Getting Started with CGI
Getting started with CGI is easy. You are on our “Getting Started” page because you most likely have some idea of what you are after and are ready to get going. There are a few key steps to take that will help with getting your project started and completed efficiently.
Connect With Us
The first step in getting started with CGI is as easy as reaching out via our Initial Contact Form and sharing a bit about your product and your specific requirements. Take your time to explore our website to discover what we have to offer. When you’re ready, hop over to our Contact Us page and take a few moments to complete our Initial Contact Form.
Filling out our Initial Contact Form allows us to understand your product and the type of visuals you’re seeking, ensuring that our services align with your needs. Once we’ve had a chance to review your details submitted in the Initial Contact Form, we’ll reach out to discuss the next steps toward fine-tuning a tailored quote for your project.
Requesting A Quote
After reviewing the information submitted in the Initial Contact Form and establishing a good fit between what you are looking for and what we offer, the next step is generating a quote. To prepare a detailed and accurate quote, we will send you a Preliminary Project Brief Form and ask that you fill it out completely. This information will be added to the Project Brief should the project proceed.
Project Creation
Once there is an accepted quote in place, we recommend that you submit the balance of the required materials and information for your entire project to complete the Project Brief. Ensuring you have a completed Project Brief is a straightforward process, and we’ve outlined the steps below to guide you through it.
As soon as we have all the requested items outlined in your Project Brief, our team springs into action, crafting your stunning product visuals.
To keep your projects running smoothly and within budget, we structure them with multiple approval checkpoints along the way. This way, we ensure the final result meets your expectations and leaves you satisfied.
And here’s the best part. Once we’ve developed a complete product model or models for your product visuals, it’s kept on file for future use in subsequent projects. No need to worry about re-modelling unless there’s a change in shape or configuration. If you simply want to update the label, consider it done at no extra cost and it’ll be ready to incorporate it into your next project.
Project Briefs
As mentioned above, Project Briefs are essential to creating product visuals. Have a look at below for information about what a Project Brief is, why one is necessary, and what information a well structured one should include.
What is a Project Brief
A Project Brief contains vital project information used in creating visuals that fit your brand. It encompasses your existing website, vision, competitors, budget, and deadlines. A well-structured brief streamlines the project, reducing the need for extensive back-and-forth communication. Below are additional key questions your brief should address:
What’s your project’s timeframe?
What type and size of imagery will you need?
Where will you use your images and/or animations?
What style or mood are you aiming to convey?
As mentioned above, a Project Brief starts to take form during the quotation stage where we learn about the general project requirements via our Initial Project Brief Form. The Project Brief combines the information provided in the Initial Project Brief Form, plus all other pertinent materials that are needed to put together a quote. Before filling out the Initial Project Brief Form, have a look at the outline below to get an idea of what will ultimately be needed to make up a completed Project Brief.
Summarize your priorities.
1. Outline Your Project Needs
Within the project brief, offer a concise overview of your project. Include essential details such as the number of required images or animations, the emotions you want to evoke in your audience, and your budget and deadlines.
2. Provide Reference Images
Regardless of the type of visuals you are needing, including reference images in your brief is invaluable. Example images, shop drawings of your product’s prototype, or even snapping a few shots of your existing product helps us understand your project’s essential requirements. If you’re uncertain about taking reference images, consult our step-by-step guide on our reference page.
3. Describe Your Target Audience
Your project centers around your customer. Understanding your audience’s demographics enables effective visual communication. Consider details like age, ethnic background, hobbies, and interests.
4. Specify Your Budget
Clearly stating your budget from the outset is beneficial and can save time. With knowledge of your financial constraints, we can develop a plan more efficiently. See our example project on this page to get an idea of typical costs before requesting a quote.
Specify Your Project Requirements
5. Visual Style:
Specify the type of visuals you need. Do you require white or transparent background photography for your catalog or website listings, or are you interested in creative CGI photography or product animations? Each style has a distinct price point, so this information is valuable. See our services page for examples of the types of imagery available.
6. Size Requirements:
By indicating the size and/or intended use of your product visuals, we’ll be able to ensure you get just the right size and quality to suite their intended use.
7. Quantity:
To provide an accurate quote and proposed timeline, we need to know the exact number of creative visuals, white background images, or animations you require. See our example project on this page to get an idea of typical costs before requesting a quote.
8. Mood and Style:
A mood board, or a simple a collection of example inspirational images and information pertaining to your brands font styles and color palette within your brief will effectively convey your vision and mood. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are excellent for bookmarking ideas.
Your website offers insights into what style best suits your brand. If you plan to integrate visuals into your current website, send us a link or screenshots. If you’re designing a new website, even work-in-progress mockups are helpful.
10. Deadline:
Transparency about your deadline, especially if it’s well in advance, is highly beneficial. CGI modeling projects require time, so getting in touch a month or more ahead of your deadline is advisable to prevent delays.