J. Scott Smith Visual Designs

We've Moved!!!

2009-06-11T11:53:00.003-04:00

We recently completed our web site redesign, and that included migrating our blog into the same design. Come check it out at www.jscottsmith.com

Remember to update your bookmarks, RSS feeds, etc. too!

Scott

Sneak Preview of Indigo Bluffs Animation

2009-03-20T20:59:00.004-04:00

First camera move is rendered, so I thought I'd share. It's essentially the same scene as posted a couple days ago, but with a few improvements. (Of course I would render the whole blame thing before I notice the cameraman whacks his head on a couple of pesky pine branches! We'll fix that next week...)

Who in the world is J. Scott Smith?

2009-03-17T14:54:00.010-04:00

I have all kinds of stuff posted here, and I'm trying my best to keep this current. So, if you're looking for sample work, this is a good place to start.

However, if you're looking for a little more info than what you see here, check out my profile at LinkedIn. You can reach it here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jscottsmith.

I have it set to fully public, so you should be able to see just about everything in my profile - work experience, recommendations, etc. Additionally, I am an open-networker, so if you have a LinkedIn account, send me an invite and I'll accept it!

If you want more, you can even friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. (See appropriate buttons below.)

Largest single rendering to date

2009-03-16T12:35:00.005-04:00

Currently working on wrapping up a video for the development "Indigo Bluffs", a "distinctive RV retreat" in Northern Michigan. Some weeks ago the client asked us to stage a single lot and render it so it could be used as a backdrop for their traveling trade show booth. Upon speaking with the display manufacturer, we found that they required an image that would print 10' x 12' at 300dpi. Gulp! We had never rendered an image that large, so this was a test for us. It came out very well however, and I'm told it has generated quite a bit of buzz at the shows. It seems they had to spend quite some time explaining that this was a rendered concept of what a site could be, and not a photo of a site they could purchase!

I have included the frame we rendered, as well as a photo of the booth at a show. Nice work guys!

Do your clients read plans?

2009-03-13T14:03:00.003-04:00

Well, do they? I'll bet that most don't. But they can tell by looking whether they like a house or not. That is why it is crucial that you include a quality rendering in your house plan package.

Whether you are a large-scale builder with dozens of models available, or an architect trying to convey your vision to a discriminating homeowner, a rendering from us may be all that you need to tip the scales in your favor.

If you need one rendering or hundreds of them, give me a call to talk about how we can translate your plans into a sale.

Virtual Tour of Great Room

2009-03-12T14:35:00.003-04:00

New QTVR just completed. Click and drag below to explore. (Sorry 64bit users. Still no love from Apple for us.)

Click and drag mouse to look around

Requires Quicktime. Click here to download free.

2008 Demo Reel

2009-02-10T18:49:00.008-05:00

Looks like it has been quite a while since I posted anything here. I need to catch up! For now, enjoy our 2008 Demo Reel, which we just completed.

Click play below to watch it as posted on YouTube. If you have a decent broadband connection, you can click here to stream from our server for a larger, better quality video.
(You may have to wait a moment before it starts.)

Do we do pools? Sure we do pools!

2008-10-31T17:26:00.005-04:00

Looking to add a pool to your house? Maybe you're working on a resort or even a public recreation area. Nothing is as dramatic in selling your concept as a photoreal rendering. Water is dynamic. You can't communicate the full experience of a pool without physically accurate reflections and refraction. Give us a call so we can help show your pool design in its best light!

New pool for Tamarack Lodge

2008-09-08T17:37:00.006-04:00

We have been helping Tamarack Lodge to visualize their Northern Michigan resort since early 2005 when it was just a dream.

With the first building now complete and operating since 2006, we were again called upon to create a rendering of the indoor pool planned for building #2.

If you haven't been there, Tamarack Lodge is well worth the visit. A very classy place!

Home Improvement Options

2008-09-05T18:00:00.006-04:00

To our regular customers, it's obvious what we can do for a project. However when people we know ask us what we do for a living, it can sometimes be difficult to explain. Once people actually see examples of what we've done for others, they usually can see the implications immediately. And whenever we run into someone who has recently completed a project, they know all too well the time and money spent that could have been avoided just by seeing it ahead of time. Hopefully this slideshow will give you some ideas of ways we can help you.

Church Setup Video

2008-09-03T10:37:00.005-04:00

Video showing conversion of church gym into worship space.

You can see it a little bigger at YouTube. Click on "Watch in High Quality". It seems to play a little better that way.

.

