Reduce Content Creation Expenses with 3D and CGI

Content creation is essential for businesses to market their products effectively, especially when it comes to creating high-quality product images. Traditionally, businesses rely on physical photoshoots to showcase their products, but this can be both expensive and time-consuming. However, with advancements in 3D technology and CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), companies now have an affordable alternative to traditional photography. By using 3D and CGI, businesses can produce stunning product images at a fraction of the cost, while also adhering to the GS1 Image Standard.

In this article, we will explore how 3D and CGI can help reduce content creation expenses and how they can help businesses meet the guidelines for Images for GS1 USA and other global markets.

What is CGI and 3D Technology?

CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) and 3D technology are digital tools used to create realistic images of products. Instead of relying on physical products and photoshoots, CGI allows businesses to design and render images entirely on a computer. With 3D technology, products are modeled in a digital space, creating an exact replica of the item. These 3D models can be manipulated to generate high-quality, lifelike images of the product in various settings and views.

By using 3D and CGI, businesses can eliminate the need for studio rentals, photographers, and physical product setups, leading to significant cost savings. The technology also offers flexibility, as companies can quickly adjust lighting, angles, and backgrounds without needing to set up a new shoot.

How Traditional Content Creation Increases Expenses?

Traditional content creation for product images involves setting up a physical photoshoot, which often comes with several hidden costs that can add up quickly:

1. Studio Rental and Equipment

Businesses typically need to rent a professional studio for the photoshoot, which includes the cost of lighting, cameras, and other equipment. These expenses can become particularly high for businesses that need multiple images or for large products that require special setups.

2. Photographer Fees

Hiring a professional photographer is a necessary step for producing high-quality product images. However, photographers often charge based on the number of hours or days required to complete the shoot. For large projects, this cost can become overwhelming.

3. Transporting and Setting Up Products

Transporting products to the shoot location and assembling them takes time and labor, both of which add to the cost. For businesses dealing with larger items, such as furniture or home appliances, these expenses are even higher.

4. Post-Production Editing

Once the photos are taken, they often need editing to meet specific standards, such as the GS1 Image Standard. Editing requires additional time and professional software, further increasing the overall content creation cost.

How 3D and CGI Reduce Content Creation Costs?

Using 3D technology and CGI for product images provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional photoshoots. Here’s how CGI and 3D help reduce expenses:

1. No Need for Physical Studios

With CGI, there’s no need to rent a physical studio or buy expensive equipment. The entire image creation process is done digitally, allowing businesses to save on rental costs. Once the 3D model of a product is created, it can be used to generate multiple images without the need for a new photoshoot every time.

2. Lower Production Costs

Because 3D models can be manipulated digitally, businesses can produce images of their products in various settings without having to transport or set up the physical product. This eliminates the need for transportation and setup costs. Additionally, once the initial 3D model is created, the cost of generating additional images is significantly lower.

3. Faster Turnaround Times

Traditional photoshoots can take days or even weeks to organize and complete. With CGI, businesses can generate images in a matter of days, making it a faster alternative. The ability to quickly produce new images also helps businesses respond to market demands and update their marketing materials without delay.

4. Consistent Quality

With traditional photography, factors like lighting and angles can vary between shoots, leading to inconsistencies in the final images. CGI offers complete control over these factors, ensuring consistent, high-quality images every time. This is particularly important for businesses that need to meet the GS1 Image Standard, which requires uniformity in product images.

How CGI Helps Meet the GS1 Image Standard?

The GS1 Image Standard is a set of global guidelines that ensure product images meet specific quality and format requirements. These standards are essential for businesses that sell their products online or in retail stores, as they ensure that product images are clear, consistent, and easy to use across different platforms. CGI helps businesses meet these standards in several ways:

1. White Backgrounds

The GS1 Image Standard often requires product images to have a clean, white background. CGI makes it easy to create images with a perfectly white background without the need for additional editing. This ensures that the images meet GS1 guidelines from the start.

2. Correct Image Dimensions

GS1 standards specify that product images must meet certain resolution and dimension requirements. For example, square images may need to be 2400px by 2400px for online marketplaces. CGI allows businesses to create images that meet these exact specifications, ensuring compliance with GS1 guidelines.

3. Multiple Views

For many products, the GS1 Image Standard requires multiple views, such as front, side, and top. CGI makes it simple to generate these views by adjusting the 3D model of the product. This ensures that all necessary angles are captured while maintaining consistency across the images.

Real-Life Example: A Furniture Company Using CGI

Let’s consider a furniture company that needs to create product images for its new line of dining tables. Traditionally, the company would need to transport the tables to a studio, rent a space, and hire a photographer to capture multiple views of the tables. This process could take several days and cost thousands of dollars.

Instead, the company decides to use CGI. By providing the CGI team with the product designs, they receive high-quality images of the dining tables in various settings within just a few days. The images are fully compliant with the GS1 Image Standard and can be used across online marketplaces and retail platforms. The company saves time, reduces costs, and receives images that are consistent in quality and style.

The Environmental Benefits of Using CGI

In addition to the cost and time savings, CGI also offers significant environmental benefits compared to traditional photoshoots. Since the entire process is digital, there is no need for transportation, physical setups, or the use of props. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with content creation and helps businesses operate more sustainably.

1. No Transportation Required

With CGI, there’s no need to transport products to a studio, reducing the emissions associated with shipping and logistics.

2. Reduced Waste

Traditional photoshoots often involve the use of props, backdrops, and other materials that are discarded after the shoot. CGI eliminates the need for these physical materials, reducing waste.

Conclusion

Using 3D technology and CGI offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for businesses looking to reduce content creation expenses. By eliminating the need for physical photoshoots, 3D and CGI allow businesses to generate high-quality, consistent product images at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, CGI helps businesses comply with the GS1 Image Standard, ensuring that their images meet the necessary quality and format guidelines for use in retail and online platforms. Ready to reduce content creation expenses with CGI? Visit i-magi.co to learn how we can help you create stunning product images.

What Our Customers Say

“We needed help creating high-quality product images and decided to go with 3D images. I’m so glad we did—the results are spot-on. Product photos can certainly be good, but wow, the 3D images really highlight every aspect of the product to its fullest potential, making the final 3D product images look fantastic.”

Hanna Jäderholm

CEO & Founder af Arc of Sweden

"With i-magi.co, we can achieve detailed and realistic 3D images of our products even before production starts. This not only saves us countless weeks but also significant costs associated with transport and shipping to a photographer."

Ranya K. Abdullah

Sales & Marketing Coordinator hos A/S Sæby Fiske-Industri

“I used to spend countless hours taking product photos, creating packaging solutions, and drafting proposals, but now everything has become incredibly easy and efficient. With just a few steps on my computer, I can now create professional graphic materials that deliver a more polished and impressive result every time.”

Camilla Lantz

CEO & Founder af Lantz Copenhagen