3D Rendering?
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- twokids0
see there is another whole angle on this issue. There is modelling for the real world, CAD and stuff like that where you build real models that can be real things like machines, cars, etc. Solidworks refers to the ability the model the INSIDE of the model. Not just the surface, like the way it is done in Max, etc...which is why it is called SURFACE modellings.
complicated, eh?
- Agreed, my father uses Pro Engineer for Hughes Aircraft... All ends up on a plane some where in the end.nthkl
- nthkl0
1. For Architectural Schematics 3DS Max would be the most popular and mainstream suite to purchase. When it comes to buying stock models, materials and aftermarket render engines like vray you'll appreciate the ease of compatibility. It is also great for after market pyrocluster FX like Sitni Sati's fumefx or afterburn... But doesn't sound like you'll get into that anytime soon.
2. C4D is becoming the standard for on air motion graphics now days (Unless you're talkin Mill or Digital Domain god level stuff). The user interface is incredibly easy to use and I'd say within a few years of hard work, you'll be on your way. It has some powerful modules add on's for advanced dynamics, global illumination (Vray is compatible but the Maxon Advanced Renderer GI is just as good if you know how to use it), mograph (light weight array cloner), physic dynamics etc. Actually, the mograph module might be of great use when it comes to cloning fixture elements for retail.
The animation and material texturing tools set C4D apart from the others. The animation HUD is ultimately complex but surprisingly easy to use once you get the flow down. I'd say C4D is a close second for what you want to do, especially considering you already have it on your work machine. I use it every day when had to make the same choice you are making now.
3. Unless you have an unusually high aptitude for code or will be in a group team based environment, veer away from Maya. As soon as you hit particle arrays and VFX, you'll need to start coding. If you wanted to move into Visual FX I'd say Maya/Mental Ray which would then lead you into proprietary 3D and compositing software like Nuke/Katana/Houdini.
4. I've be hearing some really great things about Modo lately, but I have also heard about it's unstable work environment and multiple crashes. Even in their latest build. That's not something you want to be dealing with at all, let alone when it comes to 3D. Shits hard enough as is.
- Knuckleberry0
we use solidworks for modeling
- visualplane0
This guy is amazing with 3D. Remember seeing his work way back from dreamless
- fxone0
3D is so great because it has so many possible outcomes.
What I meant by 3D=$$$ is that if you know 3D generally well you will definitely find work.
You can do anything from architecture to motion graphics to product design to character animation, etc., it's also very useful for graphic design... trust me learn it good and you will not regret it.- < (give yourself 3 months of solid work to get competent. 6-12 for a decent ability. lifetime too master.twokids
- twokids0
I think that what fxone says is true, but it is also true that any of the major 3D packages should be able to get you where you need to go. They all have, more or less, the same tools,
A point you need to know is that there are a lot of 3D packages, but only a handful have a full toolset. You can see that in the links I sent. They are Maya, XSI, Max, C4D, Lightwave, Modo, Blender and maybe a couple of others I am forgetting.
Programs like Rhino or Zbrush do just one thing really well.
- detritus0
Oh, I missed the bit about Architecture.
You might actually want to check Rhino out, then - it's used for a lot of industrial processes... just not much in animation &c.
I'm just not sure about the rendering side of things (not really my area).
- fxone0
Also, 3D aint that hard. I find coding actionscript javascript and whatnot to be 10000000000000™ times more complicated and boring.
The equation with 3D is simple;
3D=$$$
- fxone0
3DSMAX and vRay are really powerful together... I think for architecture it would be the best combination.
For motion graphics It's more common to use Maya and C4D, that said some studios like www.tronicstudio.com (founded by ex architects) which produce some breathtakingly cool & realistic renders use MAX.
- Definite 3DS + Vray for arcviz, Cinema 4D for designers, Maya for animatorsPIZZA
- twokids0
As a person who has been using 3D for many years with many different packages (3DSMax, XSI, Blender) I want to reiterate the idea that this is not simple. Imagine learning (really learning well) Illustrator and Photoshop and After Effects and multiply by 10.
3D is deep. Getting decent at model building can take you months. Then you have animation, and things like texture mapping and particle systems and lighting. It is a LOT to get to know, and know well enough to use it well, so you can do good work.
- imakethepictures0
3DSMax has a higher initial learning curve than Cinema 4D, but now I seem to be able to get the results I'm looking for easier on Max than 4D. Both good programs, tho.
- twokids0
That's the thing. Cost. I have heard about few people switching to Blender because they didn't want to keep paying a lot of money to update every year or two.
Take a look at links below for detailed comparison
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Com…
http://wiki.cgsociety.org/index.…
- CyBrain0
I raise my hand for C4D.
I'm aware Studio Max is most common but no program is going to make me Unswitch™.
- Duffer0
These guys have some great online courses, some of them are a bit pricey but well worth the money, I did the Maya course with them
www.escapestudios.co.uk
- fooler20
I have a copy of Cinema 4D on my work machine but everyone else here is using 3DS, but I'm the only graphic designer in an office of architects and engineers.
- detritus0
Everything I know about Rhino (the modeller I use) I learned from a video tutorial series I heisted from demonoid.
Play, Pause, Practise.
Watch on a laptop, pause at pertinent points then try on the main computer. Try to Push, then search on the internet for specifics.
Pause, Play, Practise.
As Mr Gates stated recently - there's no need to go to university (or private tuition) any more - you can learn most of what you need from the 'net.
Save your cash for real problems further down the line.
- formed0
We use 3D Studio and VRay, our primary business is 3D rendering for real estate, architecture and engineering.
Personally, I'd have switched us a while ago simply due to the cost of keeping 3D Studio updated, but it is the industry standard, so we are stuck.
Autodesk has it made.
To learn, videos are good, books are good, there are some specialty DVDs that are superb - Gnomon series in particular
www.thegnomonworkshop.com
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com…
- twokids0
whatever you can afford is what I would say.
> Maya is the 'best' or at least most highly respected
> 3DSMax is the most popular
> Cinema 4D is the choice of designer and the one most people feel is 'easiest' to use (a relative term for 3D)
> Blender is the cheapest (free)All can get you to the same place.
- mks0
Most architects/professional 3D visualizers use 3DS max and V-ray.
I study architecture at uni and have been taught Maya and mental ray this past year, it is as capable as 3DS Max but more complicated, better for animation but not as good for accuracy.