CGTalk - Need modeling/software/literature advice please.

View Full Version : Need modeling/software/literature advice please.

Mahlikus

01-22-2004, 08:02 PM

Okay, first I would like to say that I am very greatful for a place like CGTalk to be able to learn and converse with others of the same interests. Thank you CGTalk. I have already gleamed so much!

Now, on with my situation. I have been dabbling in 3D for about 16 months now. I love it to death. I am a big game/sci-fi/fantasy movie junkie and wanted more...so here I am. I am SERIOUSLY considering making my passion into a career...if I am lucky.

I have used ZBrush exclusively. It was my usher into 3D...though by 3D standards.... Its okay, you can shake your heads at me know. I know now ZBrush is nice and all but to get true education in 3D, I need something else...something more...appropriate to the industry standard..(though we'll all have to watch out for the new version).

I am asking those interested in helping to give me some advice as to which software package to devote time to learning....actually, there are only a few apps to choose from because not all apps offer demos and/or learning editions. I have the ability, through my wife's college, to get a nice discount on soft so that helps the list a little. So, Maya, C4D, Lightwave, 3DSMax, GMax, Blender? I already have an okay handle with Wings3D but I think I need more functionality in modeling via tools and plug-ins. I definately need animation and rigging experience. I know its hard to not be bias in an answer but thats what I am looking for. I am leaning toward Maya PLE5 just because Maya is in the industry ALOT...but so is Lightwave....and Max..Argh! See?!

More over, I would like to ask of any suggested literature to buy that would give me a great education in low poly and sub-d model construction. I love sub-d modeling. Mesh debugging to me is like a puzzle...fun and theroputic. I would like to buy the book The Game Modeling Using Low Polygon Techniques but I am affraid its construction with tris. I hate pure construction with tris. The Figure Posing Speed Modeling (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=116662&perpage=20&pagenumber=1) thread is a great example of where I would like to end up. Modeling figures and critter with a mesh as gorgeous as those of AJ_23, m@., and BnE to name a few. Oh yeah, brook kievit and Pierdziele, you guys are my poly heros. :bowdown:

I still love ZBrush and the new version is promising but I if I want to get a job in the pipeline, I need the essential basics and traditional under belt. I just kinda need a point in a good direction because, right now, there seem to be too many paths to choose from.

Thanks for you time in this lengthy plea guys. I appreciate it.

Mike.

BTW - My site has my artwork and modeling...it too is built on dabbling so please forgive the crappy mess.
I Would greatfuly like some feedback and estimation on my current skill level. Also, don't be affraid to give it to me and give it to me hard. I grew up in an art family. I know the beauty and horror of that which is critique.

Thanks again.

Peace. :beer:

laurence000

01-23-2004, 12:50 AM

I undestand your query... I'm in school learning 3d and here we use 3d max... Right now the most popular software in the industry is probably maya, though some people use softimage, others 3dmax... On the web I have met and seen more work form people using max, but maya is there too... I love 3dmax, but some things are better in other programs... I know softimage has options to arrange the textures into the program instead of going throught photoshop... it all depends of the prize of the version you wann buy, but I would suggest this first... Download at least maya's and 3dmax's demo and try them out... see which one you like the most... that is my advice good luck

Mahlikus

01-23-2004, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the advice and our opinions.:beer:

...nobody else....:wavey:

Mahlikus

01-26-2004, 04:20 AM

I can't believe nobody else has an opinion or would like to help.

Am I breaking some sort of 3D/Forum/Social rule here or something?

Gwot

01-26-2004, 05:54 AM

Hey MTB, sorry, I don't usually visit or post in this forum as it doesn't seem to get a lot of traffic.

I would say number one: keep modeling. It's great practise and you learn more the more you do. Keep going with wings3d if you enjoy it. Honestly it's one of the best modeling tools out there right now, even compared to the high end packages. Combined with Zbrush you've got quite the modeling/texturing/rendering combo right there, dirt cheap.

The best resources for subd modeling can be found on the internet. Dowload all the renders and wire shots you find to be inspiring or very well constructed and keep them in a separate folder for immediate access whenever you need it. Visit forums like this one, spiraloid, etc. Compare other artists methods and workflows with your own. Keep from them what works for you and throw out the rest. You'll find you develop your own workflow and style over time.

Game models can still be constructed using subd techniques. You just need to convert them to tris and do some minor tweaking like edge turning and the odd bit of polygon reduction before they can be exported.

Download one of the big packages like maya or xsi - or anything that offers the full package. These two both offer pretty much full versions of the software for free non-commercial use. Just grab one for now, learn it till you are comfortable with it, then try another. This is a great time to be getting into 3d. Fully functioning demos of software just didn't exist when I got into it. You shouldn't need to commit to buying anything till you decide it's time to get a job.

Rigging and animation will help you round out your modeling skills when you get around to doing them. You'll start to see the relationship between your static models and the tools that drive them and understand more clearly how to construct meshes in the future for animation. The higher end packages tend to have much better tools for rigging and animating, though complexity usually increases with such an offering. On the other hand, LW8 is just around the corner and it is going to have some pretty sweet character tools that make life a little easier.

The trend these days is to release small videos showing off specific features of the software. Download all of these for whatever packages you are interested in from the company websites. They can really help you decide what package will better suit the way you want to work.

Ultimately you should probably decide where you want to focus your energy, and choose an app that sees a lot of use in that area, and will best suit your workflow. They all pretty much do the same things, just in different ways, and some better than others at specific things. Research! Afterall, it will be your hard-earned cash that you are dropping on this stuff in the end. =]

Mahlikus

01-26-2004, 08:45 PM

Thanks for that post gwot buddy.
I appreciate you taking the time out to offer your suggestions. Sounds all well and logical. I'll give them a go.

:beer: :thumbsup:

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