Guideline for Evaluating 3D Art Outsourcing Project Costs
Looking to outsource your 3D art project for gaming? Here are some essential questions to ask to ensure you get top-notch results:
Nailing the Scope and Deliverables
- What types of 3D assets are needed (characters, environments, props, etc.)?
- What level of detail and style are expected (photorealistic, stylized, etc.)?
- Do you provide art bibles or style guides for visual consistency?
- What are the deadlines for each deliverable milestone?
Visual Unity and Style Adaptability
- How will outsourced art match your game's existing visual style?
- Can the outsource studio provide samples of their adaptability to different styles?
- Will they use mood boards, style references, and approved color palettes for guidance?
- How do they ensure character archetypes, silhouettes, and level aesthetics remain consistent?
Technical Compatibility and Optimization
- Which 3D software and tools do they use, and are they compatible with your pipeline?
- How do they optimize assets for your target platforms (mobile, console, PC)?
- What polygon budgets, texture resolutions, and LODs will be followed?
- Can they adapt assets to meet performance constraints without sacrificing quality?
- How is optimization integrated into their production pipeline?
Smooth Collaboration and Workflow Integration
- Which version control systems do they support (e.g., Perforce, Git)?
- How do they collaborate with in-house teams and manage communication?
- What project management and review processes do they use?
- Are they open to adapting their pipeline to match your existing tools and workflows?
Quality Assurance and Revisions
- What quality assurance processes are in place for art QA (models, textures, animations)?
- How many revision cycles are included in the contract?
- How do they handle feedback and implement changes efficiently?
Past Work and Team Experience
- What is the size and expertise of their art team?
- Can they support different engagement types (project-based, co-development, full production)?
- Do they have experience creating assets similar to yours in genre and style?
Pricing, Legal Matters, and After-Delivery Support
- What are their pricing models and estimated costs for the needed scope and quality?
- Are there any additional costs for specialized software or technical support?
- What payment terms and milestones do they propose?
- What are their terms regarding intellectual property and asset ownership?
- Do they offer ongoing support and updates after initial delivery?
By asking these questions, you set the stage for a successful collaboration, ensuring consistency, technical alignment, and an efficient workflow for your 3D art outsourcing project.
In the realm of smart-home devices and gadgets, considering the technology-driven nature, it's crucial to pay attention to technical compatibility and optimization just as important questions are asked when outsourcing 3D art projects for gaming. For instance, querying about the 3D software and tools a studio uses to ensure compatibility with your pipeline is equally significant as inquiring about the types of 3D assets needed and the level of detail expected in your project.
