concept3D had its first Minnesota ‘Brown Bag Session’ at Brauer & Associates, LTD. in Hopkins, Minnesota.  Over the course of  an hour, concept3D presented many SketchUp, Google Earth and Photoshop tips and tricks.

I remember what it was like to be frustrated with some aspects of SketchUp.   I learned very fast that there is always a faster way to do something in SketchUp, Photoshop, and Google Earth.  (Those are the programs I use daily).  I learned many tips and tricks from watching other people use those programs.  After nine years of using SketchUp, I am still enthusicatic about the program.  The ‘Brown Bag Sessions’ are a great way for us to pass on the knowledge that we have learned over the years.

A variety of topics can be covered during a Brown Bag Session.  Each Brown Bag session is custom taylored to a companies work flow and needs.  Some possible topics:

1. Importing AutoCAD and site countours.
2. Creating photo-realistic renderings from SketchUp models using the V-ray plugin.
3. Using vegetation that doesn’t create large file sizes.
4. Making models more efficient to speed up performance in SketchUp.
5. How to accuratly scale and build a 3D model from a single photograph.
6. Working on an existing company project and showing time saving tips.
7. Modeling in Google Earth and the Google Earth API.
8. Getting the most out of the 3D Warehouse.
9. Overview of very useful plugins.
10. Question and answer session.

Here are few tips and tricks.

Brown Bag Sessions are currently free to the metro Minnesota and CO areas.  They usually take place over lunch.  If your firm or school is interested or would like to know more about a concept3D Brownbag Training Series, send an email to training@concept3d.com

Brauer & Associates Ltd. is a Minneapolis-based land use planning and design firm specializing in projects that add value to the public realm, improve the quality of life in our communities, and protect the natural environment in meaningful ways. The firm has been providing professional services in this capacity since 1963. With over 500 public-related projects in the last 12 years alone, the firm’s collective experience provides public clients with vast, relevant experience that can be applied to projects of varying type, size, complexity, and importance to the community and region.