Stage 1: Assessment

This initial discussion is key to aligning the clients' objectives with our creative direction that informs and inspires the target audience.

We discuss available information , assets, milestones and deadlines, the client team, stakeholders and sign off process and then delve into what types of imagery will best serve their vision. 

Initially we would respond with a fee quote and list of proposed CGIs based around themes for the project, these could be but not limited to: The project in context, life of a user, architecture, landscape and detailing.

Stage 2: Research

Once we have a clear understanding of the client's needs, our team at Glass Canvas embarks thorough exploration of precedent imagery for inspiration.

This involves investigating a wide range of sources, including previous projects, other CGI works, diverse photography styles and impactful advertising campaigns similar to the brief given. 

We then compile a comprehensive collection of visuals that resonate with the client's vision. Following this, we schedule a meeting to share our proposed approach, presenting our findings to the client and inviting their feedback to refine our direction further.

Stage 3: Project Setup

After receiving essential information from the client, such as architectural drawings or Revit/SketchUp models, we begin the critical process of importing or recreating assets in our software. 

This step allows us to establish a strong foundation for the 3D model. We then explore various camera angles and viewpoints, guided by the client's specific needs and the insights gained from our research on precedent imagery. This exploration phase is vital, as it helps us identify the most compelling perspectives that will effectively showcase the project.

Stage 4: Preliminary Renders

At this stage, we create concept renders, which serve as preliminary visualisations of potential views, sometimes they might be as chalk renders or for other consultants they could be fully rendered drafts. These renders allow us to explore multiple options for each camera perspective, offering the client a variety of choices to consider. We present these and if required interactively demonstrate other alternatives to immerse the client in the project.

The client may not make an immediate decision on views during this meeting so after the presentation, so they will typically take some time to reflect on the proposals before selecting their preferred view options. The viewpoint decision is always a starting point, a principle of the view, as they tend to flex a little as we go through the detailing and population stage, always tweaking and developing until we create the best possible outcome.

Stage 5: Client Drafts

Depending on the project timescale and the scope we might have multiple agreed milestone stages. The 1st draft is where we combine as much of the detailing, population, lighting, atmosphere and post production elements into a production ready draft. This is ready for critique from the client team.

Stage 6: Comments

In order to streamline the feedback process Glass Canvas use an online cloud-based commenting platform which we use to collaborate and collate feedback efficiently, negating the need for long email chains. 

Further iterations of the CGIs are produced until we deliver the final results.

Stage 7: Final Delivery

Once the final images are approved, we will circulate the set in the format requested by the client usually JPEGs, TIFs and PDFs.