Photorealism in CGI is considered the “gold standard.” It is valued for its accuracy, detail, and ability to show an object “as in life.” But the world of visual communication is not limited to realism alone. Depending on the purpose of the project, a non-standard approach — stylization, simplification, the use of artistic or conceptual effects — can sometimes be more effective. And sometimes experimenting with form and style is not only appropriate but necessary.
Why it is sometimes worth moving away from photorealism
Photorealistic 3D visualization works well when you need to show a future object in a form that is as close to reality as possible: architecture, interiors, commercial real estate. However, in some contexts, excessive detail and adherence to the real environment only get in the way. This is especially true when it comes to:
- conceptual projects that do not yet have specific technical content;
- presentations where it is more important to convey the idea, mood, or values of the brand than the actual appearance of the object;
- marketing or advertising campaigns that require an emotional, creative focus.
In such cases, non-standard 3D visualization allows you to focus on the main thing, avoiding overload with details, or, conversely, adding imagination, playfulness, and symbolism.
