How?

Wish · Jul 2010

I've been browsing the work that people on this forum have created, and it would be an understatement to say I'm impressed. I apologize if this is available on some other topic, but I couldn't find anything.

Does everyone on this forum have a degree in 3D modeling and do this professionally, or is this something I could toy with on my mac at home with no previous education on the matter?

I appreciate any pointers that can be given.

Pkeod · Jul 2010

You can absolutely toy with it without a formal education.

My favorite modeling program is Modo: http://www.luxology.com/trymodo/

Here is a great tutorial to get you started with Modo: http://www.3dtotal.com/team/Tutorials_3/making_of_black_widow/making_of_black_widow01.php

Good luck!

ZacD · Jul 2010

Some people here have degrees, some are self taught, degrees don't guarantee a job, and aren't required for most jobs (if you are trying to get a job in a different country or a work visa, you may need a degree).

OSX is limited when it comes to game design, unless you run windows on your mac, although there's great tools on both platforms, most game engines run on directx, and there's a lot of video game related tools that only run on windows. Although having osx is an advantage when it comes to making iphone games. Maya and 3DS max are the 2 major 3D software programs used in the game industry, I suggest trying out maya because it runs on osx.

There's a lot of free tutorials online, follow them, post your work here and ask for some feedback or help when you need it, we'll be more than happy to help, but we can be harsh sometimes.

A lot of commonly asked questions are in the polycount wiki, and its full of great info and links
http://wiki.polycount.com/

Wish · Jul 2010

Thanks for your responses. I have to say, I'm intimidated by the price tags on the software you guys mentioned. I currently have Blender on my computer. Are Maya and Modo a lot better for graphic design, or is Blender comparable in ways of power and interface?

bbob · Jul 2010

Although I have never really tried blender, aside from just turning a thingie in the viewport, I would say that it seems like a solid package, especially for the money.

The interface is different, but interface is really the smallest deal, because what is important is a solid understanding of the geometrical principles, the philosophy of workarounds and so on.

If you get good at using blender and gimp, you will be able to learn max, maya or modo in a month or less. It's just a difference in aestethics, to put it roughly.

tl;dr - yeah, use blender.

ZacD · Jul 2010

http://students.autodesk.com/
You can get maya and various other autodesk apps free for 13 months (it almost sounds like you can use them forever because in less than 12 months there will be another version with a free trial), I feel its better to use industry standard software if you can.

Taylor Hood · Jul 2010

Indeed. What I've heared from alot of people, especially Games Industry Mentor, is that you don't really need a degree at all. It's all about the work. And that, I think, is a brilliant way to go about it. Not being an academic type or a very 'academically' achieved person and much more of a right-brained person I fully support it.

When I was around 12 I actually got a trial of 3DSMax! I had no idea what I was doing but I somehow knew this is how they created models for games : )
So yes, I toyed with it at the beginner of High School.

How?

Replies