What's it like working with CAD software/jobs compared to modeling/entertainment in 3dsmax/Maya?
polycounter lvl 7
Hello everyone,
Unfortunately I got laid off from my full-time job at a simulator company due to lack-of-work and have been finding Connecticut to be pretty dry in terms of companies that work in real-time games or simulators.
I did notice there does seem to be a heck of a lot of jobs though in the architectural and draftsman-type positions, usually stating either it would be creating electrical diagrams , 3D models/engineering, or architectural renderings in software under the generic title "CAD."
I'm uncertain if having the skillset in modeling real-time props and environments would still apply? If I were to work at such a job that lists software such as solidworks, revit, AutoCAD, etc. would skills with 3ds max and maya transfer at all? I can't seem to figure out if they're similar tools, if 3ds max is even considered a CAD tool on these job descriptions, or if it was different exactly how hard or easy would it be to learn compared to Max/Maya/Modo/Blender/Zbrush/etc.
I did try to get a trial of solidworks to see if the workflow was similar, but unfortunately they don't seem to offer trials and the software is definitely priced towards companies instead of individuals. I can't really justify shelling out hundreds of dollars for a training session on a hypothetical job when I can barely make rent after being laid off as it is.
Any feedback from people who have used such software or worked in the field would be greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately I got laid off from my full-time job at a simulator company due to lack-of-work and have been finding Connecticut to be pretty dry in terms of companies that work in real-time games or simulators.
I did notice there does seem to be a heck of a lot of jobs though in the architectural and draftsman-type positions, usually stating either it would be creating electrical diagrams , 3D models/engineering, or architectural renderings in software under the generic title "CAD."
I'm uncertain if having the skillset in modeling real-time props and environments would still apply? If I were to work at such a job that lists software such as solidworks, revit, AutoCAD, etc. would skills with 3ds max and maya transfer at all? I can't seem to figure out if they're similar tools, if 3ds max is even considered a CAD tool on these job descriptions, or if it was different exactly how hard or easy would it be to learn compared to Max/Maya/Modo/Blender/Zbrush/etc.
I did try to get a trial of solidworks to see if the workflow was similar, but unfortunately they don't seem to offer trials and the software is definitely priced towards companies instead of individuals. I can't really justify shelling out hundreds of dollars for a training session on a hypothetical job when I can barely make rent after being laid off as it is.
Any feedback from people who have used such software or worked in the field would be greatly appreciated!
Replies
Fusion 360 is a great solids/nurbs modeler and is free. I would say it's more important to have a basic understanding of the construction industry and its terminology.
Also, having a realtime background is a good thing these days in Arch-vis as that industry is poised to embrace Unity/UE4 realtime workflows more commonly.
Also, if you're skilled in Max that's a bonus as it's very well entrenched in Arch-vis.
However someone did a weapon here in SpaceClaim
At least it did look interesting until I found out that it costs $3300......I'll stick with the free Fusion 360, I think.
*Free for startups (under 100K), hobbyists and enthusiasts (using the service on a personal basis that is not for commercial, professional or for-profit use). Otherwise $300/year (standard) or $1500/year (ultimate). See Terms of service.
If you have a promo code, you can also use it for a limited time in the free commercial subscription mode (see also the note in the TOS above).