3D Modeler: where do i start?

[d1abolic]

Long story short: i want to become a 3D modeler. Just trying to figure out where to start. I was thinking of getting a book and learning 3Dsmax. Is that a good plan? Or should i learn Maya or Lightwave first? Once again, i am interested in becoming a modeler, not an animator.

 

[Czar]

you realy are into this

Just use max, the basics are all the same and 3dsmax is probalby one of the most wide used tool for this.
Best you could do right now is read alot of tutorials on the net to get you started, then start doing something yourself and then get a book about it. Do not buy a book right away since you are learning the basics and spending money on a book that teaches just the basics is just a waste of money.

Here is something to motivate you
http://www.cgtalk.com/forumdisplay.php?s=b3dd58a500daa5c9e9d9b2bc9331268c&forumid=33

 

[d1abolic]

Ok, so where would be a good place to find beginner tutorials?

 

[SinnerWolf]

I personally prefer Bryce, but it really depends more on what type of look you're going for and what type of modeling you want to learn (landscaping, objects, people, etc..) the site i suggest checking out is DeviantArt.com . Some of the best digital artist i've ever seen submit their work there for feedback and distribution. They also have a tutorials section that might help you out a bit as well

 

[flavio]

Have you done the tutorials that come with Max yet?

 

[illusion88]

I just started getting into it about a week ago. I got hooked up witha copy of Maya and I love it. ITs a bit hard to learn and I am lookint at buying 3ds max but im poor . But Maya is sweet. And its real easy to do animations, at least with my experience it is.

 

[d1abolic]

I don't know much about 3D modeling software... is Maya cheaper than 3DsMax?

 

[Czar]

http://www.tutorialfind.com/tutorials/

Good place to start

 

[Czar]

Maya is like 10 times more expensive than 3DSmax but its more of a complete package, with max you have to buy plugins to get some functionality, but you dont need those since you are just learning. Good thing is that Maya will be given out free sometimes this month.

Other major differences
Maja and Softimage are more of a programing 3d programs, when companies are working with those they usualy have at least one programer on site. My personal preference is Max but I also like Maya though I havent done much in it.


I would recomend that you model a simple house to start with because houses are just basic primitives like boxes and such.

 

[flavio]

Have you checked out the tutorials in the help section of Max yet?!?!?

 

[d1abolic]

I just checked out the 3ds max tutorials - nice! I'm going to get started ASAP.