New to 3D modeling, need some help with choosing the right software

[sundialsvc4]

I cordially suggest that, given that you are trying (first...) simply to learn about "the art," Blender would be a pretty darned good place to begin. (And end, and everywhere in-between ... but that's another story for another day.) ;)

Another way to put it might be this: "when you're trying to make your first steps into the world of, say, photography, the most important task confronting you might be 'to figure out which way to aim the camera, and which button to push.' Therefore, start there."

(You'll eventually read every one of Ansel Adams' basic textbooks. But you don't need to read any of them tomorrow.)

Painting: same deal. "Grab some paint, and a brush, and start painting."

Already savvy with Photoshop and Illustrator? Cool! You're actually a lot closer right-now than you think!

At this point, you simply need "a piece of software" that will be capable of doing any of the things that you're likely to realize that you need to do. And, okay, it so happens that you've got that. Therefore, "take that camera, get out there and shoot." "Load up that brush, get out there and paint."

It so happens that you "stumbled upon" an extremely powerful package. (And, by the way, you've got an enormously powerful computer, too.) Good for you. "If ya don't get to the next waterin' hole, pardner, don't blame yer horse." Get out there and start taking pictures.

Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of pictures. :thumbsup:

Q: "Which brand of camera is best for shooting amazing landscapes?"
A: "Dunno. Is your name Ansel Adams?"

One more thought... At this point, you might innocently suppose that "your next task" is (inevitably...) "to figure out what every single one of the knobs and buttons do." :banghead: Not so!! Your next task is actually "to get a general, working understanding of how 3D software packages work, especially as compared to the very powerful 2D packages that you already know." You already possess a very considerable body of professional knowledge about those packages, and a great deal of that knowledge will, in fact, apply quite directly to "the third dimension." You can defer product-specific questions (relative to any product!) for a very, very long time.

At this stage of the game, I opine, specific product-selection is of decidedly lesser importance. You now have a tool that can carry you very, very far. When (and if...) the time comes to choose among other tools, "you can cross that bridge when you get there."

[Animasta]

There really isn't a 'best' app for modeling. It's all a matter of preference. 3DS Max, Maya, Lightwave, Modo, Blender, XSI, it doesn't matter what you choose. Unless you are going to be going for a career in 3D modeling for video games, that's when people recommend learning 3DS Max as Max is more widely used in the gaming industry. For the movie industry, Maya is the more common app to learn.

[Psyk0]

It also depends on the budget you have to spend, if you are a student, you should consider buying a student bundle from autodesk (includes full versions of max, maya and mudbox):

http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/Autodesk/Education+Suite+for+Entertainment+Creation/1330609

[frostedone]

Thanks a lot you guys. The deal is amazing and it is good to know what the various programs are most commonly used for.

[Xtrude]

Wings 3d is a free modeling app which will do the trick just fine for organic modeling...

Silo 3D is another terrific choice for modeling, download the trial and check it out...

[Calabi]

If there was a best modelling app then Wings3d and Sculptris would probably win.

[Animasta]

Yeah, that's why Wings is used so heavily in the industries..

Also scuptris isn't a modeling app, it's a wip scuplting app.

[leigh]

Please don't post threads like this on this site. Thanks.