Quick and dirty...

1 - Draw a box the same size as the chair you want to make.
2 - apply the photo to the front of the box.
3 - use the line tool to draw the shapes.
4 - use push pull as needed

clean it up as needed using the tape tool to measure things and adjust them to uniform size

I'm just starting to make money using sketchup.

I help to plan events in and around Boston.
Some of the things I've been paid to do were...
Model traffic flow around street closures, show pedestrian flow, describe an area to be a beer garden for liquor license applications(licensed area, exits, security), tent layouts, table layouts, stages, calculate usable area to set guest capacity for fire permits, I can brand a booth with a potential client's logos for the sales team... the list goes on.

I helped with Sail Boston, WFNX/Phoenix Best Music Poll, Harvard Football, Phantom Gourmet BBQ Beach Fest and many, many smaller functions.

A few hotels have hired me to model their function rooms in different layouts to be included in the sales package.

I have an unfinished web site if you want to check it out.

Event3D.blogspot.com

It's just thrown together to have something to link to for clients.

WOW!!!

That was great!

Awesome. Kind of retro/futuristic

In Windows...

Have you tried setting up one model with all the views and scenes that you want.
then...
File> Save As Template>... Name it, Describe it, Check it as Default or Not and save it.

This will save your scenes and styles but not the model.

To open a Template you have to go into ...
Window> Preferences>... then Templates> and choose the one you want to use.
then...
File> New>

Build your next model.

There may be an easier way but that's the way I do it.

If it's just more sun/shadows you want, try adjusting the sliders for the shadow color if you haven't already.

Kerkethea(a free download) has a sketchup plugin and some simple basic components that are set to emit light. It does a great job a rendering my simple images.

@ballardmarc said:

Tig - I get the tool tip to change to center in the bottom of the one i want to move. But as i move it, i can no longer see the center of the cylinder i am trying to stack it on. Would be nice to click the center on th bottom of the cylinder to move and the top of the one you want to set it on then click again to have then snap to the points.

Looks like the guide line is best option - thank-you!

try switching to x-ray view mode to see through the cylinder your moving.

Hello to all.

I've been lurking here for a long time and even chimed in a few(4 or 5) times when I thought I had something helpful to say.
This has been the greatest resource in my development as a Sketchup artist by far, and the community is always respectful and critical(in only a positive way).

With all that said I need some quick advice, please.

I have been working for a concessions company in Boston. We operate bars and food stands at Music, Arts and Sports venues as well as large special events(1000 to 10,000+ people).

I use Sketchup for lots of things like:
Area calculation
Space usage
Tent placement
Power runs
Pedestrian flow
Visualization for the client
City applications for event and liquor licenses....

You get the idea.

I have now caught the attention of some of the event planning companies in town and have been approached to do some freelance work for them(my awesome boss has given his blessing).

So what I need help with is pricing.

I'm not an architect and have no technical training in this area at all(did lots drafting in high school 25yrs ago).
I have worked in hotel event planning and restaurant management so that is where my expertice lies.

These can be multi-million dollar events and my services are valuable to these companies but I have no clue how to attach a value to my work hours and I don't want to price myself out of a good gig.

There tends to be many changes made in the process of planning these events and sometimes the turn around time is tight.

Is anyone else using Sketchup like this?
Can anyone suggest a billing rate for this service?

I attached a couple of images from the last couple of years for reference.(all from different projects)

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated and thanks in advance!

ps. I'm not sure why the last 2 images have a black background when uploaded but I'm not going to fix it right now.

I believe all you have to do is click the button to the left(Camera Mode).

Then you will be moving the object as opposed to moving the camera.

@ely862me said:

very nice
I think the door frame should be wider and the handle should be lower.. IMO
(if standard door height is 2m, the door handle should be at 90 cm ,the light switch should be at about 1m or 1.1m approximately )
And u can try 3 hinges(2 hinges are not used anymore on doors systems)
Also the light switch and electric outlet must be placed at about 20 cm from ground and door.
Hope u don t mind telling u this..
Cheers!

Elisei

Can anyone direct me to a chart of "standards" like these?

I "eye it" waaay too often.