I Need Help Finding the Right Software For My Needs

dcolonna

I am a 2D traditional illustrator, although I have been using Maya for creating models and lighting them for reference in my paintings.  I had an older version of Maya that had MentalRay built into it.  I recently upgraded my OS and and I am no longer able to use the old Maya, and can't afford the new version.  I tried Maya LT and the rendering capabilities are severely limited.  It appears most software is designed more for animation and gaming.

Is there anything affordable out there that allows for detailed nurb modeling (usually nonorganic) and high rendering capabilities, i.e. multiple textures, highlights, reflections, shadows ect?

Thank you!

Daf57

Hi,

You might look into Blender (https://www.blender.org/) it's open source (free) and a very powerful modeler/renderer. Bit of an interface shock coming from Maya but certainly a reasonable option. Good luck!

Daf

monster

2nd Blender. If you tried it in the past, it has a much better UI now. And you can pick the Maya hotkey preset to help you make the transition.

http://blendtuts.com/ Is my favorite Blender tutorials.

kanga

3rd Blender. Be a bit difficult to switch from Maya but its free and it will do everything you describe,..... and more.

R_Byte

I 4th Blender. 
At first I was using it because it's free. Now I'm using it because it's awesome!
The interface is scary but easy once you get familiar 

JedTheKrampus

I prefer Blender too but you can also check out Modo Indie. It's meant for modeling subdivision surfaces instead of nurbs, but subdivision surfaces are quicker and easier to model than nurbs anyway. (Blender also has much better tools for modeling subdivision surfaces.)

dcolonna

Thanks everyone, I looked at Blender, but the open source interface pretty much scared me away.  I'll look back into it.  Thanks agin, I appreciate the input.

kanga

dcolonna said:

Thanks everyone, I looked at Blender, but the open source interface pretty much scared me away.  I'll look back into it.  Thanks agin, I appreciate the input.

Yeah Blender's interface is a bit daunting at first, but the app itself has lots of features under the hood and a large (very friendly and helpful) community you can always call on.