hello guys i'm a Visual Graphic Designer, i do alot of graphics and multimedia, i want to go into 3D Animation, which of this software should i learn first or which of them should i start using first.

3d Studio Max

Maya

Lightwave

Cinema 3d/4d

Others that have forgetten.

@ Smartsoft, there's no simple answer to your question. Many have asked the same question in the past and have received answers that compound their confusion. First you have to take a look at your environment and let user base and/or environment influence your choice of tools. Where are you based? What's the most widely used app in your territory? I am guessing it is 3D Max, in that case start with Max and know it very well. There is nothing you can't do with 3D Max if you are willing to push the envelope.

Once you've mastered the app, it will be easy to learn any other 3d software since they basically follow the same principles. I am pointing this out because I started with Lightwave and spent some time learning the app, now I am a proud user of Softimage XSI, Luxology Modo and 3D Studio Max. I am currently learning Maya and Houdini and I am catching up pretty fast, thanks to the time I spent on Lightwave. The more tools you master, the better but as a beginner, do not get carried away. Stay away from software zealots and fan boyz and stick to one app and know it very well before attempting to blend it with another software.

Good luck.

On a side note, allow me to make your life by narrowing down your list. I am a Lightwave user but if your interest is CHARACTER ANIMATION, please avoid Lightwave like cancer.

Starting with any of the following won't leave you wanting. . . at least for the next couple of yrs.

3D Studio Max
Softimage XSI
Maya

You may add other tool sets down the line like Modo (Modeling), Realflow(fluid dynamics) Bodypaint (One of the coolest texture appz out there) but for now STICK WITH EITHER XSI, Max or Maya.

big ups grafikdon, as usual have covered almost all there is to say.

At smartsoft: Honestly around naija, Its best you stick with 3dMax, Maya ,Lightwave, Softimage XSI in that order.
Reasons being that yoll find support from other users of these programs. My ratio of the number of 3d artists using the above programs "In Naija" is 10:2:1:1.
Thats for every 10 users of 3d studio max , u'll find 2 users of Maya and one user each of Softimage and Lightwave. This is not to say that these programs are not as powerful but thats just how it is around here.

Also it would help to register on the forum at www.3dnigeria.com.
Am thinking of running a series of interactive intensive 3dMax Beginner workshops to hold in Lagos but am still having problems with logistics and finicial implications. Anyone willing to work with me is welcome.

Yeah i think you should start by going through the 3d max path, You would meet a lot of people that would assist and inspire you. and not to forget you would be open to a lot of tutorial materials, cheers and good luck

@ poster
The first question you should ask yourself is, "What do you want to use 3D animation for?" Visualisation, special effects, architecture, etc. Then you should know the most widely used techniques you would be using.
From my experience, I believe if you are doing very serious character animation, Maya does that well. Im not saying 3dsmax lacks but Maya makes a lot of tasks easier (eg cloth and hair). Even on Hollywood features, they use a combination of about 2 or 3 software.

Hi All, am actaully new to the community and it seems i find it most intresting, great thing happening in nigeria.

reply to ur question

firstly, consider all other replies from others, i did agreed with all but i will like to emphazise and stress a little bit. firstly project ur path, what's ur dream in 3D Animation, is it 3D Animation, Visual effect, composition, characterization, environment designing, game world, architecturing,

now, i have used vertually all 3D programs out there, one thing i noticed earlier was that i was waisting my time trying out all this software when i know i have one powerful one that can give me the impossibilities. though it's an advantage to be visertile and conversant with these programs but KNOW UR MAN!

3D Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, XSI, Houdini, Lightwave, Cinema 4D ,Modo, ZBrush, all are powerful programs but some have specilization in the industry. but you like to go for rugged 3D Modeling and Animation? i will say

3D Max, Cinema 4D and Maya! but Maya to be precise. I dont know what people know about Maya, but Maya is so flexible, powerfull and perfect tool for modeling, easier, powerfull in term of rendering elements and tools. i cant just say it all,

3D Max might be a little complex when trying to achieve Photorealistic Visualization even with plugin renderer. but with simple Mental Ray set-up in Maya, you will open ur mouth and doubt that you created that thing.

Rem! find ur path. 3D Max is cool, is one of my favorite but Maya is cool.

If you need more guidance, please mail me and i will be willing to get you along the Path.

Am 5yrs exprience 3D Animator, Character Modeling, Environment Designing, Visual Effect with Camera Tracking and Matchmoving, CGI Integration and a Motion Graphices compositor.

My Area is T.V Comercial, Product Design, Motion Graphics and Character Animation, and all that.

Hope the little helps.

Thank you and God Bless


Hi damseremie

I did like to work with you if you are serious and focus about it, I did one in Ghana recently and many embraced it. call me or mail Tunslike@yahoo.com or 08023429574

hello tunslike,

sounds like you are a maya user, i am also one but new in the game. i have tried couple of other softwares but none satisfies me like maya.

are u based in nigeria, would love to learn and work with you.

Hi,
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Don't use pirated software to engage as some kind of professional tutoring school, just give people the tutorials for free just like you downloaded them for free illegally, yes, because you just cannot afford it,

@smartsoft:

it all boils down to how soon u want to get up to speed and how flexible u wanna be. Forget the so called "industrial standard bullshit" and take this seriously:

Go and learn Cinema 4d - its very flexible, renders stuffs very fast and to cap it all: it integrates well with adobe after effects WITHOUT the need for u to buy one nifty plugin. U wanna know why? Cos it comes with it free.

Maya is equally good. But it takes almost forever to render some simple stuffs and God help u if u don't have enought firepower (super dupa fast computer running like intel xeon quadcore) which i believe might be outside ur reach for some time. lol

Tell a maya specialist to model ur name in 3d and hear wat he or she has to say.

3d studio max is good too but the way the tools are arrange in this programs are a bit confusing.

Get this programs yourself and see how fast u can understand them in a short while. Should u need help with cinema 4d, as in getting up to speed, i'll be more than ready to help u. I can send some files to u for u to break apart and learn from.

tak kia bro. wish u best of luck

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They covered in details all you need to know about 3d animation for industry standard

Goodluck