At Chilli Pepper Designs, one of the most common questions we get asked is: “How much does CGI cost?” It’s a fair question and the short answer is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. CGI (computer-generated imagery) is highly flexible, and the cost depends on a number of factors such as product complexity, the style of the scene, and the level of detail required. As a UK-based CGI studio specialising in furniture retailers, manufacturers, and lifestyle brands, we tailor every quote to the project in front of us. Here’s a closer look at how we price our work and why CGI often proves more cost-effective than traditional photography. What Affects the Cost of CGI? Product Complexity: A simple, straight-lined wooden dining table is relatively quick and easy to model. Whereas, a Chesterfield sofa, requires hours of detailed 3D modelling, from the leather folds to the stitching and buttons. These intricate elements take time, skill, and precision. Lifestyle Scenes: Do you need your product on a plain white background, or styled in a complete lifestyle setting (such as a contemporary living room or a chic dining space)? The larger and more detailed the room, the longer it takes to create. We…
At Chilli Pepper Designs, one of the most common questions we get asked is: “How much does CGI cost?”
It’s a fair question and the short answer is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. CGI (computer-generated imagery) is highly flexible, and the cost depends on a number of factors such as product complexity, the style of the scene, and the level of detail required.
As a UK-based CGI studio specialising in furniture retailers, manufacturers, and lifestyle brands, we tailor every quote to the project in front of us. Here’s a closer look at how we price our work and why CGI often proves more cost-effective than traditional photography.
What Affects the Cost of CGI?
Product Complexity:
A simple, straight-lined wooden dining table is relatively quick and easy to model. Whereas, a Chesterfield sofa, requires hours of detailed 3D modelling, from the leather folds to the stitching and buttons. These intricate elements take time, skill, and precision.
Lifestyle Scenes:
Do you need your product on a plain white background, or styled in a complete lifestyle setting (such as a contemporary living room or a chic dining space)?
The larger and more detailed the room, the longer it takes to create. We need to design walls, floors, props, accessories, and lighting to make it look as photorealistic as possible.
Inspiration and Styling:
Providing us with mood boards, sample images, or style references speeds up the creative process and helps us match your vision. The clearer the brief, the smoother the project.
Why CGI Can Save You Money:
When compared to traditional photography, CGI offers huge cost savings:
No need to hire photographers, stylists, or decorators. No studio or location hire. No transporting heavy furniture, dealing with missed deliveries, or worrying about weather conditions. Faster turnaround on variations (different fabrics, colours, or finishes can be swapped in instantly without reshoots).
CGI eliminates many of the hidden costs and logistical headaches that come with physical photoshoots, making it a smarter, more efficient choice for many UK furniture businesses.
So, How Much Does CGI Cost?
Because no two projects are the same, we price on a project-by-project basis. To give you a free quotation, we’ll need:
Product images or CAD files, details on product complexity, reference images or style inspiration, an idea of the type of scene you’d like (simple background or full lifestyle).
With this information, we can provide an accurate, tailored cost that works for your budget and vision.
If you’re wondering “How much does CGI cost in the UK?” the honest answer is: it depends on what you need. At Chilli Pepper Designs, we make the process simple, transparent, and cost-effective, ensuring you get stunning, photorealistic visuals without the expense and hassle of a traditional photoshoot.