Sketchy architectural rendering of 3dmodel...

In the recent 'stop & post' thread I posted my first experiment trying to get a SketchUp model to look more sketchy using Xara Xtreme. Since then I've developed the techniques more, trying to achieve a style I can quickly and consistantly reproduce with different models.

If anyone wants more info on the techniques just ask. By the way, I used a blue line underlay on it as it relates to the traditional perspectivist's technique of using a blue non-repro pencil to rough up the perspective. I was trying to have it look like that blue linework was then drawn over by hand with a rapidiograph-type ink pen and then with pencil cross hatching. In reality the image is an example of Xara manipulation of three SketchUp jpg exports + a little bit of Xara touchups.

Regards, Ross

PS - sorry for the relatively large size. This one needed it.

Not knowing any better, it does look like the real thing to me, Ross. :)

Have you tried printing out any of these files? I assume you will be doing so? The reason why I'm mentioning this is that many filters don't produce the same type of result (look) when applied to a high resolution file. But then again, you probably thought about this already...

Thanks for sharing!

Looks Good to me Ross.. :D

Risto -- I haven't printed yet but I'm not anticipating any problems. I will be outputting a series of jpgs then assembling them into a single layout and printing that poster sized. I have noticed when applying filters like 'jiggle' if you increase the resolution you must also increase the 'bubble' size.

In my above example the main effect was achieved with four objects (all jpg imports), one filter and Xara's transparency tool. I'm counting on it being very easy to reproduce since I have several more views of the model to be similarly processed. Time is money so its handy when a simple, yet reasonably effective, technique like this develops.

Regards, Ross

Thanks John! I appreciate that.

High Ross,
I Think this style give you drawing a real classy look and the ability to take your pdf output from Sk/it into Extreme and apply your finish is great.
Still the Sk/it is over priced for what is does.

Hi Albacore - In this case it was just jpgs brought into Xara from SketchUp - no real lines just bitmaps. This approach is much quicker than working with imported vectors. Xara, and particularly the live effects bog down when you bring in thousands & thousands of lines.

SketchUp certainly isn't overpriced. If you have any need for 3d visualization it can pay for itself in productivity on the first project. If you're interested in seeing what people are doing with SketchUp visit the SketchUp Gallery.

Regards, Ross

No Problem Ross... :cool:

Very classy Ross ... I like how the cross hatching came out.

That looks just excellent Ross.

Ross,
Looks like an actual architechtural drawing and the paper effect is really great.
ron

I like the hint of the interior structure construction lines that gives it more than a computer generated architectural rendering.

The textureing on the paper is realistic and very upscale in overall packaging.

Bravo.

Ross
The effect is superb. I would be interested in knowing how you achieved that effect and look in Xara.
Sketch Up is on my wish list.
Regards
David Scott
NEWKITCHENDESIGN

I'm going to have to work onthe technique somemore. I've now done a series of them and found it harder to be consistant thanI had expected.

I attach the panels I assembled. They were plotted our A1 size. I'll see the results tomorrow when I have to present this preliminary design to a client committee.

Regards, Ross

I like it Ross... :eek: :)

Ross,

Considering that most architects out-source this type of work (don't they?), and seeing what you are able to accomplish using SketchUp and Xara - you've got to make an illustrator somewhere, shed a tear or two! :)

I think it looks great.

Not as much stuff is out-sourced as you might think. Most offices have at least one person who really enjoys presentation work -- the volunteer almost always gets the work! If a firm is really busy, or if the client seeks a particular style, then the work may be outsourced to a professional illustrator. In my case I'm working largely on my own and designing right in SketchUp. Visualizations like these only added about one days work to my workload. In reality using SketchUp/Xara in my work flow actually saves me considerable time. In the 'old days' I would have had to develop the project to the point I could draw the building 'elevations' and then I'd either set up one constructed perspective or used a perspective grid to draw one. Drawing one detailed hand drawn, presentation quality perspective could easily take 20 hours. Given time constraints if we did one decent perspective we thought we were doing well. (As often as not no perspectives would be done on smaller modest fee projects). The clients had to make their decisions and give input on rather limited 3d information.

In contrast, with my current work flow I design both the interior & exterior in SketchUp. Things like elevations are generated directly from the model. At the same time multiple perspective views (or animations) can be exported directly from the model. These really facilitate a much higher level of dialogue with clients and coworkers. So it is adding a day to turn such output into a higher form of presentation isn't much in the grand scheme of things. The client will get to see far more info than traditional methods would have allowed. Seeing more means the client has a greater chance of really understanding what is being proposed. The whole process can be accelerated.

