Whether you are still using a 2D CAD system or hand-sketching your designs, you have more than likely heard—or thought at one point or another—some preconceived notions regarding 3D design solutions that are not all too accurate. Although it is completely understandable to have misconceptions about a new technology that is foreign to many, they could ultimately be holding companies and designers back from some significant and possibly much-needed changes to an everyday workflow. But, do not fret… CLO is here to debunk these 4 myths surrounding 3D design:
One of the biggest concerns surrounding 3D design solutions is whether or not it is accurate and can be used for fit. No matter how simple or complex a design may be, it can instantly be visualized in any number of variations with CLO’s technology. Being that CLO has an accelerated simulation engine, fabric’s most extensive details can be visualized. All of these functionalities of CLO’s technology make the outputs accurate not only visually, but also fit-wise. There is an average lead time of 72 hours for a physical sample which arrives nearly identical to the virtual one. The below tutorial walks you through the basics of ensuring that the fit of your garment is accurate:
Additionally, CLO allows users to visualize 3D garments from the 2D patterns that would be used to make the physical sample. Now designers are using the 3D sample as the standard because sample-making differs from each vendor, and they are able to make more informed decisions. These decisions were once based on iterations of multiple samples, but designers can now review and update any changes right on the 3D sample. Instead of waiting for the factory to send a different sample, it can be updated in the blink of an eye and in real-time with CLO. The climate is now shifting and people trust the 3D sample because it is simply that close to the real thing. Damar of Damar Studio created a dress for a friend in another city without ever making an actual sample. She entered her friend’s measurements in CLO, designed and made the pattern inside the program, printed the pattern, sewed it, sent it off by mail, and it was nearly a perfect fit. In regards to the final product Damar raved, “This is undoubtedly the closest I have reached perfection without the need for previous tests and adjustments.”
Fully grasping the ins and outs of 3D design solutions like CLO can certainly be challenging and take some time to learn. However, we provide appropriate training and useful assets to make this transition a seamless one that happens as quickly as possible. For example, enterprise clients receive 3 full day workshops, post-training modular courses, a customized curriculum, and the option to enroll in a 4-6 week CLO coaching program in which employees of the organization coached to also become CLO trainers. The time allotted in training is incomparable to the sample lead time saved from implementing CLO into an organization’s workflow.
For small businesses and individual users, CLO offers an online manual, lessons, and a number of different Youtube tutorials to get you started. In addition to that we host training workshops in different cities globally each month so that users can learn from CLO experts themselves. Don’t believe it’s as easy as that? There is an entire community called CLOLLAB which consists of power users who have taught themselves the software using these same resources we mentioned above, and now they are experts in all things CLO. They also answer questions that users ask in our community forum. Some of these power users even teach CLO themselves like Pablo Quintana based in Mexico. User Kazuyo Nakano Aguilera is the designer of an eponymous label of handbags, and she taught herself the software in just 3 months—where there is a will… there is a way!
However you get on boarded with CLO, it is important to know that practice makes perfect. Just like with any other software programs, you have to ensure that you are practicing and using it daily. Do you remember when you were first introduced to a new language? 3D is simply a new language in apparel design. You practice and try to use it daily, or as much as possible, and then you somehow reach a point where you become fluent.
Designers, pattern-makers, and those that work in various stages of the product development process sometimes have a misconception that with the implementation of 3D design, there might one day no longer be a need for them. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Using 3D design as apart of one’s daily workflow simply allows for more time to be creative; and once the software is fully learned, their jobs are also made considerably easier and you will be able to enhance and exert your expertise even further. You can build your own house, but you cannot build an Empire State Building. Great garments need equally as great patternmakers and designers.
Implementing 3D design into your organization is not cheap, but its ability to help improve communication, increase productivity, and advance product quality truly validates the initial investment. There is an extensive list of cost-justifying business. Clients eventually gain that money back in cost savings from things like sample shipment, miscommunication with factories, and redevelopment needs just to name a few. Can you truly put a price on the creativity of the designer’s sheer potential? With CLO, users are not limited by technology and are able to exert their highest level of creativity—the Minecraft of Fashion design if you will. Can you put a price on speed? The simulation and workflow of CLO is the fastest in the industry. Speed is one of the most important keys to a profitable future, and CLO is the enabler for speed at its highest function.
We do hope that this article has somewhat dispelled any misconceptions surrounding 3D Design Software. The list of benefits that the technology provides is lengthy and abundant, and with a lot of the industry moving in this direction, we would love to see as many people and companies as possible adapting these solutions!