FAQ
What do you need to start a project?
Just click on a Start Your Project button. Our client managers will contact you ASAP. They’ll help you to sign up on our CRM platform and send a brief with the project description, references and TAT requirements.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on results you need. You can calculate the approximate price with the calculator on our website or get the exact project estimation by filling out Request A Quote form.
Are corrections really free?
Yes, corrections to your project are free.
By correction we mean changes that are less than 60% of the project workload. If the change you want to make exceeds this limit, than we consider it a new project.
What do you mean by “30-Day Money Back Guarantee”?
If upon getting results you find that they don’t meet your quality standards, you can ask for your money back. Please note that refund option is available within 30 days from the payment.
Do I really get my images “On time or for free”?
Yes, if you use this option for your 3D rendering and modeling projects. Before the project starts, the Project Manager agrees with you on the delivery date. And if we do not give you results within the fixed term, you get the project for free.
To get access to the program, you need to comply with 3 simple rules:
- Make 100% prepayment. If the project is not on time, you get a full refund
- Get in touch with your 3D team at least once per 24 hours
- Provide all comments, revisions and adjustments* within 12 hours before the deadline at the latest
*By comments, revisions and adjustments we mean changes that are less than 60% of the project workload. If the change you want to make exceeds this limit, than we consider it to be a new project.
How do you guarantee the quality?
We have a double quality control system. It consists of two iterations: first, Project Managers check results according to our inner Quality Assessment system. Next, Mentors evaluate the work once again for compliance with aesthetic quality standards.
What files do I need to send you in order to start a project?
We accept all types of files, including sketches and video briefings. The only rule here is that if you want us to strictly follow your drawings, you need to send them. Ideally, we prefer to work with the following materials:
- For plans and drawings – CAD format, pdf or any other vector format
- If you have a ready 3D model of an object – with any format you have: stl, 3ds, max, obj
- To show how the object looks, please include links to the website or photos of the product in any format you have
You are in doubt? Just include everything you have!
Can I communicate with the team throughout the process?
You sure can. Our clients communicate with Managers and project teams all the time through our online platform. You can ask questions, leave comments and check on the task progress.
How many projects can you do at the same time?
As many as you need! Sky’s the limit. We always have teams to take up the project of any scale, and they can create images simultaneously.
We have an in-house team, but consider outsourcing 3D. What’s the difference between in-house and outsource?
The difference lies in time, cost and resource management:
- we can be your backup in high season
- we take up large-scale projects and deliver results within short term
- your project routine is our passion – we’ll be delighted to save you from it
- we give way better value for money: you don’t have to pay us holidays or sick leaves, corporate trainings, rent equipment and think of how to keep us busy when there are no projects
- our workflow is easy: Project Managers take care of all the intricacies and connections between teams, so all you need to do is to receive final results
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept the following payment methods:
- Bank Card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
- PayPal
- SWIFT
Can you send me a business proposal via email?
Certainly. Just send us the request through the Contact Us form. Specify the type of results you want to get, and we’ll send you the proposal next business day.
We used to work with photos. How can we benefit from switching to 3D?
Working with CGI rather than photos provides you with high-quality product imagery in any number, but without photoshoots, prototypes creation and shipping to locations, decor rent and storing. Moreover, photorealistic quality and easy workflow gives your the following benefits:
- you can always ask for more views
- you can change any details you like
- it’s really easy to show all customization options of your product
- product 3D models can be reused in online and offline marketing, PR activities
- you can use 3D model to promote your brand abroad. Interior design companies using cgi will gladly use your model in their projects
Where is your company located?
The head office of CGI Furniture is situated in San Francisco, California. However, you don’t need to go to our office to start working with us. In fact, all you need is to leave a message through the form. For we’ve created an online platform allowing you to work with us from any distance. This way, you can comfortably chat with your project team whenever you feel necessary, just as if we were sitting at the same office.
We were considering to outsource locally. Will your option work for us?