LEED certified building in Birmingham

2008-09-02T09:46:00.001-04:00

JSSVD created several renderings for a proposed building in Birmingham, MI to help them evaluate colors and materials. Their website for 735 Forest is now live.

More info excerpted from Metromode:

Birmingham's new Triangle District plan calls for building taller, denser and more mixed-use buildings. The idea is to create a vibrant, urban district that complements its downtown across Woodward.

Meet the first development to fit all three criteria: 735 Forest.

The 35,000 square foot mixed-use structure is best broken down by floor. The first is set aside for the Forest Avenue Bistro, a 65-seat restaurant. The second story is dedicated as office space for the Birmingham-based developer and tenants who are currently negotiating their leases. The third floor will become 11 rental lofts, averaging 1,100 square feet each.

The cherry on top is that the building is going for LEED certification.

The building replaces three old single-family homes that had been converted to businesses. The developer razed them to make room for the project. The streets surrounding the new building will also be redeveloped in a downtown style that emphasizes walkability and openness.

735 Forest Avenue is one block east of Woodward Avenue, next to the new AAA building, in the middle of the city's Triangle District.

Interactive Product Renderings

2008-08-29T12:50:00.019-04:00

Sometimes it's nice to let your customers experience your products from their own home. Until the holodeck is released to the public, this is the closest you can come. These are relatively quick and simple to create, whether for existing products or for things you are still dreaming up! I have posted two we have created as samples. Give me a call so we can put your products online, in 3D!

For some past examples, click here.

Big Changes at South Church

2008-08-25T13:35:00.007-04:00

Last week I was contacted by South Church of Lansing. They are expanding their services and need additional space, so the decision had been made to convert the gymnasium into a temporary worship facility. This necessitated a remodel that was almost entirely mobile. They had a church meeting scheduled for yesterday evening to present the plans to the membership and vote on the budget increase to cover the equipment. JSSVD was called upon to create visualizations to assist in this presentation.
Those images follow:

Bookstore interior

2008-08-21T12:13:00.003-04:00

Just finished a sample image of the interior of a bookstore. The layout and fixtures were based on designs by Design Identity for one of their projects. We made some adjustments and populated the shelves with books and CDs to make a photoreal presentation. Let me know what you think!

Other render styles

2008-08-18T17:38:00.007-04:00

In the business, we usually call these non-photoreal, or "NPR". They could be a traditional media style replicating a hand sketch or a painting, or they could be very basic 3D images without reflections or even textures. Sometimes they are requested as a matter of preference - and sometimes because of the lower cost and turnaround time. And sometimes they just work better than a full photo-realistic rendering due to their simple presentation and high contrast.

Whatever the look and whatever the need, NPR renderings still make up a fair amount of our work. Because of the lower time requirements, we can sneak these in between other jobs pretty easily. But because they are not as glamorous as our photoreal renderings, they usually do not get the same attention. So I decided to use today's blog post to highlight these images. If you want more information or more examples on any of our NPR styles, give me a call!

New render slaves!

2008-08-12T16:31:00.000-04:00

Meet Kevin, Angela, and Ryan. They just finished their first full week of rendering!

With Intel quad-core processors, they join Dwight and Andy as the fastest render boxes in the office.

JSSVD project revisited

2008-08-07T09:45:00.003-04:00

Got a call from a client going before the city with a revision to a project we did last year. Rather than 6 houses, they wanted a version showing only 5. Also, he asked us to create a 2-story option to present. Given the work already created previously, this was pretty easy to turn around.

Traverse City's coming YMCA!

2008-07-03T12:25:00.007-04:00

At JSSVD, we've been working with the YMCA and CWS Architects to help them visualize the new YMCA. They have considered a couple of sites and a variety of design options. We have been involved since 2006. Here is a sampling of the work we have done for them.

COMPARE: Ugly Kitchen

2008-06-24T21:14:00.002-04:00

Ok, so the Ugly Kitchen was completed and revealed last week. Very cool!

Click here to see the 'before' pic and the JSSVD rendering.

Here is a photo of the real kitchen by Dave Speckman.

COMPARE: Porch in Historic District

2008-06-18T22:01:00.000-04:00

In 2006, a local builder approached me who was having difficulty with the local municipality. He was wanting to add a porch and just generally improve a house he owned, but the house was in a "Historic District". In such a district, there is generally a board that reviews all proposed changes to make sure they are in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. He had sketched up his concept, but it wasn't enough to sell them on the idea.

He came to us, and we created a 3D model of the porch he had drawn, as well as a number of alternate options. He chose one and we slapped it on the house and sent him packing to the city to get his approval.

