How does the process work, and what do these things cost?
What do you want as a final product?
There are basically two kinds of end products I can deliver. One would be "media", meaning images and/or animation. The other would be the 3D model file itself. Most people will want the media, because to use the 3D model file itself requires both 3D software, and the expertise to use it.
With 3D models, there's the question of file formats, since all 3D software has it's own way of portraying these files. So, if the 3D model is what you want, it's important that we do some tests before beginning, ensuring that ther are no software issues between us.
If you're purchasing a 3D models that I build for you from scratch, those models become your property, upon final payment. I will ask your permission to publish some (non-orthographic) images of them on my site, to that I can add to my publicly-viewable portfolio. If you're purchasing a "variant" of a model I already have, customized for your purposes, then I retain my rights to my original model, but will not redistribute any of the proprietary parts created for you.
As an example...
Years ago, I built a King Air B200 model, which was then later rebuilt and customized for a client's flight training projects. In that version, the cockpit was rebuilt, to be completely animatable, and several proprietary images and logos were used. So today, I still offer the original B200 model in my 3D Catalog, but without all those proprietary items included. This allows both you and I to keep our competitive edge in our respective businesses, and you get a personalized project, rather than a generic one.
What documentation do you have?
Naturally, if you want an accurate (scale) model of something, then precision documentation is required, in the form of reference drawings and specifications. On the other hand, if you want a conceptual model, which "looks right", but may not be accurate in the real-world sense, then I can work from simple sketches or photos, in addition to any proposed specifications you may have.
Research takes time, especially when it comes to scale models, because often, incorrect information is published on the internet and elsewhere, and this has to be agreed upon between us, before I begin. So, if you already have your documentation in hand when you contact me, you save money, and the job goes faster. Obviously, higher resolution is better, when it comes to drawings. I never redistribute documentation, even if I'm the one who accumulated it. Any source materials that you send me during the project will remain private.
What level of precision and/or detail do you need?
Often, a simple model, along with a conceptual rendering, is enough to illustrate the point you're trying to make. For example, if you're bidding on a contract, you may want to show your client a proposed "general arrangement" design, before continuing on to the detailed model. Sometimes, these can be done in a single day, depending on this level of detail required. If on the other hand, you need a phptorealistic model, then it's a deeper project.
Payment Terms:
I'll send you an outline describing what I think the project will require at my hourly rate, based on my experience. If the goals of your project are very clear, I will sometimes agree to do the job for a flat fee. We'll have a contract in place, before I begin work. Depending on the scope of your project, one third to one half of our agreed cost is required in advance, as a deposit, with the balance being paid incrementally over the course of the project. I have a PayPal account to make this easy, or you can send a check or money order. At each "phase" of your project, I will send you an invoice, describing that phase of your project, it's cost, and our terms, in clear detail.
How much time do you have?
If possible, contact me before your project becomes a "rush job". We'll both be happier if there's some time to refine the details.
To give you a rough idea of times and costs associated with these things, here are a few examples of past projects I've done, the time involved, and the costs. Note that these were done while also producing other client's projects, so they weren't "full time".
(Click any of these thumbnails to see a larger version, which will open in a separate window.)
Model Type
Time and Cost
Preview
This is a simple conceptual model, created as a preliminary study to verify general design constraints. It was done from sketches alone, and no detailed documentation.
This was completed in just a few hours, and cost under $200.
Another example of a simple conceptual model, (a kiosk) based on the client's render samples, to show one of their prospective clients.
This was also completed in just a few hours, and cost under $500.
A detailed model of a vintage drum set, based on measurements and photos of the actual drum set parts. The nature of the instruments made them relatively easy to model, for a realistic set of display renders. It includes reasonably-accurate models of all the hardware, as well as the drum finish, drum and cymbal logos, etc..
This was completed in about two weeks, and a similar model would cost between $1000 and $2000, depending on the details.
A moderately-detailed scale model, based on Boeing drawings, complete with basic cockpit, interior, doors, hatches, landing gear, interior and exterior lighting, etc..
Once the documentation (drawings and photos) was in hand, this model was completed in approximately six weeks. Cost for a similar model would be in the $2500 to $3500 range.
A "museum scale" representation of the Cessna T-50, based on both Cessna engineering drawings, as well as photos of the actual aircraft being restored. It features all of the major structural elements, including a detailed cockpit and interior, landing gear, and even the cable-and-pulley control system. Although not shown here, the exterior skin was also modeled, including authentic markings, based on the actual aircraft.
The second thumbnail image shows another "museum scale" representation of the Cessna 310K, based on both Cessna engineering drawings, as well as photos of the actual aircraft being restored. It features all of the major structural elements, including a detailed cockpit and interior, animatable flight control surfaces, doors, and landing gear, as well as a fully-functional lighting system. Although not shown here, the exterior skin was also modeled, including authentic markings, based on the actual aircraft.
These are major modeling projects, taking approximately three to four months to complete, and a similar project would cost between $3000 and $5000.
An extremely-detailed model of the King Air B200, (and several variants) featuring a moderately-detailed exterior, a fully-animatable cockpit, landing gear, etc.. This was a massive project, done for a company that trains King Air pilots, as part of an FAA-certified training program. In this case, the model was only the beginning, encompassing many separate systems-oriented images and animations for the climate-control system, fire-extinguishing system, fuel flow system, and more. Clicking the preview to the right will open a brief "walk-around" movie of this model.
This is an ongoing project, but the initial phase of building the King Air B200 and several variants, along with a huge variety of images and animations, took approximately six months, and the cost would be in the "corporate" range of $7000 to $10,000.
Modeling for physical fabrication
There are different approaches to this…
If you're using the images I create as references (somewhat like a blueprint) for the fabrication, the process is relatively painless. If, on the other hand, you require files that are going to some sort of CNC process or stereolithography, then the requirements become very specific, and we need to have some in-depth discussions, as well as file-compatibility tests. I can produce .STL and .DAE files, etc., as required.