what 3D program is the best for me ?

[badboyXL]

hi all..

since i am using photoshop for like 3 years (and i still suck ;) )
i was kind a searching for a new challenge, like 3d designing..

i am very interested in 3d-abstract designs..
so what program would you recommend me to use ?

there are so many 3D programs.. and i really don't know the difference between them..

i need 1 3D program to focus on.. and it would be cool if it's a little
compatible with photoshop 7 ..

thnx in advance

[MsOz]

If by your own words, you still suck at Photoshop, why do you think you need a new challenge? Especially a 3d app?

There are some free versions of 3d apps out there for you to learn from, like GMAX and I think maybe Carrera. Do a web search.

You'll have just as steep a learning curve with a 3d app as you do with a 2d like Photoshop, so don't expect to be any better at that without a similar amount of effort to learn it.

[John1]

Exactly MsOz and since I do both, I can tell you BadboyXL that 3D is a lot harder and a lot more time consuming. ;)

You ask us which program you should use. That's hard, it's like asking me why there are people using so many different 3D programs. Different people, different reasons, different tastes...

Try a program like Wings 3D; http://www.wings3d.com/

See, it's free and easier to use than most other 3D programs. Seems to me a good choice before you rush out to buy any expensive 3d software.

Also ask yourself if your hardware is fast enough for 3D. Rendering 3D models can take quite some time.

[badboyXL]

ok thnx guys.. i'll have a shot at wings then

and BTW.. "the part where ia said that i still suck in photoshop was
kind a meant in a sarcastic way "

[Erik]

I suppose that, seen your intrest in abstract 3D shapes, you'll need something with splines and extrude.
Look around in bookshops. There have been magazines offering a free copy of Cinema4D6 (only limit is limited render size).
Not to say that Wings isn't good, far from that. But it's more a *real* modeller than an app that does 3D eyecandy.

[badboyXL]

and there is Erik (i was waiting for you)
you've always usefull information for me

thnx again

[gidge]

Ya know what ? Nobody can tell yas just what app is best suited for you... Nobody !

I used to, right up till recently infact, attempt to sway new user's in certain directions regarding such queries, and... I have found out that there are just so many who choose to agree or disagree, depending on thier preferences, as in apposed to common numerical logic, that I basically give up with offering this type of advise...

Every app is slightly different in approaches to most every facet of 3D creation... different UI's, different options for tools, property management, workflow etc... ( once you really understand the nuances of modeling you will key into the last two, ie. property management and workflow and will better read between the lines regarding such ;) )

It's really all up to you to decide, by downloading as many different trial apps as you can get your hands on, and playing around with each one... do some tutorials via 3D app web sites or even via web search, for creating simple models with each respective app... and see what suits ya...

After fooling around for a spell you should better understand just which toolsets you prefer for your style of modeling, and which workflow suits your comfort zone, all things concidered...

In otherwords, there's no way that anybody can advise you on these matters, other than to suggest to try them all, as there are so many variables involved when comparing apps, and the people who use them, that it would be near impossible to expound on such...

Happy trials and further exploring... ;)

[Erik]

Wise words indeed, master Gidge!

But it all started on the Showboard forum, when topic starter BBXL expressed his admiration for the kind of images like this one: http://www.deviantart.com/view/3861366/
And he wanted to know how it was made, what progs etc. Also, if possible, without having to spend a small fortune on software.
Which is why I see Wings as less suited for the job.

Yet you are right: demos can be downloaded, and if I'm not mistaken, there has even been a version of XSI for free some time ago...

btw: good to hear from ya!

[gidge]

Hi Erik

Haha, doodler at best, master of none... that's me

Ah yes, the link clears this up quite a bit... looks like something a 2D smudge like tool would take care of... The artist himself says that he used PhotoShop to create this 3D effect...

to do this in 3D would be a way more extrude, scale, rotate effort than I personaly would care to take on for this type of art...

Perhaps a 2.5D toolset... hmmm, wonder which software that is.... [shhh] :\ ;)

Hey good hearing from you as well

[britwolf]

If you need some thing challenging in 3d modelling. you should try 3ds max, maya, or zbrush.
3ds max is much easier than maya, But both are better at 2 things. 3ds max is much better at interior designing, and maya is best at character modelling.

Since you have the knowledge of photoshop I recommend trying out zbrush. Bcoz the tools in it much similar to photoshop and VERY interesting you can start modelling 3d characters very easily. Good luck!