I assume all went well, because I just noticed the house as I drove by the other day. Looks pretty close!

Know MAX? VRay? Photoshop?

2008-05-27T18:03:00.001-04:00

HELP!!! We're hiring. Do you know 3D?
Check out this link for the skinny.

JSSVD at wfx 2008 in Indy!

2008-05-13T14:46:00.018-04:00

We've been back for a bit, but only just now taking the time to post some details.

JSSVD had booth #749 at the Spring wfx conference in Indianapolis April 30 - May 1. All of us were able to go to the show except for Andy - he was sad.

As I reflect on the journey, it seems more a tour of restaurants that Nick had never experienced than it did a trip to a trade show. First on the list of Nick's tour was White Castle. You should have seen the excitement on his face! It soon left though, with his first bite of steamed meat. I always heard that their burgers were tiny, but Aubrey could barely even lift hers!

Next was my favorite discovery of the past few years: Famous Dave's! Yummmmm. Highly recommended! Every time I'm in a biggish city I look for one, as they have not yet made it to the northlands. It was late and we couldn't decide on individual meals, so we split the giant trashcan lid platter. Very excellent!

I'm not sure what she did that she is smiling about, but here you can see our den mother and navigator, Aubrey. Although soon after this was shot, her navigator status was put on probation however. You see, she is always talking about this restaurant "P.F. Chang's" that she wants us to try. So one night at 10:45 she searches Google Maps on my cell phone to find them. When she is told they close at 11, she was trying to find out if we could still make it. The lady seemed confused since they were just starting to serve the dinner menu, but said "Yes - you should have plenty of time." So, we head to town. When we get there, sure enough - they are closed. I took my phone back from her and looked at the last screen. Click here for a clue why we didn't have Chinese that night.

Well, at one point we actually did man a booth at the show. Here are a couple of pictures as evidence. As usual, Scott is working, Nick is sleeping, and Aubrey is nowhere to be found.

It may not look like it, but these things are exhausting. The first day we were all incredibly busy talking with people. I didn't sit down that day. Thursday gave us a few breaks, but still steadily busy right to the end. After teardown Thursday, we all went back to the hotel and crashed until very late.

While I was busy trying to establish relationships with prospective clients, Nick & Aubrey went on a swag expedition. (For definition of "swag", watch "The Office", Season 3, Episode 2 - "The Convention") After nap time, Nick laid out his takings.

Before commencing the journey home, we stopped at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I guess that is the thing you are supposed to see in that town. Pretty cool to see the cars in the museum. A lot more impressive on race day though, I'll bet. Nick is ready, although I think a helmet would be prudent.

On the way home, we came thru Fort Wayne to see the new Sweetwater headquarters. I can sum it all up in one word: "Huh?!" Let me first say that Sweetwater is an incredible supplier of pro audio gear, musical instruments, etc. They have probably one of the largest warehouses of its kind. However, their new digs feel like a strange dream, or one of those spy movies where someone wakes up in a strange facility, having been extracted from their normal lives and trained to work for the government. The place is immense, and when we went - absolutely empty. There were LCD panels everywhere with various shows playing that all seemed as if they were showing propaganda to make us feel like everything is ok. Yet around each corner was a new and strange thing that we could not relate to. A free video game arcade including virtual golf, a movie theater, an exercise room, racquetball, restaurant, concierge, recording studio... Crazy! They did have some music gear in the front of the store that we had to explore, but I couldn't believe how little the showroom was given their reputation. After playing around a little, I was forced to push Nick thru the glass to the showroom floor.

I'm sure it looks like we mostly played while there, and this is partly true. But when we were working, we were just so dern busy that we could not accurately capture it. Besides, all of the pictures of us "working the booth" look pretty much the same. The bottom line is, it was a very encouraging trip, garnering a number of new leads, and a lot of fun!

Sample matchmove

2008-04-24T10:03:00.003-04:00

This is a quick animation I did some time ago to test our tracking software. Put simply, tracking allows us to identify the path a camera followed while recording, the lens used, and other characteristics. This information is then used to create a virtual camera in our 3D scene with the same parameters. Then, we can render an animation of something that does not exist, and match it into a real-world setting. You have seen this done hundreds of times, but may not have known it. This is how Gollum in Lord of the Rings , King Kong, and the recent HP and Levi's commercials were made to name just a few.

This test is poor quality, but that was by design. Rather than using a pro-level HD video camera, I used an inexpensive digital camera that shoots mediocre video. I figured if I can get a good track on a jerky 320x240 at 15fps, I can get a great match on smooth HD. After tracking the camera move, I dropped in a building from a past job, planted some trees, and added some moving cars.

