CG Art (Computer-Generated Art ) is a technology used to create or modify images using computers. It is a crucial field in computer graphics, widely applied across various industries.
Definition:
CG Art refers to the process of using computer software to generate 2D or 3D images.
These images can be static (like pictures) or dynamic (like videos).
CG Art enables the creation of visuals that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional methods.
Applications of CG Art :
🔹 Film & Television:
Used for special effects, virtual characters, and scenes that cannot be filmed in real life.
Example: Sci-fi movies, 3D animated films.
🔹 Video Games:
Creates characters, environments, and visual effects in games.
🔹 Architecture & Design:
Produces 3D models of buildings and structures before construction.
Helps clients visualize products more clearly.
🔹 Advertising:
Generates eye-catching images and videos for marketing purposes.
🔹 Medicine:
Develops 3D models of the human body for research and surgical planning.
Advantages of CGA:
✔ Flexibility: Can create any image as desired.
✔ Realism: Capable of producing highly lifelike visuals.
✔ Cost-effectiveness: In many cases, CGI reduces costs compared to real-life filming.
CG Art is a powerful technology that brings numerous benefits to creative and technical industries.
As an architect, my world of CG Art is deeply intertwined with architectural works and 3D spaces. I first encountered CG Art more than 25 years ago, at the dawn of its accessibility to the public. Before that, this field remained a mysterious domain, reserved for industries such as film and gaming, top-secret research agencies, or large-scale military projects. The primary reason was the enormous investment costs, the bulky machinery, and the software, which at that time was like a "Holy Grail" to the general public.
Entering the new millennium (2000), CG Art began reaching the masses, marking a historical turning point. I was fortunate to witness and be part of the explosive growth of CG Art in architecture. 3ds Max and 3D Viz, combined with V-Ray, became powerful tools that dominated architectural visualization and conceptualization, although mastering them required highly specialized skills. A few other 3D support software emerged but did not last long. However, the arrival of SketchUp 3D was a groundbreaking milestone, making 3D modeling more accessible and ushering in a new era for architectural CG Art .
Around 2010, 3D Architecture Animation began to emerge. Lumion, with its intuitive interface, brought fresh energy to the field. However, computer hardware limitations remained a significant challenge for both individuals and organizations. Everything was still in its infancy. The image quality was poor, but the animations left a strong impression whenever architects presented them to clients.
At that time, architectural videos were rare on YouTube. Any video I uploaded could quickly gain thousands of views within days and even be shared on various websites.
From 2015 onward, the world of CG Art witnessed an explosion of 3D software, with dozens of brands competing fiercely. The advancement of graphics cards played a crucial role in driving real-time rendering software forward. The competition was no longer just about functionality and rendering quality but also about business models. Many renowned software programs became free, causing a stir in the tech industry—Unreal Engine being a prime example. This is also the software I have prioritized using for over six years.
Alongside the near-perfection of 3D software, AI (Artificial Intelligence) has made its entrance. Currently, AI applications in CGI do not involve actual 3D space, like traditional 3D software, but rather extrapolate from still images. While AI has yet to match specialized 3D software, its impact on architectural visualization is already significant.
At present, I only use AI for reference purposes rather than practical applications. The reason is that AI adoption has not yet caught up with the CG Art skills I actively practice. (On this website, no AI-generated products are featured. If I ever present AI-generated works in the future, they will be clearly labeled and placed in a separate category.)
Beyond creating architectural works through the lens of CG Art , I - like many other experts in this field - constantly seek new challenges and expand my creative boundaries. Majestic landscapes, dynamic urban settings, intricate objects, powerful vehicles, and cinematic artistic compositions—all are pieces of my journey to explore and refine my skills.
Passion is the driving force that keeps me learning and evolving. Every project is an opportunity to experiment with new techniques, push my own limits, and deliver unique and compelling CGI works. Moreover, my diverse skill set allows me to cater to clients looking for CG Art solutions beyond traditional architecture.
Luc Xuan TrinhRead more in this section : Applying CG Art to My Own Projects