Breaking into 3D Visualization as a Business
What it takes to go from drawing plans to crafting hyper-realistic spatial stories.
Edition #29
Hello Musies,
Let’s talk about a career path that’s gaining serious traction—
Not just because it’s in demand, but because it lets you blend creativity with independence.
We’re talking about 3D visualization.
In the past, it was a skill that supported architecture.
Today, it’s a standalone career, and even a business, with its own scope, clients, and creative impact.
If you’ve ever wondered how architects are breaking into visualization full-time,
Or how to shift from technical drawings to cinematic storytelling...
This edition is for you.
🎯 What is 3D Visualization—and Why It’s Booming
3D visualization isn’t just about making photorealistic renders.
It’s about:
Communicating spatial intent
Helping clients see before building
Crafting atmospheres, moods, and narratives
Creating content for marketing, pitches, social media, and even metaverse-style experiences
With tools like Lumion, V-Ray, Enscape, Blender, and Unreal Engine evolving constantly,
It’s now possible to go solo and build a freelance visualization business—even from your bedroom.
But how do you actually get started?
What software should you learn?
How do you find clients?
And how do you stand out in a saturated market?
We spoke with someone who’s done exactly that.
This edition is slightly longer than our usual ones—but it’s absolutely worth the read if you’re serious about understanding the business side of visualization.
Rajat has poured his heart out, and his journey is packed with practical insights.
🎙️ Exclusive Interview with Ar. Rajat Arora
1.What made you pivot from architecture to 3D visualization?
I began my architecture journey at Apeejay School of Architecture in Greater Noida. However, after completing my first year, I transferred to Aayojan School of Architecture in Jaipur, which eventually became my main institution.
My interest in 3D software actually started during my first year at Apeejay. One of my close school friends had joined the same college, and he was very active with our seniors. Living in the hostel, he spent a lot of time learning different software from them.
The first software he picked up was SketchUp — and I still remember, it was just beginning to gain popularity at the time. Watching him use it to create things like spiral staircases was absolutely fascinating. He would stay up late learning from seniors, and the next morning, he’d show up with these impressive designs. I remember thinking, “Wow… I wish I could do that too.” That was probably the first time I felt genuinely drawn to 3D visualization.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get much exposure to that world while I was at Apeejay. Things took a positive turn when I moved to Aayojan. The culture there was much more collaborative. Seniors were supportive — if you helped them with something, they’d willingly guide you in return.
I gradually became more involved — asking questions, observing their work, and learning bit by bit. But the real turning point came at the end of my first semester.
We were preparing for final submissions, and while my work was ready, my roommate was still struggling, especially with rendering. He needed V-Ray renders, which I had never used before.
Around 2AM, he approached me and said, “You’re close with that senior… could you please ask him for help with my render?”
So I went to Abhishek Sir’s room, and luckily, he was awake. I explained the situation, and instead of simply doing it for me, he sat me down and taught me how to use V-Ray.
In just half an hour, I learned how to install and run it. I rendered my friend’s model — and even though I hadn’t added much detail myself, the final result looked incredible.
I still remember both of us just staring at the screen in awe — “Dude, this looks insane!”
That moment was a game-changer for me. It gave me that first real “kick.” I knew instantly — this is what I love. I wanted to dive deeper into 3D visualization, explore more software, and truly master the craft.
Since then, that passion has only grown stronger.
2.How did your family react when you decided to leave the conventional architecture path?
To be completely honest, my father was never supportive of my decision to pursue architecture — not even from the start. He always had his doubts about the field, questioning whether it was the right choice for me or even a stable career path.
Ironically, just when I began performing well academically and gaining some momentum, I started to feel disconnected from conventional architecture. I simply wasn’t enjoying it anymore.
The professional life of an architect felt monotonous to me — even suffocating at times. The work culture was draining, the stress was unrelenting, and the compensation didn’t match the effort. There was no aspect that made me feel like, “Yes, this is something I want to keep doing.”
Fortunately, I had already been freelancing in 3D visualization since college. I had clients, I had developed some confidence, and gradually, I began to ask myself:
“Why not give this a proper chance?”
Eventually, I made the bold decision to step away from traditional architecture entirely.
But of course, it wasn’t as simple as it sounds.
Coming from a middle-class Indian family, there’s an unspoken sense of responsibility — especially as you grow older. Even if your parents are financially independent, you still feel the need to contribute. It’s not something that’s imposed on you, but something you carry within.