It surely will, for we’ve been working worldwide using our online platform for over 5 years. And it works for our clients from Europe, USA, Canada and Australia. So with CGI platform and our 24/7 support, it really makes no difference where the company is based. If anything, working online is better: you can always open our CRM in mobile browser and reach out to your project team and find all information in 1 place and in perfect order. And since we provide a wide range of products, from drawings, product modeling and rendering to exhibition-ready catalogs with images and copywriting, keeping track of large-scale projects is a piece of cake.
Is CGI expensive?
You can learn the approximate estimation for your project using our online calculator. But CGI is definitely cheaper than product photography, for it eliminates the need for decor rent, storage and shipping, photoshoot locations and a separate Project Manager. Besides, we have discounts for large-scale projects, so you get excellent value for money.
Need proof? Just get a quote for your project and compare with other offers on market.
We are a small company. Do you work with small-scale projects?
We work with projects of all scales. In fact, many companies we’ve been working with for many years started as small. We create CGI that is great for stellar advertising campaigns and sales increase, product demand testings and impactful presentations for any project scale.
Can I always work with the same project team so that they learn all my needs and requirements?
Sure, this is exactly the way we work. Owing to our large pool of 3D Artists, each of CGIFurniture clients works with the same team, always ready to take up his project specifically – with no queues or waiting whatsoever. Your team will include 1 Personal Project Manager and 6 professional 3D Artists working in perfect accordance with your requirements.
What is your turnaround time?
On average, 1 lifestyle takes up to 48 hours. The exact time, however, depends on many factors – number of views, model complexity, background. To learn how much time your project will take, please contact us through the form.
What are your operating hours?
Our online support works 24/7. You can call your Manager or leave a message in a chat of your project group any time you need.
Glossary
Lifestyle
An image showing the product in a real scene. Marketers favor lifestyles over the product shots because they are attention-grabbing, atmospheric and showcase product benefits rather than features. Lifestyle proves that furniture looks amazing in real interiors and shows the size of a product in comparison with other objects in the image. To create a furniture lifestyle with photography, Manufacturers need to go through photoshoots; with product rendering, they just send 3D Artists the references of the desired outcome.
3D Modeling
3D Modeling is the process of creation of mathematical representation of an object in three dimensions using 3D modeling software. The resulting product is called a 3D model.
Simple Modeling
The service includes 3D modeling and a front-view 3D render on white background, in resolution full HD 1920×1080 px 72 dpi. This option is perfect for furniture pieces having simple componentry, such a wood chair or table, or a console – just like in the example in our Pricing section. This kind of simple modeling task takes up to 4 hours.
Complex Modeling
Complex modeling service includes 3D modeling and creation of a 3D render on white background, in resolution full HD 1920×1080 px 72 dpi. Complex Modeling is the option for furniture with complex componentry and/or intricate details, such as a leather armchair, or vintage design objects. Due to the detailing, the work of 3D Modeler takes 4 hours at least. You can see the example of an object for Complex modeling in our Pricing section.
Simple Lifestyle
This type of service includes 4 basic components: design and creation of a simple environment for your 3D model, created in accordance with your reference images; lighting customization, 3D rendering and final post-production in Photoshop. Simple lifestyle is a great choice for single shots of a small or average-sized product, and when the background space isn’t vast. Please note that the service does not include 3D modeling which should be ordered separately. You can see an example of Simple Lifestyle in our Pricing Section.
Complex Lifestyle
Complex lifestyle includes the same 4 components as the Simple one: design and creation of a simple environment for your 3D model, created in accordance with your reference images; lighting customization, 3D rendering and final post-production in Photoshop. The difference is that Complex Lifestyle option is used for large-size product shots or group shots ( 2-3 items in 1 scene). You can see an example of Complex Lifestyle in our Pricing Section.
3D Visualization (or 3D Rendering)
A process of generation of a photorealistic or non-photorealistic image with 3D model/3D models using 3D rendering software. The resulting product is called a render.
Print Design
CG lifestyles and product shots are often used for creation of print selling tools. We create design for brochures and catalogs, banners and flyers, as well as other print design options. Add “print design” to your order using our online calculator, 1 item standing for 1 page design. Please bear in mind that the resulting figure is only an estimate price. As we practice individual approach to each project, to get the exact quote please leave us a request.
