From the very beginning, Boyd MeeJi has demonstrated the interior architectural capabilities within KeyShot. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand where he graduated from Pohchang Academy Of Arts with a Major in Traditional Art, going on to become a successful interior architectural visualization artist who also teaches others how to do the same. Throughout all of his pursuits he has chosen KeyShot for the geometry editing capabilities, the accurate display of interior scenes and the real-time visualization that speeds every aspect of his work. We finally had the opportunity to talk with Boyd, learn more about his experience and how he uses KeyShot.
What sparked your interest in Interior design and architecture?
Recently, I switched jobs to work full-time in the 3D Display industry, building on my previous job in visual merchandising and retail store design. I freelanced as a 3D rendering artist but have a passion for interior design. The recognized the importance of interior design in home, school, shop, office or other building and how furniture design was an integral part. This gave me a unique perspective from other in this field on storefront and visual merchandising design with my own personal style for color selection, composition, visualization, and lighting.
What was the turning point in your career?
I need to preface this by saying, I am an analogue person in a digital age. I started in painting and handicrafts. I was in traditional Thai art for many years after graduation. I had the opportunity to create a 2D animation and realized how enjoyable it was. I started using computers more and after I was introduced to 3D modeling, my world was changed forever. It brought my interest in 2D and 3D design together. It allowed me to create all the visuals throughout my career in product and retail design, but I wanted something more. I wanted my own project. So I began publishing my work online – 3D images, characters, automotive rendering, and various forms of entertainment arts. I was hired by many for projects using my own style, so I devoted myself to training harder. I published more of my work and entered contests. It gave me the experience and rewarded me with more skills in furniture design, interior design and architecture. I love working in this field.
What is your primary 3D modeling software?
I use Autodesk products, SketchUp, and ZBrush, but I mainly used SketchUp to for 3D modeling. It’s easy to use, works quickly, has a large architecture user base and comes with a programming language that’s supported by large companies. SketchUp has a lot of “free” and inexpensive plug-ins and also has an excellent online community with people willing to share their knowledge, resources, and models. Next, I’m learning ZBrush to expand my capabilities in art and design.
What is unique about your approach to a project?
I’m able to use KeyShot to create high-quality, professional level interior design and architectural visualization and I’m able to do it quickly. This has set me apart from others on many projects.
Can you tell us about your year off working on your latest project?
I’ve been working on special projects using KeyShot for about two years. I manage online classes teaching rendering with Keyshot and have developed training courses for different workflows using various software for a team of 3D render artists. We create 3D models, ready-made for DAZ 3D software and KeyShot scenes for learning. We also provide 3D development services. I also have various other projects to explore rendering techniques in KeyShot, and continue creating 3D art and taking part in contests. All of it drives me in my passion to discover new creative techniques that differ from others.
Where in the process do you use KeyShot?
I use KeyShot near the end of my work. The proportions look better in KeyShot than the modeling software, so I usually transfer it over to KeyShot as soon as possible. The real-time view allows me to apply textures, materials and lighting quickly to find the look I want then update the model between SketchUp and KeyShot (using the KeyShot plugin). Interior scene can take time to complete so, throughout the process, I need to show the progress and a quick KeyShot renders come in really handy.
What makes KeyShot an important tool to have?
KeyShot is easy to use and fast. I see results instantly. KeyShot makes it possible to visualize interiors with ease. The edit geometry capabilities and interior lighting presets reduce my work and make my interiors look amazing. The real-time view works precisely and helps me see the final image before I even render. And because the real-time view is always close to the final result, I rarely need to revise my work later, which reduces the time to composite the shot. KeyShot gave me more time to sleep.
What advice would you give to someone interested in doing what you do?
Three things:
Learn – Your first project will probably suck but that shouldn’t deter you. Regardless of whether you notice it or not, you’ll have learned valuable lessons during that project you’ll carry with you into your next one. Failing is critical to the learning process. Learn what you need to learn, then learn even more. Keep working when you are out of the classroom, or off work. Strive your hardest to be the best. Repeat this over and over again and you’ll have slowly armed yourself with the skills to confidently take on any new project you can imagine. It’s a wonderful feeling to picture something in your mind, and know exactly how to create it in KeyShot.
Experiment – Sometimes it’s fun to just play with features with no goal in mind. And sometimes those experiments lead to great things. My work in 3D art started as fun. After I realized I could get some attractive results, I began to experiment more and more until I finally had a little success. It was a fun little project I enjoyed. It’s not world class or anything, but I learned a lot and had fun.
Challenge Yourself – Start a project that’s outside of your comfort zone, then force yourself to complete it. Decide on the end result, and really lock it into your mind. Then once you’ve got that goal in mind, you’ll always find a way to achieve it.
