15 years of storytelling for architecture
Skyline Ink was created when few local architects utilized computer renderings to translate their designs from technical drawings to familiar forms. As the only full-service architectural visualization studio in the area, founder Brian Eyerman challenged clients to embrace the new possibilities for presenting their designs with animation.
“In the beginning, the challenge was pushing the limits of computer processing power to produce an artistic image comparable to a watercolor or tempera rendering,” Eyerman said. “Now we push the hardware and software limits to tell a project’s most captivating story, creating exceptional realism and artistic effect in animation and even video game systems. Back then, showing landscaping could involve a huge task of generating 100,000 blades of grass. Now we generate hundreds of billions.”
Today, architects routinely use computer renderings, animation and interactive presentations to present designs to clients and compete for design contracts. Developers and promotional teams use these tools to raise funds for building projects, pre-lease properties and generate interest in public projects.
“The computer allows much more flexibility in showing changes as an architectural design evolves,” Eyerman said. “And the possibility for detailed study of color options, material selections and varying sun angles is invaluable.”
Eyerman founded the studio after completing architecture school at the University of Oklahoma. His knowledge of computer graphics was largely self-taught while creating class project presentations. His introduction to animation techniques dates back to a summer program for teens at Oklahoma Contemporary (formerly City Arts Center).
He also used his background in fine arts to explore traditional architectural rendering techniques with tempera paintings.
“Many hand-drawn or painted architectural renderings are creative works of art in their own right,” Eyerman said. “Just as traditional techniques inspire and inform, my goal has always been to find the most engaging, creative way to present the unbuilt design.”
Explore the ARTtech: 15 Years exhibit to discover how Skyline Ink celebrates storytelling through the art of architectural visualization.
