Hi,
Please can anyone give me some advice about 3D software and tuition? I’m a 2D artist and I really want to learn 3D modelling, partly because getting anywhere in game and film art seems to require it, and partly because I just find it really exciting and inspiring (I also have some experience of traditional modelling).
My problem is that to buy 3DS Max and Maya would cost over £6000 - that’s more than I currently earn in a year! How do most people begin, would a substitute like Blender be acceptable?
Many thanks!
Cat 
Starting out in 3D on a low budget?
Aleisis
#1
leigh
#2
That’s a bit of a tricky one, because while I’d ordinarily be inclined to say that the software doesn’t necessarily matter, if you’re aiming to work in the film or game industries (which you’ve mentioned), then it’s better to actually learn the software used, eg Maya or Max. Are you a student at all? Because student licensing is much more affordable.
Aleisis
#3
Thanks very much!
Sadly, not officially a student (apart from workshops), I graduated in 2002 and I’ve been working as a freelance illustrator since then, mainly on books and album covers, but I’m really keen to move more into games. Ironically, when I graduated I couldn’t find anyone who would take me on without experience, now I’ve got experience but I’m behind on software!
(Love your avatar btw! )
leigh
#4
I can’t take credit for the avatar, unfortunately! I found it on a website, heh.
Hmmm, I’m not sure what to suggest then, to be honest. Knowing the packages that are used as standard in the industry definitely gives an advantage, because studios prefer employing people who don’t need to be trained. A lot of Blender users will deny this, so be wary of what you read on the web (and I’m aware of the irony of writing a post on a web forum saying that), but having worked myself in the VFX industry for a long time, I know for a fact that studios will hire people with software knowledge over those without.
Have you considered possibly doing a short course in Max somewhere? That may be an affordable way to learn, especially since it’d give you both access to the software as well as actual tuition, so it’d be killing two birds with one stone, really.
Aleisis
#5
That makes perfect sense. Absolutely, I’d be more than happy to go on a course! Is there anywhere you can recommend? I’m not sure where to look, and most of the courses I’ve seen advertised are overseas (that’s why I was so glad to discover CGS). Unfortunately I’m not in a position to relocate but staying away for a short course would be fine.
Aleisis
#7
Ah not to worry, I’ll keep looking, thank you so much for all your advice though, it’s much appreciated!
Tuxon86
#8
I don’t want to plug a company, but you could try an online course like Lynda.com. Their maya and max essentials courses are really nice and the basic package is $25 per month (you can unsubscribe anytime).
As for getting the software… Don’t you have a nephew or cousin still in school? You could always use their credentials for registering the student version. I’ve done it many times myself. They don’t come to your place to check you know… :applause:
sacboi
#9
Despite my personal feelings on the matter, ADSK licencing options include “pay-as-you-go” desktop [if you own one] subscription, which could be worth a look, at the very least in terms of mitigating the high standalone software costs:
http://www.autodesk.com/subscription/desktop
As for online learning resources, you’re basically spoilt for choice. Amongst my goto online instruction providers I find Digital-Tutors lists a comprehensive short-course/tute catalogue, that also caters to the novice/intermediate user market in most currently available DCC software packages at competitive prices or you could try here: which seems to suggest simulated on-the-job-training that this course provides, but I can’t really confirm the veracity of the statements by this vendor, due to running a quick search in regards to your initial query.
Cheers 
Aleisis
#10
Thanks Tuxon86, that’s a great suggestion!
I’ll definitely look into that, thank you for the link.
Brilliant idea about asking a student to get the software - I don’t have any family in school but I’ve got a friend who’s at college, he may be able to help, that hadn’t occurred to me!
Thank you Sakboi! I know just what you mean about the subscription, I was really excited when I read about it, but (having skimmed over pages of Autodesk plugging their own awesomeness) when I found out how much it costs my first reaction was ‘you robbing ******s!’ - at least, that was my second reaction, my first one wasn’t censored! 
Really, I understand the software costs a lot to develop and being so specialised they won’t sell huge numbers so they have to cover their costs, but honestly, £150/month just for 3DS Max? I struggled to pay for Adobe software and that’s peanuts by comparison.
I’ll have a look at the digital tutors, thanks very much for taking the time!
scrimski
#11
You can apply for an educational license as a home schooling student.
http://www.autodesk.com/education/home.
FXPhd.com offers courses which include an edu license, no idea if their curriculum covers 3ds Max or Maya though.
Aleisis
#12
Wow thanks Scrimski, that’s brilliant!
FXPhd looks great, I’m just reading up about it now, and if Autodesk let you apply as a home student that may well solve the problem, I’ll look into it.
Thank you so much!
Cat x
Dillster
#13
Student editions of Max are a good start. Max bibles are also a good way to get used to the software.
NLWebster
#15
hey Aleisis, I enrolled on a 3D evening college course, it was pretty cheap and only a few weeks long (and truthfully a terrible course!) but I also then got an Autodesk student log-in via the college and now have maya, max and mudbox student licences for 3 years to use non-commercially while I study further at home - luckily Im in London so have a massive pick of courses and colleges but there must be one somewhere near you?