need advice about 4D

[bcbarnes]

I'll give you my experience: I had no 3D experience at all, but am quite good with computers. I had heard that the workflow and interface in Cinema4D was the best, so that's what I started with.

I was pretty confused for a while about the whole "concept" of 3D modeling - did lots of reading and lots of playing with the software. It took me several months of hobby time fooling around before I figured I was pretty decent at modelling (but by no means as good as some of the guys you see on here). After a year, I figure I can model most stuff pretty well - but then there are tons of other things that need to be learned - texturing and lighting probably being the biggest for still images.

Hope that gives you a rough idea what to expect...

[Colvindesign]

Thanks bc, that is extremely helpful, how long after you started with 4D did you come here to CGtalk ? and have the people here improved your learning curve?

I would also like to hear from the other side, like from some of the people that have done these wickedly cool cars that I've seen, for instance how long it takes, how many hours a day they spend on it, if it is their job, or hobby, etc.

[JIII]

in my experience is that it takes about one week to finish a car, but the real kicker is not so much the modeling but the lighting and the texturing.

The lambo you saw took about a week to model(not sure on the hours have to ask thirdeye about that). but the texturing process took almost 3 months.

The textures are really what set that car far far above the rest.

My only advice to you is, start doing it and don't stop.

also make or use GOOD references as often as you can. Almost no one models completely free hand.

[miketche]

Being a regular participant in this or any C4D Forum is the best thing you could do. I messed around with 3D for a few years with not much improvement before I came here. Once hear and on other forums, my skills have jumped a whole level or more.:bounce: Besides C4D is just such a great program. A lot easier to use and learn than other equally powerful programs.

[AdamT]

I think the best way to learn to model is--to model. Sounds obvious, but really the Cinema manuals (except Mocca manual) are very good and there are *tons* of learning materials available from Maxon and elsewhere on the web. Once you get a basic grasp of the tools it's just a matter of practicing and asking the right questions. This is a great place to ask.

As far as what it would cost to have someone model a car for you, I guess it would depend on the person. Generally speaking people seem to charge $40-60/hr. Assuming that it would take a minimum of 40 hrs. to model, light and texture a car (big assumption), that would give you a range of $1,600 - 2,400 for a custom modeled car.

I've only modeled this one: http://bellsouthpwp.net/A/d/AdamTrachtenberg/Mini9.5_small.jpg

but once you've done it from start to finish you've pretty much got it. If you're ever looking for someone to do some modeling for you I would be interested: nehemia2001@yahoo.com :)

[bcbarnes]

>>Thanks bc, that is extremely helpful, how long after you started with 4D did you come here to CGtalk ? and have the people here improved your learning curve?

I found this place, and also the renderosity forums, pretty quickly after getting involved with C4D, and yes, the folks both here and at Renderosity are top-notch and very helpful.

[Colvindesign]

Thanks guys, I will keep that in mind Adam. Once my sketches are approved from the company I am talking to, I'll see how much they are going to give me to get rolling. I plan on hiring a small team of designers to work on all of my designs, and to help design the sub-assemblies.

[flingster]

this forum has improved every aspect of my use of c4d...however i have a long long way to go (and i've been using it for 9months in my spare time!)...i come from a computer background though...but no formal artistic training...so its swings and roundabouts...presumably your very artist...so this will help...the learning curve does not just include the software though...it also included all aspects of producing an image in 3d...be it lighting and texturing all major parts to a final image.

you are not going to produce a car like the one you mentioned straight off...these things take time and experience.

i agree with adamt...the manuals and various tutorials available are the best way to start...maybe get the demo and see if its right for you...but i can guarantee it...if you don't feel you can cope in c4d its pointless looking at other software...imho

third_eye made the lambo and it took him a long time...he has being using c4d for about 3 years...this last year very seriously as far as i can remember..(correct me if i'm wrong). now thats not to say it will take you this long. it also depends whether you are talking full time or spare time.

one thing is for sure you can model, light, texture anything in c4d so you came to the right place.

the winner of peugot design competition used c4d....dunno about link to his site someone else might have it.

http://www.the3ddesigner.de/cgi-bin/c4ddesign/lacreme.pl?sl_500
http://www.the3ddesigner.de/cgi-bin/c4ddesign/lacreme.pl?parkplatz_sw
http://www.the3ddesigner.de/cgi-bin/c4ddesign/lacreme.pl?white_Lion
http://www.the3ddesigner.de/cgi-bin/c4ddesign/lacreme.pl?chevy_schoemann
http://home.arcor.de/c4dtreff/c4dtreff/2010.html
http://home.arcor.de/c4dtreff/c4dtreff/122.html

if you do decide to take this prospect on it will certainly benefit your company...no doubt about it....i would also advise going straight out and buying "digital lighting and rendering" and the texturing version also ...a must have imho.

(you could get the demo and try this tut for size...and see how you get on...which ever way you go the learning curve will be steep...but people on here will always be very helpful
http://www.7thchamber.com/tutorials/Chev/index.htm)

another great thread on here
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61405

the guy who modelled the lambo..is now making a merc
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61756&highlight=car

his lambo thread
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48921&highlight=car

maybe the best car thread ever....maybe
http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41676&highlight=car

have fun and enjoy it on cgtalk...:wavey: :wavey: :wavey:

[handige_harrie]

If car modeling is the only thing you are planning on doing, wouldn't a NURBS app like Rhino, or Lightwave be more suitable :shrug:.
I love C4D and I made 1.5 (own concept)car. Works well, but I thought NURBS were easier when it comes to defining fluid shapes?
Though I must say I have never worked with LW and never did fluid shapes in rhino, but you might want to try LW and/or Rhino trials.

Anyway I have also seen beautiful cars made with LW (Lewis's and Daniel's).

Btw, I'm interested in what you do exactly, draw sketches and visualise them in a 3D app? For a living? Makes me wanna quit school :D. I draw car sketches during school :p

[Colvindesign]

flingster, you rock, more help than I was expecting from a single thread, let alone a single post. LOL, but everyone here seems happy to help, I really appreciate it. I've always thought true artists were different than other people, this proves it in a small way.

Handige, the trouble is finding a way to get paid for it. I have done a few one-off custom designs, a nice 52 Merc convert a 32 ford that is not yet beng built, but it will shock the hellout of Chip Foose and Boyd Coddington if it does. Not much money in it unless you open a shop doing your own fabrication work, which I wish I could do, but don't have that

I am aiming to build a relationship with a company that builds motorcycles and small cars in China, and convince them to sell motorcycles & cars in Europe, Australia, Africa, South America, and North America. I'll design them, and have the engines engineered by Cosworth, and I'll work with their engineers to engineer the chassis, frames, interior, suspensions, etc etc.

I actually am unemployed right now, because I got laid off from my full time job, and I'm currently looking for work. So I don't live off of my passion for designing cars, but hope to soon.

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