what do you use?
October 25, 2016 8:44 AM Subscribe
Asking for a friend. What is the best software under $300 for a solo interior decorator?
She has been in the business for years but wants to update her skills. Must work on a Mac. She has been working in 2D but willing to jump to 3D if that is what everyone else is using. Does not have a lot of time to learn a complicated program.
She has been in the business for years but wants to update her skills. Must work on a Mac. She has been working in 2D but willing to jump to 3D if that is what everyone else is using. Does not have a lot of time to learn a complicated program.
I'm not sure what she wants to use it for exactly? Does she mean like put together mood boards for clients, or create renderings of space modifications ( here in NL that would be more the job of an architect, not a decorator). But for renderings, then Sketchup Pro would be an easy to learn addition.
posted by PardonMyFrench at 9:09 AM on October 25, 2016
posted by PardonMyFrench at 9:09 AM on October 25, 2016
Yeah, we need more information to try to help her -- best software for what tasks? Precedent research, client presentations, 3D visualization, drafting/documentation?
posted by misterbrandt at 10:44 AM on October 25, 2016
posted by misterbrandt at 10:44 AM on October 25, 2016
My mom does kitchen and bath design; not sure how similar that is to interior decorating.
She uses a simple version of Revit
The first few months of using it were incredibly frustrating for her; I answered a lot of near tears phone calls while she was working through tutorials and school assignments. She took a couple of classes at a local community college. The learning curve was not gentle at all for someone who isn't computer savvy / computer native like her.
I believe learning the tool would have been easier had my mom invested in a newer computer. 3D modeling is pretty graphically intensive and will be miserable on an older budget computer/laptop that a lot of people seem to have.
posted by TomFoolery at 10:54 AM on October 25, 2016
She uses a simple version of Revit
The first few months of using it were incredibly frustrating for her; I answered a lot of near tears phone calls while she was working through tutorials and school assignments. She took a couple of classes at a local community college. The learning curve was not gentle at all for someone who isn't computer savvy / computer native like her.
I believe learning the tool would have been easier had my mom invested in a newer computer. 3D modeling is pretty graphically intensive and will be miserable on an older budget computer/laptop that a lot of people seem to have.
posted by TomFoolery at 10:54 AM on October 25, 2016
Do not bother with any version of Revit. Revit is building information modeling, it's not meant for rapid design iteration. It's meant to document conflicts between multiple trades by sticking a model of every member of the design team's work in a central location. It's difficult even for seasoned architects and draftspeople to pick-up, because it's not actually 3D modelling, it's a database with a 3D interface. And it's certainly overpowered for an interior designer who is not part of a larger architectural team. Sketch-up is better for anyone who's not a dedicated draftsperson, especially if the idea is to communicate ideas quickly through rapid design iteration. Sketch Up Pro license is above $700 but she may be able to use the free version for a short time to see if it's worth the additional investment. Does she already subscribe to the Adobe Creative suite for photoshop etc? I don't think they're offering individual licenses anymore...
posted by edbles at 11:30 AM on October 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by edbles at 11:30 AM on October 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Adobe does still offer Photoshop on its own on a subscription basis; you don't have to pay for the whole suite. Alternately, I find that I can do 98% of what I want using Photoshop Elements, which is not a subscription product.
I also would not recommend Revit for an interior decorator. At her price point, Sketch Up Pro probably is a good choice for modeling. Autocad LT is a fine drafting program, and close to her budget.
posted by Kriesa at 11:51 AM on October 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
I also would not recommend Revit for an interior decorator. At her price point, Sketch Up Pro probably is a good choice for modeling. Autocad LT is a fine drafting program, and close to her budget.
posted by Kriesa at 11:51 AM on October 25, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the answers. As for what she wants to do, she mostly designs remodels, hires contractors to do the job. Sorry I don't know the terms you are using but will see her tomorrow and will ask.
posted by shaarog at 1:13 PM on October 25, 2016
posted by shaarog at 1:13 PM on October 25, 2016
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I find it easy to use, but there might be a bit of a learning curve.
posted by tonycpsu at 9:02 AM on October 25, 2016