With so many programs out there which ones do I actually need!?
polycounter lvl 6
Currently I use 3DSMAX (Model) Photoshop (Texture) and Unity / Unreal (Renderer).
Obviously this leaves me with a few limitations in my workflow, however there's so many different programs out there that I can't afford the time (or cost) to learn them all.
The kind of work I do is mainly ArchViz so extremely high quality models rendered in real time. However recently I've also been doing hand painted low poly styles of models as well. Here are the programs I'm aware of:
At $800 it's a little expensive for an interactive cloth modifier tool, as cool as it is.
So seems like Substance Designer could handle my map baking and materials. However it's not really the best for adding high poly details in a timely manner. At this point it's looking like SD + Zbrush to add to my current software package. However I'll have to rely on cloth modifier in 3DSMax for now, which does a pretty good job tbh. Anyone else have a different perspective?
Obviously this leaves me with a few limitations in my workflow, however there's so many different programs out there that I can't afford the time (or cost) to learn them all.
The kind of work I do is mainly ArchViz so extremely high quality models rendered in real time. However recently I've also been doing hand painted low poly styles of models as well. Here are the programs I'm aware of:
ZBrush
Great for sculpting high poly details. Although besides that I don't see myself using it.Substance Designer
Ultimate material authoring tool. Only problem is when starting out, it takes a long time to do something that could be easily done in photoshop. It's kind of like "If you want to make an apple pie you must first create the universe". Also great for baking maps, so I think I'm going to have to learn this one way or another. Still at the moment it's about 50x faster for me just to edit a texture in PS.Substance Painter
I don't think I'll need this package. You don't add scratch and dirt detail to Arch Viz and not needed for hand painting.Marvelous Designer
Great for making pillows, lounges and beds. Only used for making pillows, lounges and beds At $800 it's a little expensive for an interactive cloth modifier tool, as cool as it is.3DCoat
Honestly Don't know much about this however I've been seeing it around more and it seems it's good for hand painted stuff and can even do some sculpting? Might be a better alternative to Zbrush, which again I'd only be using to add extra details to my high poly. For things like stitching, fabric creases etc.So seems like Substance Designer could handle my map baking and materials. However it's not really the best for adding high poly details in a timely manner. At this point it's looking like SD + Zbrush to add to my current software package. However I'll have to rely on cloth modifier in 3DSMax for now, which does a pretty good job tbh. Anyone else have a different perspective?
Replies
I know it costs a pretty penny, but I would seriously look into Marvelous Designer if you're doing any kind of cloth work for arch viz.
And +1 for Substance Painter. (It can bake maps too!) And you can paint in normal map details, which is pretty sweet and can save you time if certain geometry pieces are just going to get baked in as floaters anyway.
If you're really set on Photoshop, you may want to check out the Quixel Suite. It works inside Photoshop.
https://quixel.se/suite2/
I'd go as far to have 3DSMAX, Marvelous Designer, Substance Designer + Painter. That's a manageable amount of programs to learn / update / purchase etc. Currently I work in-house but I'd like to supplement my income with assets and possibly freelance at some point in the future.