3D Modelling Programs

[sneeks]

I'm interested in learning how to create visuals for my clients using 3D modelling software. I appreciate that the learning curve is most likely very steep but can anyone recommend a program which will be a good starting place for a novice? I'm a Graphic Designer and currently use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop on a daily basis for most of my design work, 3D modelling seems like a natural progression.

 

[-KarL-]

what type of 3d modeling as there are a few programs

 

[spirez]

I've used AutoCad, pretty easy to pick up the basics and if you put the time in then it shouldnt be too hard to master.

Depends what you want to do though

 

[sneeks]

I've been asked to design an award for a very big client and I want to create a shaded 3d representation of my ideas so that they can get a better idea of how the final product would look. I'm not expecting to be producing photo-realistic 3d models but would like to experiment with a program and see how I get on.

 

[sn00p]

maya.

 

[McBunny]

3dsmax
autodesk inventor etc etc

 

[sneeks]

Thanks for the advice, currently downloading 3Ds Max trial

 

[rory182]

i used autodesk inventor through uni
solidworks is more popular
i use solid edge at work.

 

[Anth1234]

3ds max is your best bet

 

[rory182]

yeah i agree 3dsmax as its good for rendering etc and presentation stuff, whereas CAD is a tool for manufacturing.

 

[-KarL-]

well auto cad is about 3 grand but there is a few crack copy out there

where i work we use a 3d steelwork programe still not cheap tho

 

[rory182]

auto cad aint designed specifically for 3d and its no use for presentation stuff really, very good for 2d draughting, which its designed for.

 

[wozzaa]

You can get a free version of maya as well from there website student version.

 

[McBunny]

at work we use
auto cad 2007
inventor 11
strucad
and we are trialing solidworks

 

[-KarL-]

where i work we use:
autocad 2006
frame cad
x-steel

 

[MattT]

All depends on what you want the finished product to be.
There are ones designed for producing photo-realistic renderings and those designed to create manufacturing drawings and 3d printing etc.
You've got surface modelling and solid modelling etc etc so there are loads of things to consider. Being a graphic designer I'd imagine you'd want photo-realism so I'd suggest 3DStudio to start with - and then when you get more capable there are better rendering programs out there to get even better photo-realism.

 

[sneeks]

Currently trying to get my head around 3DStudio and also had a look at Cinema 4D. I have 30 days to see if it is any good, or more accurately if I am any good at using it.

 

[sn00p]

maya is *far* better than 3dstudio.

 

[Rufstuf]

Cinema 4D? has someone invented a new dimension i'm not aware of ?

 

[bradus]

maya...is good and with a bit of time on it easy to pick up...

 

[Andy_J]

Solidworks is a piece off piss. good tutorials to teach u the basics.

I have a cracked copy on my pc at home! (and use it at work)
Used to use Unigraphics which is a really powerfull modelling tool, but not as easy to operate.

I can have a look and see if i can get this cracked copy of SW onto disc for you if you like?

 

[Andy_J]

i also have unigraphics nx2 or nx3 on ma pc (i cant remember which one)

 

[sneeks]

Cinema 4D? has someone invented a new dimension i'm not aware of ?

Yeah these people

http://www.maxon.net/

 

[Leeds_VTO]

maya is good but prefer 3d max think its because maya is more film orientated and 3d maxs is game

 

[sneeks]

After 1 hour of playing around the most I can manage is this, a crap vase with dodgy lighting