Q and A and Featured Visualizer: Allan Casas

Allan Casas

Allan is a license architect and accomplished visualizer from the Philippines. He created his own firm,  AOC4 studio. He works with different architects and companies from Europe, China, Antigua and other countries. 

He is one of the few Filipino visualizers I knew who prefers non-photo-realistic (NPR) output. Allan's rendering and watercolor style is noticeable because of his unique approach and expression in using SketchUp, Photoshop and FotoSketcher. We would like to personally thank Allan for allowing us to interview him in this blogsite. 

SVR:  Please tell us more about your visualization experience.

AC: I started my career in the field of visualization as draftsman, and made my way as Interior designer thereafter. During those time, I was fascinated with computer graphics, and I enrolled myself to some 3DMax training. I found the learning curve in  3DMax too complicated, so I ended up searching other softwares with easier learning curve. I encountered Blender first, but got frustrated at the very beginning and uninstalled it at once. I then encountered Google SketchUp and I got hooked immediately by it, because of its easy learning  curve and its speed in creating Architectural models. I started practicing on my own and joined SketchUp forums to improve my skills. I develop a watercolor style and since then Architects, Designers and Real Estate developers (both local and international) started asking and offering visualisation projects.That was when I started my small firm AOC4 studio.

SVR: Can you explain your visualization workflow?   

AC: Google SketchUp is the main application that I use for modeling and even rendering, I model my projects in SketchUp, save the scenes that I like and use both Photoshop and Fotosketcher in producing Watercolour effect. The result is unpredictable and usually doesn't come out with what I initially planned. The technique takes a lot of my time to perfect. Tedious experimentation, trial and error and Photoshop works are needed to achieve what I like.

SVR: Which do you prefer NPR or Photo-realistic rendering? Why?

AC: I prefer NPR over Photo-realistic renders. I was a Watercolour artist before, and I really like the appeal that watercolour brings. I also do Photo-realistic rendering and practice when I have the time.

SVR: Can you share something about your recent projects?

AC: I have been doing a lot of SketchUp modeling and visualization at the moment. This year I have modeled the Great wall Cinema in China. I have a small apartment buildings in Antigua that requires watercolour presentation. I have also created product modeling of tool products for some companies in Europe. I have a regular gig as 3D plan modeler with a company that makes Fire Escape signs in the UK.

SVR: How about Sketchup rubies/pluggins, can you please tell us your opinion on how you use them?

AC: I am not really into plugins; but I used a few like Lathe, Extrude to line and Mirror.

SVR: Any advise to those who are new in the field of Visualization.

AC: My advise for aspiring artist is be original with your art work, because your art work is your signature. That's the way people recognizes great artist is through their works. Try to be original and different from others as much as possible, it's very easy to create a very Photo-realistic image but it's hard to be original as every Photo-realistic renders tends to be similar with others.

SVR: Thank you very much Allan.

Some works of Allan Casas



















For more information you can view more of Allan Casas' portfolio, work and contacts.

Blog: http://aoc4.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AOC4-studio/169016813139270
Twitter: AOC4studio