Advice: Best Second 3D Software to learn - 3DS MAX / Cinema 4D OR Blender?

#1

Hi,

I’m a Maya user looking to make a move to another 3D Software.

I really like and enjoy Cinema 4D as it’s really easy to pick up, But 3DS Max seems to be dominating the job-market. I have some knowledge of both but not up to a professional level yet.

Cinema 4D seems to only really be dominating Motion Graphics, which I’m interested in. However it is popping up more and more on Jobsites for a lot of other jobs, including Arch Viz, Product Rendering - similar things to 3DS Max.

I’ve also been looking at Blender which is looking like a better and better package to learn and of course - no crazy prices… But then there are less jobs. However as so many CG Artists are moving to Blender it could in the future be used more and more by employers. It’s also a more detailed software than Cinema 4D and less motion graphics focused, and a very competent all-round software for 3D Freelancers.

I’ve been advised by a Recruitment Agent to learn them all :slight_smile: which is a little tricky as we still have to master a lot of other software along-side our main 3D Software.

Maya is more and more becoming isolated to Feature Films/Animation, high end VFX and Games. And Max is used for everything else - and even also in Games. So perhaps that’s the most sensible choice.

So any advice / thoughts much appreciated - what is the best bet? Difficult question I know.

#2

seems that software that you choose for second “3d combine_software” are to similar to maya in general purpose and different in their advantages areas.

but there is a long list of 3d software that are not so broad on function. I’ve choosed for “2 study” Substance Painter - texturing and displacement details. But it depends from interests and it’s can also be: - Marvelous Designer for clothing production. - or Zbrush for organic sculpting. - 3dCoat texturing + sculpting and so on.

IMHO, better to do good jobs on pro level and adding software on specific demand.

#3

What industry are you working in?

Most of the industries that 3ds Max is used in are the same that Maya is used in, I would say unless you’re getting into archviz then there’s no real need to learn 3ds Max if you already know Maya. If you want to get into motion graphics then C4D is good for that

#4

I’m a 3D freelancer looking at jobs and contract work - this is in Europe - in London, UK and also the Netherlands.

For any 3D Artist role In Visualisation, AR, VR, 3D Designer … Or anything it’s all 3ds Max and Cinema 4D… This may not be the case in other parts of the world but for jobs this is what I’m seeing here ATM

#5

At an Elite level Maya is definitely a great option, but in general for employability - the bulk of jobs - it looks to me like 3DS Max - although Cinema 4D is also creeping in more and more…

This is in regard to your main 3D Software.

For Freelancing Blender is looking like another great option …

So I’m looking at them all but unsure which to commit to whole-hartedly as a second software…

#6

Since you already know Maya, I would suggest Cinema 4D over Max. A working knowledge of Max is all you really need as a freelancer if you already know Maya; that is, I do ALL my Arch/Viz work in Maya/Vray and have never once needed Max. Not that Max isn’t worth learning, I just never needed it.

C4D on the other hand might land you some studio gigs that don’t use Maya. Plus you can alway delve deeper into another program later, but C4D is a pretty safe bet these days. Unless you plan on learning Houdini down the road, in which case start NOW. :slight_smile:

#7

People are talking more and more about Houdini - and the indie price is decent too. But then u have to commit to Maya and Nuke though :slight_smile: for VFX jobs? Unless you become an absolute expert.

Thanks for that though !

Cinema 4D is a lot of fun and a quicker solution - Houdini looks more technical and much more to learn…

However in my understanding it was previously just for dynamics / effects etc now it is an entire 3D package so may be a good bet for the future to learn?

#9

Hi- thanks Isabella - I am 37 and not a student as such … Although we are all permanent students if we want to pick up gigs or jobs in this industry … I have paid for a year with cinema 4d with redshift I think this has been the best choice personally … My type of work is www.nicholasgood.myportfolio.com

#10

However - I don’t care what people say on this forum … I’m 37 now and have always been told all softwares are just tools - but that’s bullshit sorry.

If u want to be employable learn Houdini or Unreal ATM :slight_smile: …

#11

And if ur starting out I would definitely advise 3ds max :slight_smile: over blender / Maya / cinema 4d … In general if u want to collaborate and freelance …

#12

I hate but respect 3ds max - I personally just don’t like it :slight_smile: I like Maya for modelling and texturing and cinema 4d :slight_smile:

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