So before making the shift, I created a solid plan. I saved enough money to cover our household expenses for the next three months. I told myself:
“Even if I don’t earn a single rupee during these three months, my family should never feel that I’ve made a reckless decision or let them down.”
I wanted them to trust me — to see that I had thought it through.
There was one more challenge: my father had absolutely no idea what visualization even was. He didn’t understand how the field worked, the kind of clients I worked with, or how success was measured in this space. Trying to explain all of that to someone unfamiliar with architecture itself was no small task.
So yes, gaining his support took time. It wasn’t easy.
But I knew where I was headed. I had conviction in my decision.
And now, slowly but surely — he’s starting to see it too.
3.Was there a moment when you thought “I’m doing the right thing”?
Yes, there have been several moments that reassured me I’m on the right path, but two in particular stand out—one from the early days of my journey, and one very recent.
The first goes back about six years, when I had just launched my firm. Alongside my practice, I also began coaching and teaching 3D visualization. I had a few students in those early days, and witnessing their growth left a lasting impact on me—not just in terms of their technical skills, but in their self-confidence. Many of them were already working with 3D software, but they lacked direction and belief in their abilities. After training with me, the shift in their confidence and the genuine appreciation they expressed made me realize I was doing something meaningful. It wasn’t just about teaching software—it was about helping them see their own potential more clearly.
The second moment happened quite recently. One of my team members—around 8 to 9 years younger than me—shared something that really stayed with me. She had been following my work on Instagram since the days when I had only a handful of followers. One day, she told me that she believes I’ve helped change how people perceive the field of 3D visualization—that I’ve brought value, respect, and visibility to it. According to her, more people now see it as a serious and exciting career path, something that wasn’t the case when I first started. I never set out with the intention to shift perceptions, but hearing that I’ve had that kind of impact—quietly, over time—was incredibly powerful.
4.What skills from architecture helped you most in becoming a successful visualizer?
Honestly, it’s quite a straightforward realization—and I believe most people who’ve studied architecture can relate to it.
When you study architecture, you’re not just learning how to design buildings. You’re trained to understand the entire design process—how materials behave, how light interacts with spaces, how circulation flows, and how angles and proportions shape perception. You’re taught to think like a designer, whether you're working on architectural forms or interior spaces. So when I transitioned into 3D visualization, all of that knowledge naturally came with me.
And that’s exactly where it makes a real difference—especially when working with clients.
One thing I’ve consistently observed is that my clients feel a sense of ease while working with me. I truly believe that comes from the fact that I’m an architect. They don’t have to over-explain their ideas. They know I understand design intent intuitively. Whether it’s concept drawings, structural layouts, or fine material details—I can read them, interpret them, and even create them if needed. That level of understanding offers them real peace of mind.
Think about it—when a client has invested time and effort into crafting a presentation or a design plan, and they don’t have to explain every single detail, it’s a huge relief. They feel heard. They feel understood. And that kind of alignment builds trust. It reduces the back and forth and makes the entire process smoother.
For me, that’s been one of the biggest strengths—being both an architect and a visualizer. It bridges the gap. I’m not just producing beautiful images; I’m visualizing the reality they’re trying to build. And because I continue to actively practice architecture, my work is always grounded in practical, real-world understanding—it’s never just theoretical.
I truly believe that this dual perspective—understanding both the creative and technical sides—has helped me grow the most as a visualizer. It makes collaboration seamless, and that makes all the difference.
5.What was your very first paid project in visualization and how did you land it?
My very first paid visualization project didn’t come through a formal pitch or a cold outreach. It came through something far more meaningful—trust, consistency, and a genuine connection built over time.
By the time I reached my internship during college, I had already spent 2–3 years immersing myself in 3D visualization. It had become an integral part of my architectural journey. During that internship, I gave everything I had—especially when it came to the visualization work. That’s when I met Gautam Sir. Our dynamic went beyond the typical mentor-intern relationship; we built a strong professional bond. He saw my passion, and I could sense his trust in me growing.
Even after the internship ended and I returned to college, we stayed in touch. While we didn’t meet often, we continued to connect through regular calls and updates. I never really lost contact with him—and he stayed just as engaged with my journey. He always had an idea of what I was working on, even as the years passed.
But this story isn't just about him. His partner, Naveen Sir, was equally aware and encouraging. Both of them had witnessed my growth—and more importantly, they believed in what I was capable of.
