How much do renderings cost?
A Guide for 3d rendering prices
This is one of the most important aspects to think about before starting a project. Some people expect something around $100-500. But Is this really a good price for a 3D image? Let’s figure it out now.
Less than $100
Low accuracy, low quality, possibly cartoony but very quick results
Straightforwardly saying, $100 for an image is very low but it is doable in certain cases. Some softwares are built to provide very easy and quick results. For instance, Sketchup is one of the easiest software to use. There are many 3d artists who use Sketchup and render out very quickly. It might work if you are trying to show a simple space, how it looks in early, often rough stages.
$100-$500
Low-Mid accuracy, quality, possibly good enough but depends on the case
There are plenty of 3D renderers who can work within that price range, wherever you are located. It might be an average price in some countries, but it will be considered a low price in other countries. It also depends on the experience of the 3D artists as well. You could obtain good enough mid accuracy and quality to present during internal and external meetings.
$500-$1,000
Mid-Good accuracy, quality, you can expect good quality within this range
This could still be considered as a low price in North America, but it could be a good price in South America and Asia. From this range, you might be able to expect at least 1 revision before final renders. 3D artists need time to work on changes and those are all time consuming. If you are trying to get it done properly, this price range is definitely reasonable. Many freelancers would be interested in working with you for that price, it could also be an acceptable price for decent studios, worldwide.
$1,000-$2,000
Great accuracy, quality, adding more styles will bring more than satisfying quality for your product sales
Your design and project needs more attention from the public eye. It needs to represent a high expectation for the sale. Maybe there will be some revisions required during the process. Those renders will be precisely done with details adding extra accuracy, which will greatly impact the quality. 3D visualizers could try different styling options regarding texturing, lighting, shading, mood and post processing. Multiple trials of different approaches could help bring satisfaction between the 3D artist and the client.
Over $2,000
Excellent quality, well established luxury branding experts with elegant taste and great reputation in the field bring more reliability
Studios with over 10 years of experience may charge easily $2,000 and more per an image. Animations are even much more expensive than that. You can check their history of working on numerous real estate marketing renders. Wherever you go in the city, their works will be greeting you on the street.
They will possibly be working with famous architects worldwide for landmark projects. These high-end 3D studios are expecting to have their own stylized images to consistently build their portfolio the way they want it to be. Client’s expectations and decisions are still the most important matter, however, it could be okay to step aside and let this skilled studio try their own style. They will read the project, analyze your brand and draw out the best look out of it.
Cost difference between Interior, Exterior and Bird Eye View renders
Exteriors have something that needs to be considered, the workload is quite heavier. Same as in real life. Working on interior renovation for a room is much less work than constructing an entire building or developing a town.
Why is it so expensive?
You are paying for the 3D artist’s expertise
3D rendering is one of the most advanced technologies on the market that you can use as marketing strategies. Meaning that the high price range could include hiring more experienced 3D artists and studios. Their brand is quality and reputation. The years of dedicated study about a specific profession brings outstanding differences in the results. There could be some deposit required or break down payments during the process so don’t be surprised about the payment plans.
Things to remember in order to estimate your project’s cost :
The bigger the project’s scale is, the more it will cost.
The more customized details are required, the more time will be needed.
The higher skilled and experienced artists are, the higher the price to pay will be.
**disclaimer: this is the perspective of a 3D visualizer with over 10 years of experience under his belt, please remember that this article is in no way trying to dictate the industry nor to be applied as a rule for the rest of artists in the world. It varies depending on countries, currencies, project scales and experience of 3D designers.