You can see from my context SketchUp at around $500 USD is really a bargain.

Regards, Ross

You produced a first class piece of work there Ross. Very nice indeed.

Great stuff Ross! But where's all the graphite smudges? :) Your work must be quite popular within the architectural community of that 'big city', Charlottetown!

PS: My brother's niece {by marriage} is in Architecture at Laval U. would you mind if I put her in touch with you? She's looking for information on techniques,software, etc. And I can think of no better expert than yourself.

Thanks Gray & Wheelbrat!

Hey Wheelbrat -- Its been a while since we've heard from you. I hope you've just been busy with training for the paralympics!

I attach another digital rendering that does include some graphite smudges. Filters were used in producing it. The smudges are just a fractal transparency. When I used to do graphite renderings, it was common to mask out a working area with tape so the drawing would have a clean look. I was trying to give the rendering the look that the tape had just been removed. Again the actual scene is a SketchUp model.

I haven't actually done much work in PEI since moving here a couple years ago. Most of my work is still in Nova Scotia. The rendering I attach is for a project in Scotland that involved in producing marketing graphics.

Wheelbrat, if your niece wants to contact me she'd be most welcome.

Regards, Ross

Loved this thread. Your work is really inspiring for me. Although i´ve given up from an Architecture University (archictecture course ) a few years ago, (because the "presentational part" of the projects was what i always liked more) i really enjoyed to see your work. I still like the conceptualization and the intricate relations between forms, but i felt that it wasn´t exactly what i wanted to do for the rest of my life and so i embraced in comunication design (i´m still unsure if i´m in the right direction thought arrgh!). Anyway, as i was saying those presentational work is what really excites me and i know the impact it can achieve in the client´s/people mind. People just like to see beautyfull things no matter what those things are.

Regarding your post, the perspective of the top left picture in the first image, the bottom left picture on the second image and the perspective view at the bottom of you last image in the Justice Center series are a must! Loved those three, and the sketchy effect really gives a distinctive appearence to them.

The two clips in the last image were a nice touch too and gives "some humanity" to the image. Very nice.

I´m feeling compelled to give a new look at architecture rendering again. Maybe i will integrate them as a background scenery or in another way in some of my personal projects. I almost forget how great and powerfull those elements can be even if used just as a background....

Thank you for posting and sorry my crappy English!

Miguel B.

Great work, as always, Ross.

Thanks Sally & Miguel

I attach another version of that living room. It was intended to look like pencil crayon. Xara played a big part in building up the effect from numerous filtered bitmaps. The main filter used was 'Sketcher' from LittleInkPot.com

Miguel -- have a look at SketchUp. You'll love it! It can be useful to graphic designers.

Regards, Ross

Excellent work, wow! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ross Macintosh

Thanks Gray & Wheelbrat!
Hey Wheelbrat -- Its been a while since we've heard from you. I hope you've just been busy with training for the paralympics!

I att............................................... ..................
.................................................. ...............Up model.

I haven't actually done much work in PEI since moving here a couple years ago. Most of my work is still in Nova Scotia. The rendering I attach is for a project in Scotland that involved in producing marketing graphics..

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Hey Ross - sure has been a while. Wish it was because I was in training for the paralympics just not as much time for my online activities these days. So instead of the basketball and tennis I'm now shooting pool - a turf size I can deal with as well as be competitive on... :)

Moved 'back east' almost a year and half ago to an old farmhouse just outside of Montague with 7 times the land and half the mortgage. Best of all! There's a shop for my carving adventures and big enough for a pool table as well! Ah! The life of a country gentleman... eh?

Haven't given up on the computer graphics just busy with other stuff like the wood and bone carving. And speaking of Scotland, for the past couple of years I have been studying Scottish Gaelic and belong to a Scottish Gaelic learner's group in Charlottetown as well as a group on the internet. That in itself keeps this old 'flower coot' quite busy... and to top it off my wife & I are busy with our herd of Chihuahuas. Have a look ;

http://www.willowlane.ca/

Your work is quite inspiring Ross - even the smudges. Which I too remember from my early days of graphics and lettering... don't miss those smudges and piles of paper at all!

Best to you and your family in the New Year and to all the good folks in Xaraland!

Bliadhna mhath ùr!
Happy New Year