Technical Assignment
Technical Assignment, or TA, is a brief containing all the necessary information on project: task description, product photos, sketches, drafts and even videos that help to understand how the object looks. Besides, TA includes style, light and mood references, links to the website or any visual examples for a lifestyle CGI. We prefer to work with the following materials:
- CAD format, pdf or any other vector format for plans and drawings;
- Stl, 3ds, max, obj formats for a 3D model of an object;
- Any format for product images.
CGI CRM
CGI CRM is a digital platform where our clients can communicate with the team of 3D artists, monitor the working process, use the library, store project files and so on.
360° view
Called 360° product rendering as well, this is a type of product image allowing the customer to turn a model around and take a look at it from every angle. We create every 360° view with 60 images in the 1920*1080 px resolution. 360° view is widely used in ecommerce, for the tool enriches customer experience and makes it feel more like real-life shopping, thus boosting conversion.
AR, or Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality is the interactive 3D technology allowing to experience the product by overlaying its virtual representation on top of natural environment. The best example are the interactive IKEA catalogs allowing users to try furniture in the interior it is selected for. 3D model looks exactly like the actual product and is projected in real size. At CGIFurniture, we adopt existing 3D models of our clients to work in their AR apps, as well as create the new ones from scratch.
VR, Virtual Reality
VR, or Virtual Reality is an artificial environment providing an interactive immersive experience through simulation of sensory events, such as sight and sound. Objects are recreated digitally and placed in virtual environment for the user to experience them like in real life: interact with them, see their features and benefits, change options, such as fabrics or finishes.
For our clients, we create 3D panoramas allowing to experience furniture in life-like settings. These panoramas can be viewed via VR Headset or desktop. As a three-dimensional product, VR is used to showcase entire product collections and concepts before production stage.
Copywriting
Copywriting is the art of selling products with stories. Storytelling has innumerable powers: it spurs the imagination, ignites emotions, builds a strong connection between readers and products. While images showcase what the product looks like, copywriting helps customer realize that this particular model will be perfect for him. Words immerse the reader into the image by engaging all human senses and letting touch the product, feel its scent and interact with it on a new level.
Copywriting is used for trade catalogs, brochures, flyers, billboards and website product pages. Though different in volume, these genres have a common goal – let brands design communication between customers and products.
You can find out the estimate cost of your copywriting project using Calculator on our Prices page. 1 item stands for 1 hour of work – the time it takes to write a 20-30 words product description for a catalog.
Wireframe Model
An edge or skeletal representation of a real-world object consisting of points, lines and curves which define the edges or center lines of objects. It’s the least graphically detailed type of CAD object and is therefore used to show real sizes and dimensions of the furniture. The cost of creating such a model is $19/h and it takes about 1-2 hours.
CG Product Animation
A CG video showcasing the product in motion. It is used by Marketers and Manufacturers to highlight features of the product, show how it works or educate the viewer on how to select the product and how it is manufactured. The difference between traditional and 3D product animation is that the latter allows to generate any views, details and environments without need for their physical presence, thus giving Marketers full creative freedom.
High-poly, or highly-polycount model
A type of 3D model that is used when a model needs to be impeccable in matter of details. It helps showcase the textures and materials quality of an object, so high-poly modeling is used for photorealistic visualizations, lifestyles as well as on white background.
Low-poly, or low-polygonal model
A type of 3D model that is perfect for interactive solutions, for instance, Augmented Reality apps and games. Low-polys are used when the level of detail is less important than the size of the model’s file. They need less computer memory so they are a great solution for interactive 3D products.
High-Res Images
High-Resolution Images are indispensable for print advertisement with 300dpi: posters, large format catalogs and some types of small-scale outdoor ads. There are 2 most popular formats for such types of resolution for traditional ads:
- 3508×2480 px for A4 size;
- 2550×3300 px for Letter size.
Photorealistic high-resolution images catch the attention of clients and make for stellar marketing campaigns.
Asset Management System
Asset Management System — is a digital library that allows our clients to store, keep track, update and maintain their 3D assets such as 3D models, lifestyles and materials.