So when I officially launched my own visualization studio—in April 2019, on the very day I decided to take the leap—just two days later, I received a call from them. They were starting work on a resort project in Shimla, and they wanted me to handle the complete visualization as a professional firm. That became my first official project under my own name.
It wasn’t a small task—it was significant, both in scale and in meaning. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate and deeply grateful that Gautam Sir and Naveen Sir placed such faith in me, especially at such an early stage.
That one opportunity marked the beginning of everything. It opened the first real door—and from that moment onward, there’s been no looking back.
6.How much can one realistically earn in this field starting out?
When it comes to earnings as a fresher, it really varies based on the city you're working in. Every location has a different cost of living, which directly impacts starting salaries. For instance, in metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi, freshers typically earn between ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per month. In some fortunate cases, it can go up to ₹30,000.
However, in Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities, the range is usually lower—around ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. So, your earning potential as a fresher largely depends on the size of the firm and the city you're based in.
Now, when we talk about freelancing, the dynamics are entirely different. The good part is that you can start freelancing from anywhere. But to be honest, it’s not easy in the beginning. It takes time to build a reputation, find clients, and establish a steady flow of work. The income is unpredictable—it depends entirely on how many projects you land in a given month.
If you're able to maintain a consistent client base, you can expect to earn anywhere between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, sometimes even more. But again, it heavily depends on the type of clients you work with. Freelancing can feel like a gamble—some months you might earn ₹10,000, and in others, you might have no income at all.
That said, one thing is certain: with dedication and persistence, you'll eventually reach a stage where you're not just earning consistently but growing professionally. And that’s the real beauty of freelancing—one day you might be facing challenges, and the next day you could hit a breakthrough.
7.Do you charge per render, per project, or by the hour? What works best?
Charging per square foot isn’t really the best idea — because honestly, you don’t know what kind of changes might come up. There’s no clarity about how many changes there will be, or what kind of additions the client might ask for. That’s why I personally prefer charging per render. It’s much clearer and more practical.
Also, you should always charge separately for any revisions or changes — that’s important. Once you've shared a few blocks or initial outputs, you can even shift to a project-wise model. What I usually do is this: if it’s a small space, like a single bedroom, then I share my per-render and journal-wise charges. But if it’s a larger project — say, something with 15–20 renders — then in most cases, I end up getting the entire project. In those cases, I give a lump sum quote for the full project instead of breaking it down render by render.
This way, it’s easier for the client to understand, and it also helps you earn a fair and consolidated fee. It’s a win-win.”
8.Have you ever faced pricing pushback from clients and how did you handle it?
Negotiating prices has, unfortunately, become a bad habit—especially in India, where services are often treated like commodities, as if we’re bargaining for vegetables in a market. This mindset doesn’t belong in a professional setting, and it’s something we need to consciously move away from.
Price pushback has become a daily occurrence. It happens with almost every quotation. In fact, I’d say there’s only a 0.1% chance that a client agrees to the quoted price without any negotiation.
It’s usually the newer or less experienced firms that are the most likely to negotiate heavily. I’ve experienced this firsthand. On the other hand, well-established and reputed firms tend to be more respectful and understanding when it comes to pricing.
The key is to stand your ground. You have to make clients understand the value of your work—and more importantly, where that value lies. If you’ve quoted a certain amount, you should not drop below a certain point. Otherwise, your work begins to lose its perceived worth.
It’s important to communicate your value clearly. If the client understands and respects it, great. If not, you must still hold your ground—not just for your own self-respect, but also for the integrity of the profession.
At the end of the day, clients will come. The market is large, and opportunities are plenty. But what matters most is not compromising on the value you bring to the table.
9.Can someone start without knowing tools like 3ds Max or Blender say, with SketchUp + Enscape?
To start a career in visualization, it's not essential to have access to heavy or advanced software right away. These tools can be learned and mastered over time. What’s more important in the beginning is to pick one modeling software and get comfortable with it. It could be anything—SketchUp, 3ds Max, Rhino, Blender—whatever aligns with your learning style and comfort level.
Yes, it's absolutely possible to begin your career with just that. The market today has a strong demand for professionals skilled in any of these platforms. So, if you're wondering whether you can get started with limited resources—the answer is yes. You can start small and still take your first step into the field.
However, how far your career goes depends on how consistently you evolve. Learning just one software is enough to begin, but not to sustain or grow in the long run. To truly thrive, you’ll need to continuously upskill—expanding into rendering tools, walkthrough creation, and other specialized software.
