Vegan Forum

Sorry for the non-vegan post - well, I'm a vegan and I'm asking the question I guess!

A few people on here seem to be computer and graphics modellers... (I'm blown away by Andy's minotaur ) I was wondering if anyone knew of any sites where I could learn a little about graphics / modelling software? I've looked on a few sites, but they assume some knowledge, and I haven't got a clue about any of the software Which packages are popular, and used for computer games and animated films? More importantly, are there any easy to use packages for beginners or some freeware / demos I can play with?!

Hey Becka!
When you talk about modelling I hope you mean 3D modelling.
Here are some 3d modeling and animation software i know about:
You can click on the links to learn more about each software.

Softimage XSI - my favorite at the moment. Really smart tools and work flow.

Autodesk 3ds max - most popular software especially for games and Architectural Visualization.

Autodesk MAYA - very popular animation software used for creating professional visual effects for movies.

Luxology MODO - new software with great 3d modeling tool and very basic animation.

Light wave 3D - a mature 3d animation software.

Blender 3D - open source 3D animation software, free and available for linux.

Cinema4D - another good 3D animation software with robust animation and 3d modeling tools.


Here are some tutorials
http://3dmd.net/Xsi_modelingTutorials.htm

If you have more questions I will answer with pleasure.

BigBecka, what do you need the software for?
What do you want to make with it?

Mihu wrote:BigBecka, what do you need the software for?
What do you want to make with it?

Well, firstly for general interest - I used to study art years ago, and I love fantasy art but have never been any good with airbrushes a lot of artists seem to work in CGI now

Second, I sometimes do some CAD contract work for various companies. I don't like the results that CAD packages give - they're very rough and 'blocky' compared to what you see in movies and computer games. I'ld like to produce something that will look good in a presentation - possibly including some animations, a nice background, maybe some people? Just realistic colours would be a start! It's surprising how much customers judge you on a presentation...

AndyBa wrote:When you talk about modelling I hope you mean 3D modelling.

Yeah, I hadn't quite realised the difference - the packages I use tend to work in 2D, then you extrude the shapes and make it 3D
Thanks for all the links! I haven't got round to checking them all out yet I quite like Blender, but difficult to get the hang of, things keep being wobbly Maya looks quite promising...

BigBecka wrote:Thanks for all the links! I haven't got round to checking them all out yet I quite like Blender, but difficult to get the hang of, things keep being wobbly Maya looks quite promising...

Blender has become quite powerful lately for a free program it is on par with other industry standard 3d animation software.