Certainly not a product quality I would deliver, but proof that we can make very convincing matches with proper footage.

Building a garage

2008-04-21T09:56:00.000-04:00

Cleaning off the network today and found this video I did a while back. Besides showing the progression of construction, it's interesting to see how the various options affect the lighting in the room.

JSSVD Clients - Nationwide!

2008-04-14T18:17:00.001-04:00

Where are you located? Where do you work?
Some of the more common questions we receive here!
Believe it or not, we do far more work out of state than we do locally.
I just threw together a quick map to show the communities represented by our clients.
Pretty cool, eh?
(Always looking to stick more pins in the map, so give us a call!)

Ugly Kitchen rendering complete!

2008-04-08T11:55:00.000-04:00

Click here for a 3D tour of the existing kitchen
(You may be prompted to download a plugin in order to view it.)

Photo Composite of Existing Kitchen

Rendering of Proposed Kitchen

JSSVD chosen for renderings of Ugly Kitchen Contest

2008-03-28T12:45:00.013-04:00

According to their website, "the contest aims to make over the kitchen most in need! The ugliest kitchen will win a $35,000 custom makeover, including new cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, appliances, and other amenities of the perfect kitchen. All products and services will be provided by top area businesses."

Click here for a 3D tour of the existing kitchen that is about to be completely remodeled!!
(You may be prompted to download a plugin in order to view it.)

For more info, and to keep up on the progress of the project, visit the Ugly Kitchen Contest website.

2100 chairs!

2008-03-07T16:11:00.004-05:00

What if a customer wondered what 2100 model XYZ seats with red fabric would look like in their room?

Why not show them?!

And if they liked it, we could add their colors, materials, and fixtures to complete the vision!

Sample renderings of multi-use facility

2008-03-06T13:46:00.007-05:00

Many churches and schools start out with one large room that serves many purposes. It is used as a central gathering place for services, assemblies, weddings, banquets, spelling bees, sports functions, and more! If you are planning such a facility, it is to your benefit to study every conceivable use to make sure that you have covered all the bases. You may find that the stage steps are in the way of a basketball game. Or that the scoreboard is in a distracting location for a church service. Or the kitchen doors are not in a good spot in relation to the buffet line...

We can make pictures and even video of your facility so you can explore such uses. Take a look at the following examples and let me know how we can help you in your planning.

Scott

Sample Theater Seat

2008-02-29T16:04:00.005-05:00

The following images are 3D renderings of a theater seat we created as samples of our product rendering capabilities. For the last two, click and hold the mouse button to move the model. (Requires Apple Quicktime)

The next two items require Quicktime.
Click here to download free.

Click and drag the mouse to rotate:

Click and drag the mouse to raise/lower the seat:

Bella Terra animation completed

2008-02-26T19:34:00.007-05:00

We have been working for Bella Terra on the first luxury RV resort of their chain. Today we rolled out the final animation for the resort. Here is a preview:

JSSVD work appears in NY Times piece!

2008-02-24T17:24:00.000-05:00

Date: February 24, 2008
New York Times - Sunday Edition
Travel Section, pg 2
Project: Bella Terra RV Resort of Gulf Shores, AL

A brief story highlighting one of our clients appeared in last Sunday's New York Times, accompanied by one of the images we did for them.

For more info on the resort, and to see more images and animations we did for them, visit www.bellaterrarvresort.com

(Click image to view larger)

JSSVD at Church Solutions Expo in Phoenix

2008-02-15T18:51:00.000-05:00

Representatives from J. Scott Smith Visual Designs, Inc. appeared in booth #422 at the Church Solutions Expo in Phoenix, AZ from February 13-14, 2008.

The purpose of the show and expo, according to their website, is as follows:

Learn. Build. Grow. For a church, it happens in that order. And that's where we step in: the Church Solutions Conference and Expo, the premier learning destination for leaders of expanding houses of worship.
Produced by Church Solutions® Magazine (formerly Church Business®) in conjunction with founding sponsor National Association of Church Design Builders (NACDB), the Church Solutions Conference and Expo teaches all church leaders from executive pastors to building committees how to grow and develop their houses of worship with exceptional education and the latest innovations.

This brand-new, dual-focus conference and expo will take church construction projects from funding to fruition, as well as offer intensive education on the most pressing leadership issues facing modern churches including:

Pastor-to-Pastor Panels
Multi-Site and Satellite Churches
Web-Based Ministry, Sanctuary Technology
The Green Church
Architecture and Construction
Stewardship and Financing
Leadership Challenges and Motivation.

