THE ART OF COMPUTER GRAPHIC RENDERINGS

When we work on projects for our clients sometimes words are not enough to describe what we want to design for them.  What we visualize in our heads is probably a lot different than what our clients are visualizing. So how do we show our clients what we are thinking?

So a standard procedure we go through is first to go onsite to their location. This way we can get a feel of the surroundings. We don’t want to design something for them that do not fit in their place of business or office.  If it’s a retail business we usually ask for their target audience. What style or type of design they are looking for. We sit with the client and brainstorm ideas together until we get an idea of what they want.

We take measurements of where they want their graphics to be installed, like a wall or window for example. This way we can get them an estimate on the prints. We charge per square feet and depending on the material they want the prices vary.

When we get back to the office we work out an estimate with the measurements we took. We also work out a separate estimate for the design and install. So a basic project will consist of the 3 things: Design, Print and Install. We only start the design work after the client approves the pricing for the entire project.

It’s a scary thing when you are about to invest thousands of dollars into a project and you can only hope for the outcome to be good.  We want our clients to feel comfortable and confident in what they are going to receive after the project is completed. Whether it is a window graphic or a wall mural, we like to render out what it will look like.

We always take pictures of where we are going to install the graphics. We do this so once we get the design approved we can show them a computer graphic rendering of what the project will look like completed. When we finish our projects, they come out pretty darn close to the renderings. No surprises, just happy clients. =)

SnapRoll Media

Check these guys out. They shoot the most amazing aerial shots. Came across their 2012 Vimeo Reel and had to share.

"SnapRoll Media isn’t simply aerial footage. We are about capturing angles never seen before. We are about high value per shot. We are about saving time. Most importantly, we are about you.

We want to insure the longevity of our work. Instead of relying on the basic requirements of today’s high definition standards, we proudly use RED Cinema cameras filming up to five times the resolution of today’s commonly used DSLR cameras. The footage we shoot for you today will hold up for years to come.

Instead of supplying clients with stock footage, we custom tailor our talent and experience to your vision. SnapRoll’s custom designed platform can fly lower than a full size helicopter, higher than any jib, and longer than any cable setup. Unlike a full size helicopter, we can be easily brought to any location around the world. Unlike a jib or cable, we don’t require the long setup and breakdown times between shots on location. By saving the client such a large amount of time, we offer much more out of daily rate than you would get from these other options.

Whether the client is a seasoned director or someone that wants to showcase their product in a never-before-seen way, SnapRoll brings the technical knowledge and creative eye to every location ready to serve."

www.snaprollmedia.com

2012 reel from SnapRoll Media on Vimeo.

Japan w/ Roland DGA

Being announced as the winner for the Roland Creative Award of North America was the most amazing feeling.  To be recognized by a company like Roland for our creative work is such an honor, that it’s really hard to put into words.  We have been huge fans of Roland since we first started our company in 2009. We started with a few PC computers and a SP-540v printer.  I truly believe that the SP-540v was the foundation of our business and had a huge part of us being successful and aided us to grow into the company we are today.

We knew the solid products Roland made, but who is Roland?  I think my favorite part of the trip to Japan was actually meeting the people behind these awesome machines. 

When we first met Dave Goward, president/CEO of Roland DGA, it was kind of intimidating.  I remember looking back at John and whispering, “Dood, we just shook hands with the president of Roland DGA.” But as we toured the headquarters and hung out more, you start to realize that Dave is super laid back.  He was really nice and very funny. To hang out with someone of his stature that cool was refreshing.

We spent most of our days touring Japan with Dede Sabey and Tiffany Wakimoto from Roland’s Marketing Department.  What can I say about these two other than they are totally awesome. Even though we just met it felt like I knew them a long time. Very easy to talk to and made our trip comfortable and fun.  They did a great job setting everything up for all the guests. I’m glad we got to share these wonderful memories of Japan with them.

We took a tour of the Roland DG headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan.  Or as I like to call it, Land of the Unagi.  When we first arrived, there was this crazy looking room that looked like something out of a movie.  The room was designed to prevent electrostatic discharge while testing machines (I think).  I believe they said the entire room was on shocks so it wouldn’t shake during an earthquake. Sugoi!

As we continued the tour of the factory, you realize everything was super clean and organized.  All the machines are hand built by one person (a woman) from start to finish, using a cell system production or their own self factory.  While following instructions displayed on a monitor, sensors on the tools guide the worker to build these machines with no errors. A rotating carousel swivels on cue providing the correct fasteners so they don’t grab the wrong ones. Training takes only 2 days and anyone off the street can do it. Truly amazing and efficient.

