Archviz Still
ABOUT ARCHVIZ STILL
Deeply rooted in the field of Architectural Visualization for over a decade, 4pixos has witnessed unprecedented changes brought about by technological advancements. From the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) to continuous improvements in hardware and software, the Archviz field has undergone a significant transformation, making it easier than ever to create realistic images.
However, alongside these opportunities are numerous challenges, especially for those looking to start a career in Archviz. The overwhelming amount of information available online can leave beginners feeling confused and unsure about where to start or what to focus on. Moreover, the fear of being replaced by AI is a major concern, creating a sense of insecurity and uncertainty about the future of the industry.
In the face of rapid changes and developments in Architectural Visualization, it is crucial to keep pace and adapt quickly to technological advancements. With the desire to:
- Transform traditional Archviz training methods by adopting a workflow-based approach that reflects real project implementation with clients.
- Focus on the client, not just the tools.
- Establish aesthetic thinking as a core principle: In an increasingly technology-driven world, having a solid foundation in aesthetic thinking will help distinguish exceptional Architectural Visualization experts (Archviz Artists) from the rest.
- Adapt to software developments and the application of AI in visualization.
4pixos is committed to developing a new educational approach that not only focuses on mastering tools but also on professional development. Archviz Still is the first course in 4pixos’s journey to redefine the future of Architectural Visualization training. This program is designed to help those pursuing a career in Architectural Visualization navigate the continuous changes in the industry. Unlike traditional teaching methods, this program delves into visualization with a practical workflow currently practiced at 4pixos Studio.
4pixos believes that Archviz is increasingly akin to photography. Just as we don’t categorize photography courses by Nikon, Canon, or Leica, there should be no boundaries in Archviz between Vray, Corona, or Vantage. This is why the course name, Archviz Still at 4pixos Academy, no longer includes the names of tools. Archviz Still is a course on the profession of Architectural Visualization (Archviz) focused on creating still images to differentiate it from the Archviz Animation course, which centers on filmmaking. In the Archviz Still course at 4pixos Academy, students are no longer limited by tools and can confidently use any software.
As a training center for high-quality visualization talent, the Archviz Still course has been developed from practical experience with hundreds of quality projects both domestically and internationally that 4pixos Studio has executed over the past decade. It combines continuous research and improvement in applying technological advancements to the workflow process. This course provides deep insights into 4pixos’s approach and workflow with clients, from seamlessly integrating AI technologies to creating stunning finished works. It also streamlines valuable knowledge and experiences accumulated by the 4pixos team over many years in the field.
WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
This course is specifically designed for those who already have a basic knowledge of 3Ds Max and wish to become outstanding visualizers or receive professional visualization training through:
- Understanding the approach and workflow with clients at 4pixos.
Learning and practicing on real project workflows while working with clients. - Applying AI in real-world visualization workflows: learning and practicing with the new AI-enabled workflow currently used at 4pixos Studio.
- Gaining foundational knowledge and developing aesthetic thinking and direction (Art Direction): this is essential for creating beautiful render images.
- Learning a comprehensive range of tools: 3Ds Max, Stable Diffusion, Mid Journey, Vray, Corona Render, Itoo Forest, Bridge Megascan, Photoshop, and Chaos Cosmos.
COURSE CONTENT
Session 01: Introduction & Scene Preparation
Introduction
- Overview of the course
- Introduction to the software used in the course: 3Ds Max, Stable Diffusion, MidJourney, Vray,
- Corona Render, Itoo Forest, Bridge Megascan, Photoshop, Chaos Cosmos.
- Project Assignment
Scene Preparation (learning via video)
- Importing SketchUp models into 3Ds Max
- File management and scene optimization
- Landscaping with Itoo Forest
Session 02: Camera Setup
Composition Basics: Fundamental knowledge of composition
- 10 Common Composition Mistakes to Avoid
Session 03: MidJourney
- Prompt
- Parameters
- Application
Sessions 04 & 05: Stable Diffusion
- Setup
- Prompt
- Parameter
- LoRA
- ControlNet
- Inpainting
Session 06: Practice & Feedback
- Practice and revision, addressing questions
Session 07: Composition, Lighting & Color Theory
- Composition Advanced: Advanced knowledge of composition
- 10 Common Lighting Mistakes to Avoid
- Color Theory
Lighting Setup (learning via video)
- Sun & Sky
- HDRI
- IES
Lighting Effects (learning via video)
- Dappled lights
- Volumetric
- DOF (Depth of Field), motion blur
- Bloom & glare
Session 08: Material Theory
- Imperfection & Variation
- 10 Common Material Mistakes to Avoid
Common Material Setup (learning via video)
- Basic material setup
- Metal & non-metal:
- Metallic and non-metallic materials
- Fabrics: Fabric materials
- AO – Dirt: Dirty wall materials
- Mix/Composite/Decal
Session 09: Render and Post with VFB
- Post-processing practice with VFB
Sessions 10 & 11: Practice & Feedback
- Practice and revision, addressing questions
Session 12: Render and Post with Photoshop
Post-processing practice with Photoshop
- Elements
- Camera Raw
- Photoshop Generative AI
Session 13: Render and Post with Stable Diffusion
Post-processing practice with Stable Diffusion
- Upscale
- Enhancement
- Inpainting
Session 14: Review Final Project
- Course Conclusion
- Graduation