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When to use Color or 3D (or Both)?

By Len Hordyk l.a.t.

Product Manager-Design Solutions

DynaSCAPE Software

The question is often asked – if I get DS|Sketch3D, will I eliminate the need for DS|Color? It’s a very good question since it appears that it’s not often that you’ll need to use both Color and Sketch3D on the same project. The truth is you might use both more than you think, especially if you look at how you can use them together to create effective presentations of your design ideas.

When to add color to your drawings
It is a fact that most clients you visit cannot read 2D black and white drawings. Most won’t admit it to you while you are presenting it, but they can’t and it’s because most of them don’t see them every day like you do. Some of you are quite capable of selling jobs without any color or 3D, relying on DynaSCAPE’s great graphics and your ability to sell.

However, in today’s competitive market you need all the help you can get. If your client is getting other designs from other contractors or designers, do you want your design to be the least understood? Having a little more flash is more important now than it ever has been. Adding a splash of color to your drawing may be all you need to make your clients feel comfortable with you because now they can understand what they're looking at.

How much color do you need?
How far you go with adding color is up to you but my personal preference is to create a full color render that includes transparencies and shadows. Everyone has their own preference for style of color and intensity. Shadows really help give the drawing depth and make it easier to read, especially to show grade changes like steps and walls.

Without Shadows	With Shadows

Color vs. 3D
Patrick DuChene, a long-time DynaSCAPE user, says he does ‘a color design on every project’. Although Patrick also uses DS|Sketch3D and Google SketchUp to make 3D models, he says that ‘Color is not trumped by Sketch3D. I value Color as much or even more than 3D.’ Patrick says he is all about productivity and finds that, ‘although 3D is useful, you can get wrapped up in the details and end up spending more time than may be necessary on design or presentation. This can really affect your turn-around time for a project.’ He says he’ll only use 3D on a full project when he thinks he needs to. He really likes to use 3D for the special features on a project, like a fireplace or outdoor kitchen, where the visual aid that it provides is often enough to seal the deal.

What are you using to color your drawings?
Are you still stuck doing everything by hand? Nothing beats a hand rendered drawing from someone with artistic talents but most of us can’t do that. Besides, technology has made this process much more efficient as well as it enables the less artistic to still look good. Photoshop is a popular option among designers but it will be somewhat time-consuming and really limits you to solid fills, looking very much computer generated.

Those who are already on board know that DynaSCAPE Color is the only product on the market that comes close to the look of hand coloring. Not only is it productive, it’s flexible and editable. The drawing update feature allows you to make revisions to your design without having to start over. Pick from one of three different styles and you can even create your own unique style if you wish. Patrick says he has created a lot of his own swatches and this sets him apart from all of his competitors. He has even added his own photo-real textures of pavers, stone, fabrics etc. to bring a level of photo-realism to his color drawings and he believes this kind of ‘fine tuning’ is helping him win more jobs.

Spring Color Special:

Thinking of buying DS|Color? Take advantage of our spring special and get Free Color training with your purchase (a $99 value).

Already got it but aren’t using it? Save $25 when you sign up for the Color training. You learn all the tricks and methods you need to quickly turn around a full color design.

For more information or to purchase a DynaSCAPE Color or training, contact us by calling 1.800.710.1900 x2, or email us at sales@dynascape.com

Regards,

Mike Tripp

DynaSCAPE Sales Representative

Tel - 1.800.710.1900 ext.2        eMail - sales@dynascape.com