The first night when we arrived at the Act Tower Hotel in Hamamatsu and looked out the window, I couldn’t get over how amazing the view was. The sights in Hamamatsu, Kyoto and Tokyo were incredible.  Roland really went all out for all the regional winners.  How do I know they really went all out? The last day we were in Tokyo we stayed at The New Otani Hotel. As we were leaving there were bodyguards and news reporters everywhere.  John said he thought he saw a celebrity step out of a limo and people were taking photos of him.  I asked the manager as we were checking out if someone famous had come to the hotel. He replied yes, the prime minister of Japan was there.  I was like OMG, that’s equivalent to Barack Obama being there. I’m pretty sure that means the hotel was top notch.

The hotels we stayed at were very upscale. The food we ate was oh so delicious. The tour we took was phenomenal. The company we had was awesome.  Hanging out with people from 16 different countries was out of this world. Thanks Roland for an unforgettable trip. These memories will stay with us for a lifetime. Cheers from John and Phil with our 30 year old sake wishing Roland DG a happy 30th anniversary. =)

Banner Stands for BMW i8 and i3

BMW i is a sub-brand of BMW which has been created to commercialize low emission vehicles.

In February 2011 BMW announced that the new sub-brand for the commercialization of the vehicles produced under Project i will be called BMW i. The first two production models will be the battery electric BMW i3, formerly known as the Mega City Vehicle, with a range of 150 kilometres (93 mi), and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8, which is the production version of the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and has an all-electric range of 35 kilometres (22 mi). Production of both plug-in electric cars is scheduled to start in Leipzig in 2013.

Grand Line - One Piece Bar in Japan

So John and I were wandering the streets of Hamamatsu late at night searching for Unagi (grilled eel). The city of Hamamatsu is known to have the best Unagi in Japan. While roaming the streets I suddenly saw a familiar symbol in the corner of my eye. It was the Straw Hats Pirates logo on a barrel. When I looked up I saw a sign that read Grand Line Bar. I was like OMG we have to go in here. 

So for those of you who don't know, One Piece is a very popular manga and anime in Japan. Kind of like the Simpsons in the US, except they are pirates and yea... you know what I mean. When we walked in and sat at the bar, you can see everything was decorated with One Piece toys and prints.

There was a group of maybe 10 locals singing and drinking. I mean just having a blast, all of them were singing together and swinging hand towels in a helicopter motion in the air. Then 2 skaters come through the door and sit next to me and John.

One of them was a wearing a Tony Chopper Hat. At this point I am dying of laughter. These 2 random guys that didn't even know the main group starts singing along at the top of their lungs. Then the bartender joins in and everyone in the bar starts singing together. It was freakin awesome. People in Japan really know how to have fun. It was a memorable bar experience we will never forget.

Miike Snow - Silvia Remix Animation

I don't know about the other designers out there, but when I am working on projects i always have music blasting.  I have this weird thing where I play 1 song over and over again. Lately I've been listening to Miike Snow.  So crazy, because we were at Tao, in Vegas a few weeks back and they performed there.  I didn't really pay attention to them cuz I wasn't really into their music until recently.  I guess i kind of missed out there.  Well here is an awesome remix of Sylvia with this sweet animation that pulses to the music. Plug in your headphones or turn up the bass and watch the video to at least 2:00 minute mark. Sylvia-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a­-a-a-a-a-a-a-a...

Since 2009 w/ Tru Aire

Tru Aire is a register and grille company that has been around for over 25 years.  They are now the 2nd largest distributor in the United States with facilities in California, Georgia, Texas and Maryland.  You will see their products in all Home Depot and Ace Hardware retail stores.

We have been working with Tru Aire since we first started in 2009.  We print their business cards, labels, catalogs, banners, POP displays, posters and even their custom wall murals in their meeting rooms. Its been awesome working with them and we hope to continue to do so for many more years.

Photoshoppin' w/ Rappers & Animals

R&A is a blog with hilarious photoshopped pictures of, ummm well... rappers and animals. Follow their tumblr at www.rappersandsanimals.com.  Here are 4 photos I photoshopped paying homage to R&A with Tyler the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky and Wiz Khalifa.

For the Newbies

When i saw this video i could totally relate when I first started designing.  Like dang, my project is kind of cool, but i can tell it's not super awesome.  I knew it lacked something.  For all the new and young creative minds out there, please don't give up and keep doing what you do.  Keep sharpening your skills.  I really liked this video and I hope it inspires other young designers, writers, musicians or whatever their field may be, to keep on going.

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