3D Modeling Tool of Choice
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- luckyorphan
I'm toying with the idea of picking up some modeling and rigging skills for certain design needs. I don't feel the urge to animate, though. I just want to be able to create in 3D.
What platform is most recommended by you guys? Maya? Cinema 4D? Modo?
Oh, and I've been a Mac user since '84, so it's gotta work on that platform.
- dskz0
mudbox
- < great for just modellingAutokern
- = ZBrush? Seems like mudbox is used mainly for organic work, no?luckyorphan
- pretty much, but being Autodesk it integrates well with Maya and MaxAutokern
- Great for not rendering your work...palmer_
- luckyorphan0
Oh, and please let me know if this topic has already been covered in another post.
- many, but I don't get mad if someone asks an old question.CyBrain
- rock&roll0
Cinema for sure
- Why?luckyorphan
- easy to learn and intergrates very well with AErock&roll
- I second that. Maya is for people who use it everyday. It's the most complex (yet powerful) software you'll ever use.CyBrain
- harlequino0
Anyone here use Z-Brush at all? Been eyeballing it.
- I've been learning. There's huge updates to it coming very soon. It's pretty awesome.dopepope
- I used it a few years ago. If you're animating for motiongraphics I feel like it's overkillpalmer_
- and too niche to get into unless you want to be a z-brush guy.palmer_
- Got it. Was thinking of getting into more matte painting/CGI.harlequino
- detritus0
Rhino.
- Oops, it doesn't come in Mac.detritus
- Nurbs modeling for beginners is no bueno dude....palmer_
- You mean - a) it's no good, or b) it's too hard? For modelling only, not nec. characters, I'd not agree at all. Ez and pwrfl.detritus
- lol, sodding note lengths.
This is all irrelevant anyway, as he wants to do characters on the Mac, so... myeh.detritus
- luckyorphan0
Well that settles it.
- palmer_0
Why would you need to rig but not animate?
I would go with Cinema4d. It's the easiest software package to learn. You can get really fast and great looking renders out of it with minimal knowledge. It has a lot of deformers and different functions that are fun to screw with. It doesn't have the same breadth of tools as Maya but it's by far the easiest to 'make cool shit'- I feel like that's what you're ultimately looking for...
If you're serious about rigging and modeling though Maya is your best bet. It's a much bigger time investment and it's going to take you a long time as a beginner to get your head around the expansive toolset. In terms of the modeling and rigging tools though it's really unmatched. I feel like you might find it cumbersome and intimidating though...
Bottom line is you want to use a product that is a little more mainstream as a jumping off point. Keeps you flexible in the future should you need to switch products.
- luckyorphan0
^ I'm looking to create many things, among which are illustrations with characters. I don't need to animated them, or do very complicated rigging. Instead, I'd be setting a scene and taking a snapshot for further production needs. But I would like to use a good modeling tool, lens options, and pre-built architectural assets for these concepts.
- Just looked at your work. Maya is your best bet dude.palmer_
- invisiblechamber0
rhonda
- kult0
Rhino, then C4D.
- Rhino doesn't really work on Macs, unfortunately.luckyorphan
- Sorry didn't read past the topic name :)kult
- CockDiesel0
Why use Photoshop when you can use Photoshop express. Much easier to get the look that you want.
No. Learn Maya. Stop wasting your time. ( 3ds/xsi .. they are all going in the same direction.) Maya isn't difficult at all once your comfortable with the interface. Take an intro class or something.
- luckyorphan0
^ I do appreciate the encouragement. Cost is the only trick with Maya, but the more I think about it, the more I think you're right.
Anyone care to elaborate on why C4D is better than Maya in their eyes?
- It's not better, just easier to learn. Lynda will have you up and running quickly with her demos.CyBrain
- ninjasavant0
Play Doh
- clearThoughts0
Cinema 4d on Macs.
- CyBrain0
If you get Cinema 4D, which I completely recommend, don't watch that rigging DVD that comes with it. It will lose you big time until you're very experienced. Learn with the Lynda.com demos.
- < Why do you recommend C4D so highly over Maya?luckyorphan
- luckyorphan0
Has anyone used Modo, by Luxology?
- Douglas0
If you want to do serious modeling, use Maya or XSI. C4d is pretty good, easier to learn, and has good 3d motion graphic capabilities, but Maya others are better. Some prefer 3dmax as well, but i dunno.
- CyBrain0
3D Studio Max is still PC only.
I would recommend C4D over Maya unless you are going to be doing 3D all day long. If you're a Flash guy or print guy who wants to use 3D occasionally for a spot illustration or to model an object for use in Papervision, then use C4D. If you're going to work for Pixar and you're involved with Hollywood blockbusters then, Maya is the clear choice.The difference is that Maya has such a steep learning curve, you have to use it everyday to remember that much.
- < See, that's what I was lookin' for. Thanks.luckyorphan
- rodzilla0
is blender crap?