Hi again, I am new to CG and still trying to get of the ground. I have Lightwave, Rhino 3D, Maya and Truespace all learning editions. I have no idea how to learn to do all this stuff. Can someone please tell me how they learnt to do 3D art, which software would be best to start of with, which software they started of with and how to start[xx(]. If you say " I taught myself" can you please explain how to teach yourself. I am only sixteen and just finished year 10.
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Help will be very much appreciated.
Thank You
Hi bullet21, best to concentrate on one 3D app at a time to learn the fundimentals... you'll find it far too overwhelming if you play around with all those apps at once.
I'd personally go for Truespace to learn the basics, and I'm saying that through my own experience with the program... it really is one of the easiest 3D programs to learn and there's a wealth of tutorials on the net. I began with the first version around 10 years ago and found it to be extremely intuitive and user friendly plus it requires a very modest system to run well. I used several versions and then made the switch to Max quite easily, in fact I found the switch from Max to Softimage a lot more difficult... almost like having to start all over again. As Aven suggested, it can be quite difficult getting your head around some of the higher end apps when you're new to 3D.
Take your time, and go through as many different types of tutorials as possible, but don't try to tackle advanced tutorials straight off, go for the basics first.
just want to point out that GMax isn't an educational version of 3D Studio Max, but a severely crippled free package for use in making low poly games models for specific games; this in itself isn't bad, but it actually kills a lot of features and tools which are very handy for low poly game work. There is free trial versions of the full uncrippled packages available, so I'd recommend getting that.
Nobody can tell you "this package is the best for you", but we can share our experiances, and relevant info. I personally use 3dsmax, I've been using it for quite a few years now. I started with imagine 2.0 on my 486, moved to 3D studio r4 (before max, this is still dos based), then to 3d studio max 2.x, 3.x, 4.x, 5.x; I've had a rather package sheltered life, but it's been a very easy learning curve. There was a study a while back which pretty much named 3dsmax, closely followeed by maya, then hash animation, then lastly lightwave, as the easist for beginners to get into and rise in the learning curve. Other relevant info is Maya is the vast predominant package for film, and Max predominant for games dev.
in the end it'll be whatever you find comfortable first. then you'll swear allegiance to it and develop huge bias in favour of that package although you'll complain about how much you don't like it - we all do that [:)]
Saying that Maya has a learning 'curve' kinda makes me laugh JI. The best description I have heard of it was a learning 'cliff'. You have a look at it. It is scarier than seeing Rosanne naked, but when you climb over that cliff, it is pretty much easy sailing.
I also forgot to mention some other more specialty packages.
. Houdini. Really only if you are after Special FX. It can do particle systems like a lovely furry bunny wabbit. If you have ever seen the FFX movie with Yuna dancing on the water, that particle system was done with Houdini. I have heard that there were 5 million particles running in real time (if anyone knows any more about that I would LOVE to know). They have also added in other areas (like modelling/ animation), but they really aren't that great.
. Poser. Uhmmmm. The less said the better :)
. Motion Bulider. I have never used it, but it apparently kicks utter arse when it comes to character animation. Very little is able to touch it. One of my friends swears by it.
. Cinema 4D XL. Although this started off as a small package, it is now really starting to grow. The latest issue of DESIGN GRAPHICS has a review/study of it, and it does sound rather impressive. VERY nice renderer as well (and it is their own).
. Wings 3D. I mentioned it above. Basically it is a modelling only package that you then export to other apps. It's poly modelling system is a derivative of Nendo/Mirai (no longer exsist as such). Fewer and fewer people are using this as the main packages are getting stronger poly modelling tools available to them.
I know that I have left out a lot, but they are the 'main' ones. Sega are even making their own animation only package.
It is also important to note that ANY package can make awesome looking artwork. The artist makes the main difference.
I have really only used Max and Maya, so here is a quick guide. Used Max first (r3. Havne't used r4+), found it REALLY easy to use. Kept on getting pissed off at a lot of things (I think they have been fixed up a little since then). Used Maya. Once I figured out how to use the bastard, it was fantastic. It's interface really does put every other app on earth to shame. I have to admit that I wouldn't like Maya as much and appreciate what it can do if I had not used Max before hand. I do recomend that Max or LW would be a good place to start. If you find them to be a little too limiting then move up. If not and you love what you have. Use it.
Okay. Please don't EVER ask what package people like using more. That is just asking for a massive flaming war. You may also want to sign up for copies of GMax and Softimage XSI while you are starting that nice collection :) Overall it comes down to what you would like to do. Wings 3D is also a good package if you just want to do modelling.
. Rhino is great for NURBS modelling and er... nah thats all it can really do.
. Lightwave is a VERY popular package and it does modelling, animation, etc. Unfortunately I have never used it, but would like to give it a try one day. Truespace I don't know much about, so I can't help you out there.
. I use Maya and absolutely love it :D Does even more than Lightwave or Max.
. Max (GMax) was fun to use, but I had too many things that I personally didn't like about it. The majority of people here use and love Max and that is cool. It is a good package to start off with and has some very solid tools.
. XSI is also one that I would love to try. Up there with Maya for tools available for it.
If you are after more 'lower end' work, then try Max or LW first. If you are aiming for 'high end' movie work, then plunge in the deep end and give Maya or XSI a try. They are not the easiest packages to learn though. It took me two days to figure out how to zoom in Maya (and that was with the help :/). There are hundreds of tutes available for each package nowadays, so you just have to find them :) Here is a bit of head start.
CG Channel. www.cgchannel.com A very good news site and has a forum that will have many questions asked, and you can ask them yourself. Never underestimate the usefulness of a Forum.
CG Talk. www.cgtalk.com The worlds largest Digital Art Forum. Due to it's size it can really be a hit and miss. Plus there seem to be quite a few people on there who treat newbie badly whenever they ask a question. Most people will try to help you though.
Learning Maya. www.learning-maya.com/tutorials.php Although it is meant to be Maya based, they have a great selection of tutes made for 'general' use and don't require any particular package. I really can't recomend this site enough.
Metagons. www.metagons.com Fantastic site for modellers. Especially High Poly modellers. Has some great links from there as well.
Here. Well naturally.
Don't forget all of the websites for the individual packages. They generally have a good selection of tutes and links.
I hope that helps you out a little.