Is it worth anything to know 3D modeling but not programming?

[Kromis]

I've been learning 3D modeling (e.g. 3ds Max, Maya, XSI, etc) in school and I'm wondering if it is even worth it to be learning 3D modeling if I can't even code for my life?

I've only taken Java for a programming class (planning to take C++ for EE major) and holy hell, it bored the hell out of my mind (although I did pass the class with a C). I like programming and find it interesting but sometimes I just can't wrap my head around in the execution of a concept (I always hated nodes). So yeah, I haven't really "tried" when it came to programming so I wanted to do something else for a change. Which brings me to my question regarding 3D modeling.

I'm completely loving 3D modeling at the moment and wonder if it is a viable career choice to focus solely on modeling and not so much programming?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Crusty]

They are really two different careers with little to do with each other.

What industry are you trying to get into? Maybe that will help you decide.

 

[scorp00]

I don't think you need to know how to code. There might be some scripting, but you would probably work with coders. I'm a coder and can't model or draw anything much beyond a stick figure.

 

[Kromis]

Originally posted by: Crusty
They are really two different careers with little to do with each other.

What industry are you trying to get into? Maybe that will help you decide.

I'm thinking about going into the gaming industry (looking more towards being an animator). As cliched (and hopeless) as that sounds from everyone who says that, that really is my passion. That and computer-related things.

 

[Markbnj]

I know some guys who work as 3D modelers in game development. A couple of things to keep in mind: there are modelers, and artists, and they aren't always the same people. Perhaps not even often. The modelers I know all work with a major tool like 3D Studio, and most of them are proficient in shader language, which is a procedural syntax for defining effects in a pixel processing pipeline. I don't know enough about the business to say whether not having that proficiency will hurt your career, but the main point is that modeling is a technical trade that does overlap coding to some extent.

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I know some guys who work as 3D modelers in game development. A couple of things to keep in mind: there are modelers, and artists, and they aren't always the same people. Perhaps not even often. The modelers I know all work with a major tool like 3D Studio, and most of them are proficient in shader language, which is a procedural syntax for defining effects in a pixel processing pipeline. I don't know enough about the business to say whether not having that proficiency will hurt your career, but the main point is that modeling is a technical trade that does overlap coding to some extent.

I guess I didn't think of that . It makes sense though, but I'm not sure that's the kind of coding the OP was talking about. I was thinking more along the lines of game engine coding! You do make a good point though.

 

[Kromis]

Originally posted by: Crusty

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I know some guys who work as 3D modelers in game development. A couple of things to keep in mind: there are modelers, and artists, and they aren't always the same people. Perhaps not even often. The modelers I know all work with a major tool like 3D Studio, and most of them are proficient in shader language, which is a procedural syntax for defining effects in a pixel processing pipeline. I don't know enough about the business to say whether not having that proficiency will hurt your career, but the main point is that modeling is a technical trade that does overlap coding to some extent.

I guess I didn't think of that . It makes sense though, but I'm not sure that's the kind of coding the OP was talking about. I was thinking more along the lines of game engine coding! You do make a good point though.

Haha, I would definitely die with something like game engine coding. I hope programming shaders is a different story.

 

[wwswimming]

yes, e.g. if you're working as an engineer doing 3D modelling at a defense contractor.

willingness to be a team player/ "yes man" is generally more highly valued than (for
example) being the one guy on the team who can write macro's.

of course, if you can do all 3 (3D modelling, write scripts, and be a yes-person) then
you're even MORE valuable (in corporate America) !

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: Kromis

Originally posted by: Crusty

Originally posted by: Markbnj
I know some guys who work as 3D modelers in game development. A couple of things to keep in mind: there are modelers, and artists, and they aren't always the same people. Perhaps not even often. The modelers I know all work with a major tool like 3D Studio, and most of them are proficient in shader language, which is a procedural syntax for defining effects in a pixel processing pipeline. I don't know enough about the business to say whether not having that proficiency will hurt your career, but the main point is that modeling is a technical trade that does overlap coding to some extent.

I guess I didn't think of that . It makes sense though, but I'm not sure that's the kind of coding the OP was talking about. I was thinking more along the lines of game engine coding! You do make a good point though.

Haha, I would definitely die with something like game engine coding. I hope programming shaders is a different story.

If you can write a loop you can write a game engine :Q

 

[Kromis]

Interesting, interesting.

I may attempt to brush up (no pun intended) on my programming skills in the near future when I'm an intermediate at modeling.