How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more.

by Guest Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:34 pm

There are many ways to get started, the quickest way is to actually start with a 3D program. There are many to choose from, such as:

-3DS Max
-Cinema 4D,
-Maya
-Softimage XSI
-Lightwave
-Blender 3D (Free!)

Once you obtain one the next step is to start with tutorials. There are many
on the net, they range from text and image tutorials to video tutorials. You
aren't going to find a tutorial for everything out there, but most will explain
techniques that you need to adapt in order for you to achieve whatever final
result you want.

1.) "Wow! That's a lot of programs! Which one is best? I heard ______ is best."

You heard wrong, there is no one program that is better than the rest, it has
and always will be the skill level of the artist. Which program you choose is
solely dependent on your own personal taste and which aspect of the 3D industry
you want to be involved in.
Max and Maya are the most hyped and so therefore the most used,
they have the most available documentation online. The interfaces have
a steep learning curve, but there isn't any 3D program you can't learn if you take
the time to use it and follow some tutorials. Go with a generalized package, not a
specialist one.

2.) "Whoah, Generalized vs Specialized? How do I know?"

A generalised package like Maya, Max, Softimage are packages that let you model, render,
animate, texture, and create dynamics all within the same application. They don't require third party plugins
or applications to add another basic feature, like a renderer or animation tools.
However you can get plugins for these apps to enhance their features.
There are several Specialized applications out there that cater to a specific skill.

Animation: Motion Builder, Messiah 3D.
Modeling: Modo, Wings3D, Silo 3D
CAD: Autocad, Sketchup, SolidWorks
Detailing: Zbrush, Mudbox, 3DCoat

3.) "Ooooo Zbrush, I see so much awesome shit from that, I'm gonna start there!"

No, you're getting ahead of yourself. You should start learning about basic modeling and
topology before jumping into Zbrush. Zbrush is a great program for advanced users to add
detail to their existing models, or to prototype models quickly by sculpting them out. It
is not a good idea to get into Zbrush when you're not very familiar with general 3D concepts

4.) "Ok, I see I'm not very good at this stuff, can you model ______ for me?"

No, anybody with any decent skill on this forum does this work for a living or for some kind
of gain. Some of those just starting out may pick up the project but don't expect Miets Meier
level of work. You get what you pay for.

5.) "But it's too haaaaaaaaard, isn't there any easy button?"

No, like all things it takes time and effort to master a program, practice makes perfect and
playing around with the interface will get the shortcuts ingrained into your muscle memory.

6.) "So which program is the easiest to learn?"

You shouldn't learn a program, you should learn techniques. When you master a technique the program
becomes nothing more than a tool. As said before Max and Maya have the most documentation but you
should look at learning how to model and the right techniques instead of 'what button does X'. You
can get UI information from the program's help files. F1 and Google are your friends.

7.) "What about gaming?"
What about it?

8.) "How do I make my own game? How do I program shaders or a video game?"

This is a guide not a programming turtorial! Do you want to make 3D game assets or
do you want to be a programmer?

9.) "Uhhhh...."
Exactly.

10.) If you want to get into game asset creating, your three primary focus of interests are:

Spoiler:

11.) "So got any links?"

Spoiler:

by Guest Mon Dec 10, 2012 11:39 pm

Guide to drawing a body....

How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more. 1324400431236

How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more. D2e

by vansnote Sat Jan 12, 2013 8:29 pm

lol..that was funny. NUAHAHAHAHAHA

by Sponsored content

How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more.

How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more.

Re: How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more.

Re: How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more.

Re: How do I get started in 3D/CG, a friendly guide on starting how to 3D, Animation, CG and more.