Move into 3D
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- RustyStew
Hey guys,
I recently saw a post on QBN about C4 and it kicked this idea off in my mind. I'm thinking about integrating 3D with my print design skill set. I have zero experience developing 3D art, and I know there is a lot to it, but I have two questions.1. Of the print designers here that work with 3D applications as well, is it worth moving in that direction? I'm thinking it will expand my options/flexibilty pretty greatly.
2. What is the industry standard software for people that want to make 3D art for primarily 2D applications. I've heard of MAYA and only recently C4, but will admit I haven't really begun searching. This is kind of a feeler while I begin that exploration.
- bored2death0
I think most print designers use C4D.
My experience is that 3D is not difficult too learn, except for lighting... that's where the learning curve is.
- neverscared0
yes, it´s worth it, added 3d design to my skillz , it´s pretty enjoyable and brings a lot of new perspectives-designwise- to spin your head around... i started with maya, and rhino, now blender is the programm of my choice, its free and i think it can compete easily with commercial software...
- yes blender is capable, but that UI/design make me inner design geek shudder.M_C_P
- uuuuuu0
I think all graphic designers of any stripe should be able or becoming able at 3D these days. Maya and C4D are meant for specialized 3d and bigger production workflows, your own print designs would do well with Blender. It can do A LOT for free, particle effects, all forms of 3d shapes, textures and you could make high res, realistic renders with it and incorporate them into a design in photoshop. You should also become aware of what PS CS5+ can do in 3D.
- uuuuuu0
I see people online asking how to do a certain realistic button or crazy swooshes in PS or illy when the answer is a 3D program. Once you get into it you'll realize how easy it is to create all sorts of awesome graphic elements, especially for static designs and PS compositions.
- M_C_P0
from a job perspective standpoint, learning new skills is never a bad investment. depending on how much you put into it, you could translate those 3d skills to gaming, visual effects, motion graphics, etc.
of the 3d programs to pick up for those moving from print, by far i'd go with C4D. learning curve is lower than most and unless you're doing deep character animation or heavy physical fluid simulations, C4D will do everything you need. Maxon just released a free student edition, so be sure to check that out.
- e-pill0
3D is fun. you can see the back side of your design its RAD!! its a bit fun to learn too.. i taught it to myself and after trying a bunch of different apps found the one i like best. there are a few out there that are free such as blender & sketchup.. maybe try out those first, although in my opinion blender sucks.. i have found that Modo is the one for me.. i tried maya and that app is a beast.. a lot of tools and the learning curve on it being self taught was near impossible.. i suggest to take a class and get down the basics of each app and then blend your personal style into its nature and you will develop a new style for yourself. use that for your career and see how it can enhance your creativity.
- monNom0
I had this thought too about 3d, but realized after a few years that the time required to create good quality assets in 3d was just too much for most jobs. If you want to add a real marketable skill to your bag of tricks, learn some web stuff. 3D is cool for sure, but it's pretty specialized. Web skills will take you a lot further (assuming your role is design vs. illustration)
- i say to hell with web.. become a product designer and use your new 3D skills for cool stuffe-pill
- RustyStew0
Thanks guys, I'll check out blender for sure (free always comes with a price though right :). Definitely looking to try before I buy as much as possible.
I have had some experience with sketchup, it is fairly easy to create stuff in it, but it seems better for mock up of displays, environmental graphics, ect. Doesn't seem to be there for finished art. I'm probably missing a lot as I haven't dabble too much into it.
Not played with Blender, I'll pull that down and see whats up.
C4D looks promising, the "Prime" version sounds like it was developed specifically for print designers moving into 3D. Wish I was still a student. I'll just have to check and see what the requirements are.
Maya sounds like it is way more than I need.
@monnom I've actually done a bit with web. Interface design, back end development (PHP, booooring), and some front end dev. Though, I keep hitting a wall with the fact that my job doesn't give me tons of opportunity to apply any dev skills consistently. So every time I need them, I feel like I'm re-learning a large part of it. Those skills are there, and once I get a job where web development is part of it, that will fall into place fairly quickly. With 3D, I feel like I would be able to integrate it more consistently into what I'm already doing. Only time will really tell though.
- autoflavour0
C4D is awesome..
i love it.Maya, not so much
- pango0
Cool thread. Book marked. Hopefully I will remember to come back and read it.
I'm facing the same problem.
- loool0
as a graphic designer you need to learn some modeling that's for sure...I think the best thing for it is Maya or Modo...
about texturing: definitely Maya
the thing with 3d software is easy: if you want some flying around motion graphic stuff, go for C4D without turning back...and if you want some advanced fancy stuff then go for maya, blender or lightwave...
there is a lot of tutorials out there and surely that is a quick way to catch up...
- RustyStew0
I have an bit of an advantage from the learning front. I have a lynda.com account through work. The Modo stuff looked pretty sweet. I think I'll get lightly comfortable with blender and learn some modeling basics there (since it's free), then maybe get a trial license for Modo. Gonna have to save up my pennies for a while anyway, unless I can get my boss to purchase a license.