In short, one software can help you enter the field, but to build a strong, long-lasting career in visualization, ongoing learning and skill development is key.
10.What’s the best way to build a beginner-friendly portfolio if you have no clients?
The best way to start a career in visualization today is quite different from how it used to be when I began. Back then, resources and platforms were limited. But now, there are countless opportunities—if you know where to look.
For instance, if you don’t have client work initially, there are many websites where you can download free 3D models for practice. You can also take up design competition projects that are freely available online. Working on these helps you sharpen your skills, build a strong portfolio, and showcase your capabilities. Just make sure to credit the original creators if you’re using someone else’s model.
These online resources are a great way to start building your portfolio and developing your style. When I started, social media wasn’t booming like it is today. Instagram wasn’t as powerful, and we relied more on cold emails, reaching out to architects, and networking through traditional means. We used to include our student or intern work in our portfolios and directly connect with people in the field.
But now, social media is one of the most impactful tools you can use. Today, it’s all about visibility—what you show is what you sell. If your work is strong and visible, the right people will notice.
So, build a solid portfolio and keep it updated regularly across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Behance.
Stay consistent, share quality content, and eventually, the right clients and collaborators will start reaching out to you.
11.What’s one mistake beginners should absolutely avoid?
One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make—and I’ve learned this firsthand—is not setting clear terms at the beginning of a project.
Every time you take on a new assignment, it’s essential to create a proper document that outlines all key details: the scope of work, the number of revisions allowed, payment terms, timelines, and any potential additional charges.
Once this document is ready, share it with the client and ensure you receive their acknowledgment. This one step can save you from countless issues later.
Many freelancers skip this because they’re afraid. They think, “What if the client backs out?”
But the real mistake is letting that fear stop you from protecting yourself.
You might put your heart into a project, deliver your best work—and still not get paid. Why? Because there were no terms documented.
Without written proof, there’s no way to hold the client accountable.
Working casually doesn’t earn you respect. If you want to be treated like a professional, you must operate like one. Whether you’re freelancing alone or running your own firm, clarity and documentation are non-negotiable.
Also, always prioritize email communication. Emails are your strongest form of professional proof—much more reliable than WhatsApp chats or phone calls. If something ever goes wrong, that email trail becomes your support system.
At the end of the day, how you present yourself determines how others treat you. Your work deserves respect—and that respect starts with you.
So never skip this step. Set your terms, communicate them clearly, and move forward with confidence—not fear.
12.Where do you see yourself in the industry right now?
I feel like I’m in a good place within the industry, but there are moments when I genuinely wonder—am I at the top, or completely at the bottom?
This feeling often stems from the kind of people I work with or those who truly know me. They understand how disciplined, systematic, and committed I am when it comes to timelines, terms, and work ethics. They respect that, and our collaborations reflect that mutual understanding.
But the reality is, not everyone in the industry values those things. And that’s where the contrast kicks in. At times, it feels like I’m either highly respected for the standards I uphold—or completely overlooked by those who don’t care for structure and discipline.
I can’t fully explain why this feeling exists, but in my view, it points to a deeper issue: the industry needs to evolve. Respect for professionalism, ethics, and clear processes shouldn’t be the exception—it should be the norm.
📌 What You Can Learn from Rajat’s Journey
Rajat’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a big office, a long list of clients, or years of experience to get started.
What you do need:
A deep understanding of design + the ability to visualize it emotionally
A mindset to learn tools deeply and stay updated
Confidence to pitch yourself, even if you’re starting from scratch
Clarity in communication—both visually and verbally
His journey shows how visualization isn’t just a support skill for architects—
It’s a career path in its own right.
📢 We’re Hiring: Join the Team
We’re expanding and looking for passionate individuals to help us grow:
Video Editor: Nagpur-based preferred; exceptional remote candidates welcome.
Personal Assistant: Support with content management (emails, scheduling, calls). Nagpur-based preferred; remote possible for standout applicants.
Write to us to make an impact? Send your CV or portfolio to info@fyiarch.com.
💬 What alternate career should we explore next?
Want us to talk to a BIM specialist, a product designer, or a visual merchandiser?
Reply to this email or comment on Substack—your suggestions shape our next edition!
Until next week,
Keep Musing,
Ar. Sagar Saoji
Founder - f.y.i.arch
Architect turned Content Creator
Find me here: Instagram | Linkedin | Website
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