Then 3D content needs at least a studio - or even an extended photo/film set that wants to be assembled digitally first. Once everything is built (modeled) and made pretty (materialized), light/illumination is needed - because even in 3D, it's the light that makes the picture! And last but not least, we need a camera that needs to be set up by a trained eye. That's it for a still image.

If our project is an animation, our protagonist - and maybe even other parts of our scene - have to be rigged and animated correctly. The object must be taught how to move - or how it can move. Once everything is done, rendering and post-production follow. This turns the initially minimalistic CGI world into a visually appealing result. Depending on the size of the respective studio, different experts deal with the project. So while smaller studios and providers tend to have generalists working on the project, large providers are looking for experts with in-depth knowledge. This goes so far that there are even specialists for developing dust in films. Accordingly, in addition to the possibilities of small and large companies, the price structure looks quite different.

And: this example excludes the effort to produce interactive content. A screen deployment requires scenes to be optimized for different platforms (3D data is resource-hungry). Interactions with the content must be designed and implemented - and provided with a UI and a UX so that the interaction is both understandable and exciting for the person using it.

From the previous descriptions, it should have become clear that the effort comprises many individual actions. For a better overview, we have summarized - and categorized - the different approaches. After all, the creation of technical objects differs significantly from organic modeling - and if animated, the requirements are entirely different.

Here is a brief overview:

Without going into detail about numbers and costs, we want to give some hints about the effort involved in creating 3D models from design data:

These are, of course, only a few sketchy examples. Finally, the number of hours can be multiplied by the local rate. It has to be considered that a good 3D artist for freelance work sometimes has an approach comparable to an engineering job.

At first glance, this may seem contradictory: 3D costs a lot of money, especially at the beginning. In the long run, however, 3D pays off for content production. But how does it work?

First and foremost is the question of how important content is in the company's strategy. Is it about telling customers facts about the product - or is it about giving customers a distinct feeling about your brand? The former will lead you to do product presentations in-house - with your equipment. The second means you'll realize that content is thought about for the long term, pays into your brand, works in an uplifting way, and therefore requires effort.

And this is where 3D makes the real difference. Once you have your products as 3D objects and have created a look with your materials, spaces, and objects, in other words: your world, the data can be used over and over again, rebuilt for every conceivable situation through slight adaptations, and thus used as a vital element of your visual identity. Here are a few more little suggestions about the prerequisites that will always give you an advantage with CGI:

AWE Schaffhausen has been creating 3D content through product visualizations, animations and interactive 3D tools for web, AR and VR for more than ten years. From our experience, we can assess where 3D creates potential in communication - and thus a long-term win-win relationship between our customers and us.

Do you know how to use 3D content or tools for your brand or product? We are at your disposal for a non-binding exchange about your request. Contact us - we look forward to hearing from you!