More info at http://www.churchsolutionsexpo.com/

Somehow we lost all the real photos from the show that were taken with an actual camera. One semi-tolerable image remains from my cameraphone. Here it is....

And, if you're terribly bored and would like to see the demo reel that ran endlessly on the monitor to the right, click below.

Explore lighting options

2008-02-04T15:50:00.005-05:00

These are a few of the renderings we did to show various staging and lighting options for an existing church. Easy way to test out some ideas without any unnecessary ladder moves or back strains!

Individual, larger versions follow:

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T09:56:00.001-05:00

Our 2007 Christmas card...

JSSVD work appears in Times Square!

2007-12-10T18:14:00.000-05:00

Date of coverage: December 5-7, 2007
Location: Times Square, New York City
Project: Twenty3Twenty - Mixed-Use development in Valdosta, GA

A press release highlighting one of our clients ran on the huge displays in Times Square! It appeared for 3 days accompanied by images we did for them.

For more info on the development, and to see more images we did for them, visit www.twenty3twenty.com

(Click image to view larger)

South Georgia's Tallest Building

2007-12-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

When complete, the 11-story, 400,000 sf mixed-use development known as "Twenty3Twenty" will be the tallest building in South Georgia. The plan's unique mixed-use design will offer professional and retail space along with high-end residential units. A rooftop garden adds to the unique amenities, and contributes to the green aspect of the development which is seeking LEED certification.

Much of the residential space is already reserved, and 10 commercial businesses have already committed to the project, including a prominent bank and law firm. For more info and current news, visit www.twenty3twenty.com

JSSVD work used in RV resort marketing

2007-11-04T17:23:00.007-05:00

Here is a sampling of images we created for luxury RV resort "Bella Terra" in Gulf Shores, AL.

Bay Pointe Community Church

2007-11-01T10:28:00.002-04:00

Bay Pointe Community Church is now holding services in their new facility on East Long Lake and Secor in Traverse City, MI. (More info on Bay Pointe here.)

They had quite an adventure dealing with the township which necessitated several redesigns of their campus. At one point there were even plans for the incorporation of a school. We did renderings for them at several points. The ones included below are very similar to the current church, but due to changes in design and phasing they are somewhat different.

This was an interesting and fun project with a very fast turnaround.

Despite all of their roadblocks, the church is now open and quite active. Stop by sometime!

Project architects: Whiteford Associates, Inc. and CWS Architects

JSSVD work sent to leading magazine

2007-10-12T18:12:00.003-04:00

Interior designer Shane Inman of The Inman Company hired us to produce renderings of his kitchen concept. They were entered in a competition put on by Interior Design, a leading national magazine. Shane's design had to meet very specific design criteria. We'll be watching to see how Shane does!

Interactive Online Models

2007-09-03T20:32:00.004-04:00

I have posted a recent project as an example of one option for online interactivity that we offer.
(You may be prompted to download a plugin in order to view it.)

Click here

JSSVD work used in city proceedings

2007-08-08T12:27:00.000-04:00

JSSVD has been retained to produce visualizations to assist a client in receiving a permit for his development in downtown Traverse City, MI. This development does not conform to the current clustered single-family dwelling ordinance. Approval would mean an increase in the appeal of the property, and a greater density than currently allowed - especially beneficial as finding residence inside the city limits is increasingly difficult.

Our involvement included visiting the site for photos and measurements, 3D modeling of the existing site, 3D modeling of proposed improvements, and the production of graphics demonstrating the improvement.

Old Town Playhouse renovation

2007-05-01T15:39:00.005-04:00

The Old Town Playhouse is planning a facelift. Ken Richmond of Richmond + Associates Architects conceived the design and forwarded us his sketches. We measured the existing building, modeled it in 3D, and created a rendering to convey Ken's design.

Architect's Sketch:

Rendering - Daytime:

Rendering - Nighttime:

Sapphire Shores

2006-11-01T21:02:00.014-05:00

We just completed several exterior and interior renderings of Sapphire Shore condominiums. Following are some sample images, as well as a virtual tour of one model.

Click and drag mouse to look around

Requires Quicktime. Click here to download free.

Spotlight article in Business News magazine

2003-06-01T13:23:00.001-04:00

A feature story on me and "Custom CAD Solutions" (a former business name) regarding our rendering services when the word was first starting to spread locally. There are a few items that were misinterpreted by the interviewer, but overall a decent article. This ran in the "Northwest Michigan Business News", now called "Traverse City Business News".

Click here