Studying Architectural Visualisation at School-ing: A 3D Artist's Journey

Enrique Sastre, a current student of School-ing, is about to embark on his career as a 3D Artist specialised in Architectural Visualisation. In this article Enrique shares valuable insight into studying at School-ing.

Can you introduce your school to us and share what makes it special from your perspective?

School-ing, situated in Madrid, specialises in architectural visualisation education, offering diverse courses such as matte painting, Unreal Engine for Archviz, and the Professional Architectural Visualisation Course, the latter being the program I pursued.

While it's a smaller school, its impact on learning is massive. The Professional Architectural Visualisation Course, led by experienced industry professionals Adán Martín and Eduardo Rodríguez, spans a well-organised and dynamic ten months.

Mornings consist of four hours of class. If you're up for it, after lunch, you can return for an additional two and a half hours. These sessions are optional, but they present a great opportunity. During this time, you can practice what you learned in the morning, advance your projects using the school’s computers, or seek assistance from the teachers. It's especially valuable when a deadline is looming, and your project seems to be breaking down.

The school prioritises its students, generously providing resources not only for education but also arranging sessions with professionals from prominent studios. This hands-on approach gives us a valuable glimpse into the realities of the industry.

[School-ing] has managed to create an environment that closely resembles the professional world, especially during project submissions. It's like a preview of what's waiting out there, which definitely gives me a sense of confidence moving forward. I feel equipped with the right skills and mindset to thrive in this field and make the most of this upcoming opportunity.

What made you choose to study at School-ing, and has it lived up to your expectations?

I was initially drawn to this school for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the impressive I was initially drawn to this school for several reasons. Firstly, the astounding work featured in their gallery section showcases a level of pride in students' achievements that I find exceptional. Moreover, upon expressing my interest, the school arranged personal interviews with the teachers, providing valuable insights into their ethical teaching approach, affirming that this was the perfect fit for me. As for meeting my expectations, it not only met them but confidently exceeded them.

How do students and teachers interact at the school, and is there a supportive mentorship dynamic?

As I've mentioned earlier, we just have two teachers throughout the entire course, which actually promotes a strong sense of connection. They are with us all day long. We have our morning lessons, gather for meals, and later return to work on our computers. During these evenings, they're right there for any questions we might have. I believe this after-class time is crucial for the school's success, as it's when uncertainties and errors come up, and they can be solved straight away with the teacher. By the end of the course, I find myself just as close to my teachers as I am to with fellow students.

What have you found most valuable about your learning experience so far, and how has it impacted your artistic growth?

The most valuable aspect of my learning journey has been the school's emphasis on not just software skills, but also the cultivation of a discerning eye. They've made it clear that while mastering software comes with practice, nurturing your artistic perspective is equally vital. After all, our ultimate goal is to craft captivating images.

Can you share an example of an assignment where you received valuable feedback from your teachers?

Absolutely! I have a clear memory of a project where I was entirely focused on perfecting materials and recreating every single element on the scene. Despite my dedication, the images weren't coming together as expected. During one evening, a teacher sat down with me and emphasised the importance of composition. With just a few tweaks in lighting and repositioning some elements, the image had a remarkable transformation. That feedback is probably my most valuable one, teaching me to channel my efforts into the critical aspects of the final work, rather than getting lost in every single detail.

What helpful resources or opportunities does School-ing provide outside of regular classes?

As I mentioned earlier, beyond our regular classes, School-ing enriches our learning experience by organising visits from various studios. This is undeniably one of the most valuable resources the school offers. These visits not only provide us with a real-world perspective of the industry but also offer a unique opportunity to connect with these companies. It's a chance to showcase our portfolios and potentially secure work opportunities. This bridge between education and industry is undoubtedly one of the best features of the school.

Can you describe any collaborative projects or experiences that have enhanced your artistic skills and fostered teamwork?

While formal collaborative projects aren't part of our course structure, the practice time in the evenings has naturally fostered a sense of teamwork. Given that we have just one teacher with us during those sessions, we often help one another out. It's truly heartwarming to seek guidance from those partners who might have more experience in certain areas, observing how they tackle challenges that might be too hard for you. As the course progresses and our skills improve, we've developed a habit of seeking feedback and assistance from each other which even continues today. This exchange not only enhances the quality of our work but also deepens our connections.

Have you had the opportunity to work with industry professionals or participate in real-world projects during your time at the school?

Indeed! During our time at the school, we had the privilege of collaborating closely with Victor Bonafonte, the Creative Director at Beauty and the Bit. In a month-long mentorship, he guided us through a project involving the creation of sketches for an architectural contest. This experience offered valuable insights into their workflow and operations, giving us a real-world perspective. Although our engagement didn't extend to full-fledged real-world projects, it nonetheless provided exposure to authentic industry conditions.

How does School-ing promote diversity and inclusivity within its student community, and how has this enriched your educational experience?

School-ing places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity within its student community. They foster an environment that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The school absolutely encourages cross-cultural interactions and mutual respect. Learning alongside a diverse group has not only enhanced my artistic skills but also nurtured a sense of empathy and cultural awareness.

As the course progresses and our skills improve, we've developed a habit of seeking feedback and assistance from each other which even continues today. This exchange not only enhances the quality of our work but also deepens our connections.

What are your future goals, and how do you feel your school has prepared you for them?

My upcoming goal involves beginning work at a great studio next month, which I'm genuinely excited about. This opportunity presents a chance to keep learning and, hopefully, establish myself as a 3D Artist. It's also an avenue to delve into various aspects of this profession. The school has played a significant role in preparing me for this step. They've managed to create an environment that closely resembles the professional world, especially during project submissions. It's like a preview of what's waiting out there, which definitely gives me a sense of confidence moving forward. I feel equipped with the right skills and mindset to thrive in this field and make the most of this upcoming opportunity.

Enrique Sastre is a 3D Artist specialised in architectural visualisation. While his background may not have always been in this field, I've always been drawn to the world of visual industries. Enrique's journey into architectural visualisation has been fuelled by his passion for artistic expression and his fascination with bringing architectural concepts to life.

You can reach out to him via LinkedIn and check out his student work via his Rookies profile here.