Javier Wainstein

Name: Javier Wainstein
Area of living: Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Company: Owner of JW Renders studio, since 2010
Expertise: Expert level in interior
Project duration: 1 – 3 weeks
Software using: SketchUp, 3DsMax and Vray

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

I start asking all the information available to it, CAD drawings, 3D files, photo references, materials, etc. The more information they send me, will better the final result.

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

I work with a mix of both, I always try to keep my style, and impart it to final images. But logically, sometimes you have to follow the specific client orders.

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

I have not defined that yet. It varies depending on the time I have to deliver the final images. I’m flexible, there may be one correction, or may be 5 corrections in the same job.

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

Unfortunately yes, sometimes because the delivery was very tight. Other reason, because I had too many work in progress.

– With what kind of client you will never do business again?

Luckily I have not had bad experiences, at least not as bad as never to work with them again.

– How do you calculate/estimate project price?

I calculate the budget based on the complexity, time and quantity of images. I do not have a fixed value price. I charge separately for rendering also, because sometimes client’s send already made 3D model.

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

Yes, I am a master builder (something like a previous step to be an architect). It is obviously, helps to understand CAD plans.

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

Ronen Bekerman and Evermotion are daily inspiration sources. Sometimes I search on Behance, ArchDaily, Pinterest or even Google Images.

– Who is your favorite 3D artist or company?

Artists, I think Bertrand Benoit and Peter Guthrie; and studios I love: PureRender, MIR and Blackhaus.

– 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 try to make really good raw renders and in post to add fixes and small details.

– 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 consider myself a 7. I would love to expand my skills in 3D modeling.

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

I usually work with SketchUp, 3DsMax and Vray. SketchUp because is simple, 3DsMax because it is powerful and Vray because it is the best.

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

I only watch tutorials on YouTube. I never paid for lessons or masterclasses on the web yet.

– Do you participate in contests?

Yes, I usually try to participate in Facebook Contests in such groups as CG Record, Vray Workshop, Vray World, contests in Ronen Bekerman blog, CG Architect awards and Evermotion Challenges.

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

I worked in a series of interior images for a client in Canada. It was not too complex, but there were a lot of pictures in a high resolution. Took long time to complete this project because of several stages of correction. Unfortunately it is a private project and I can not share those images.

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

In my country it is a very small area of business. The general public has no idea of such profession as CG artist. It is usually seen more often in schools of architecture. But I hope that over time the spread will grow.

– 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?

Partly yes, but partly not. For some things 3D artists will still be required. For others, maybe not, because they will be automated.

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

I would love to have my own studio with larger scale and maybe employees, but always maintaining the style of my freelance work. Lectures and conferences would also be a nice goal to make.

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

It’s something I still do not drive perfectly, attracting more customers. But I think it depends on the 3D artist. I have given business cards, I sent mails to studios around the world and offered in pages of classified ads. Sometimes they result, sometimes not.

Regarding high quality, it’s not a secret, at least I don’t see it that way. The most important thing in a render, I believe is light. Also it is usually the hardest to get nice. A good hyper-realistic render, have a good work of lighting behind. Also you have to work materials out and composition; but I think lighting is the most important.