ltravisjr

I am an AutoCAD drafter for an building engineering firm and I am just starting to learn 3d modeling and rendering, in the hopes of getting into the ArchViz field someday in the future. Since I am so new to this, I figure I could start learning basic concepts by using some of the less expensive programs out there. I have already spent a few weeks using the open source Blender3d, which has Yafray integrated and has about every feature imaginable despite the hokey interface. Also, I have just downloaded the free truespace 3.2 which seems easier to learn. I also plan to download the Maya personal learning edition sometime as well.

If any of you has had experience with these programs, which of them, if any, would give me the best primer on 3d modeling/rendering as it would apply to Architectural rendering? Are there any other inexpensive alternatives I could try that would be better? By the way, once I get a good start on this I plan on purchasing a "real" 3d program like Viz and take a course in it.

STRAT

max/viz/softimage/cinema4d/maya etc etc etc ALL will give excellent modelling and rendering capabilities. it just depends on ur cup of tea.

as you know, to enter into this proffession you cant compete using free stuff. i suggest you download the free versions of all these proggies, test them out and give them a thorough test driving. this will give you a feel for which one will probably suit you best. every one of them are up to the job, so dont go looking for the 'best' as it doesn't exist.

once you decide go and purchase a copy.

i personally use Autocad for modelling and Cinema4D for rendering. i use C4D basically because i personally prefer it's rendering quality/speed over viz. also it's only about a grand in price. (i'm also a long term viz user). but then i've never tried maya, lightwave, softimage etc etc so i may be missing out.

ltravisjr

Thanks for the insights, Strat. I agree, I won't be able to compete in the marketplace with free or inexpensive second rate programs. I would like to test drive the major programs as you suggest. The only problem is that I want to have a decent foundation on the general concepts so when it comes time to test the major apps, I will only have 30 days to test them before they expire (Maya PLE excluded). I just don't want to spend the entire 30 day trial period just learning basic 3d concepts. Otherwise I would spend all that available time learning rather then actually testing the programs. That is why I figure just getting some preliminary education with freeware so I can jump right in when I start with the majors. Does that sound like a reasonable strategy?

Thanks again,
LT

STRAT

well the cinema 4d demo is unlimited time. you just cant save anything :P

ltravisjr

Cool, I might try that. If I can't save anything, is it still feasible to create something complicated enough to teach myself as well as get a good feel for the ins and outs of the program?

Thanks,
LT

STRAT

yup, i did