What program(s) to use?
Hello all,
First post and i have a question, I wanted to know what the workflow would be for the regular, professional 3D modeler:
I'm unsure of what some of the programs provide for better than others for example i could use 3DS to create a mesh, take it into ZBrush, skin it texture it, then take it into Maya for animation.
But this workflow could be interchanged profusely between programs as they all provide different features for doing each others jobs.
This is where my question origins from, i want to know what is regarded or even just your own opinion of what program(s) should be used for creating 3D models.
Also, just incase you want to know, i am working from a Game Design perspective.
Thanks
Kata
First post and i have a question, I wanted to know what the workflow would be for the regular, professional 3D modeler:
I'm unsure of what some of the programs provide for better than others for example i could use 3DS to create a mesh, take it into ZBrush, skin it texture it, then take it into Maya for animation.
But this workflow could be interchanged profusely between programs as they all provide different features for doing each others jobs.
This is where my question origins from, i want to know what is regarded or even just your own opinion of what program(s) should be used for creating 3D models.
Also, just incase you want to know, i am working from a Game Design perspective.
Thanks
Kata
Replies
I myself prefer Maya, for modeling, UV, rigging and animation, granted I try not to get into the latter two. Others will attest to 3DS max. If you are good, you can achieve pretty much the same in both.
Anyways, if you know of a studio in particular you wish to work for...find out what they use and use it. From a game design perspective...well you probably wouldnt do much other than blocking out levels...otherwise focus on your design docs and gameplay elements.
Just my 2cents. Im sure someone better might be able to give a more detailed answer.
For modeling, rigging, animation, rendering Max and Maya dominate ( we have very very few requests for XSI deliveries, and none for C4D, Blender, Lightwave, etc).
For sculpting it's ZBrush and Mudbox are most common.
Popular helper programs include Topogun, xNormal, nDo(2), 3D Coat, and many more small helpers - whatever makes you work faster / better.
Some studios move between apps (e.g. model in max, animate in Maya), others stay with the same package throughout for various of reasons (pipeline, budget, skills, etc).
Max/Maya, Zbrush/Mudbox are pretty comparable. Both have valiant defenders and bashers. Each package does have strengths over the competition, but also weaknesses in other areas. Then again, "package wars" are for noobs. It's like comparing pencils to brushes. Expect to change packages at some point in your career. Keeping an open mind helps..
It's good to check out different ones and find the one which fits the best to you.
I know there is know specific way to do it really only preference, i've been lucky enough to be able to have access to a variety of different packages so i was unsure really where to put my focus.
I think from your posts i've been directed more to start my focus on 3DS Max or Maya and move onto other programs when they are required.
when learning it is best to stick with one app and build up your modeling skills, better to spend your time starting off in 3d learning about modeling not the UI and keys of 6 different apps.
maya and max are the 2 biggest ones on the industry atm, so pick one, and learn how to model, UV, and bake textures well in it, and rig and animate if your wanting to work on characters.
once you got a good grasp on that you can move onto some other toys if you feel they could be usefull to you such as ZB for sculpting or modo if your wanting something good for subd modeling.
3dsmax/blender-Modeling,UV mapping,Baking
xNormal-baking
Photoshop-Texturing
Zbrush-Sculpting
UDK-Game Environments,Renders