Ilija Todorovic

Name: Ilija Todorovic
Area of living: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Company: Co-founder of ArchitecturalID
Expertise: Expert level in interior and exterior
Project duration: 1.5 – 2 weeks
Software using: 3DsMax, Vray and Photoshop.

– Every project starts from collecting materials and client’s wishes. How do you negotiate with clients? What do you ask for?

Usually I ask client to provide architectural plans, elevations and section, typical details, interior layouts etc, basically full set of drawings. Then, we talk a little bit about the atmosphere he is aiming and the story behind the render. All of this helps me to better understand the project and my client’s goal.

– How do you work: in your own style or under clients guidance?

As an artist, I do have certain amount of freedom, however the client is the one who is paying, so his wishes has to be respected. Best results are usually made when the client provides basic guidelines and let the artist work from there with his imagination.

– How is you working process look like? How many revisions allowed to make?

When I receive all the project information, than the modelling process begins. Very often I work with Revit models that are received from client, which require major geometry clean after importing to 3ds Max. Then, I send to client few camera angles with basic lighting, as “clay” renders, so he can pick camera and do first round of structural revisions.

Then I start with texturing based on picked angle. After texturing is done, I am sending first official draft. Client will come back with the revisions and then I will send the second draft. After second draft I am preparing render for final submission. Drafts are usually in low resolution, no bigger than 1500px.

If the client is making structural changes that are not on the drawings he sent, or changing textures that weren’t in original material package, that will be charged extra. Of course, there is always DNR (design and research) option where I negotiate special price with the customer.

– Have you refused to do the project and if yes why?

Of course, it’s part of the profession. Most common reasons are: lack of time, tight deadlines, low price per project or too demanding client. And I will never do business again with the client who doesn’t respect my work or my time.

– How do you calculate/estimate project price?

Usually based on amount of hours I need. Duration is about 1.5-2 weeks, depending on the project really.

– Do you have technical education? Does it helps in 3D?

I have master’s degree in architectural engineering, and knowledge that I have gained in that field helped me a lot with developing my 3D skills.

– Client is nice, project agenda is clear, now you need inspiration to get started. What are your sources of inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from various architectural websites and magazines. All the time I try to keep up with the latest projects and news in area of architecture and engineering. Archdaily, Behance and Pinterest are inexhaustible sources of inspiration.

– Who is your favorite 3D artist or company?

Honestly, there are so many talented artists and studios out there. However, I would say Betrand Benoit, Peter Guthrie, MIR, DBox and Talcik-Demomicova Visuals are standing out than the rest for now. I would also mention Studio Aiko and Neezo Renders for their top of the art animations.

– There are 2 types of visualizers: one who heavily rely on post-work (they do not render scene completely, but only parts of it, and one who try to get complete scene after render process and apply basic post-work) From which side you are and why?

I always preferred 3d over Photoshop, so I am always trying do as much as possible in in 3ds Max, and then just add final effects and color grading in Photoshop. However, I would have to say lately I rely more and more on Photoshop, either due to tight deadlines when the client is an architects, or to complexity of the project (photomontages for example).

– How would you rate your level of expertise in 3D graphics on a scale 0 till 10. In what areas you would like to get more knowledge?

I would rate myself 7.5, there is always room to improve. I would definitely like to get more knowledge in modeling.

– What software do you use/like the most? Why?

My main software are 3Ds Max and Vray for rendering, and Photoshop for compositing. Of course there are many plugins that I am using along the way like SolidRocks and Sigershaders for 3Ds Max, or Color Efex and Magic Bullet for Photoshop. Aside from those, I also work in Revit where I sometimes prepare models, Illustrator for brochures and After Effects for animations.

– What were the main sources of training that you used if any? Which one you can recommend?

All of my knowledge comes from various tutorials, forums and blogs, and constant trials and errors. I didn’t had any official training.

– Do you participate in contests?

Not really, I don’t have time for that.

– Do you attend 3D vis conferences or at least track them in internet?

As said, time is a big issue for me. I don’t attend, but I always try to do follow up online for any major conference or seminar. For example Ronen Bekerman and CGArchitect websites would always do nice follow up after any major event in CG world, State of Art academy is doing the same thing for their Academy Days in Venice. Also sound names like Bertrand Benoit, Peter Guthrie, Pedro Fernandes, etc. would post lectures on their blogs.

– What is your greatest work that you have done? The most challenging project you have worked on?

I worked on some really nice and challenging projects in my career. I think my greatest work is still waiting to be realized, but for now I would put a side “Cliff House” that I did while working for Neezo Renders.

– What do you think about general 3D visualization level in your country

There are some really good artists here in Canada, however I think the market dictates the general look that hasn’t change for years. There really isn’t that much diversity in Canadian market.

– Market is overwhelmed with the low quality/price offers. There are many programs which allow creating simple 3D without any knowledge. Do you think such job as 3D artists will be still needed in future?

It’s not the software that is making piece of the art render, it’s the well-educated and talented artist. There is always going to be need for our profession.

– What are your long-term goals or career plans?

Just to constantly improve, learn and grow.

Advice from Ilija how to achieve high quality level in 3D visualization and how to attract more clients:

I am still trying to figure that myself :). All I can say that there is no magic tool or shortcut to achieve that. You have to dedicate a lot of attention and hard work to every project. Always try to maintain high level of quality and respect toward your clients. If you do that your business will continue to thrive.