ClayMeow Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 Do any of you do 3D Modeling? I'd like to learn, but don't know where to begin. I've been contemplating taking some courses on it, but would like to start off on my own to at least get the basics done. So two questions: 1. Are there any good FREE alternative to 3D Max you'd recommend? Preferably the concept, functions, etc. would be transferable to 3D Max, in case I take the "next step" later on. 2. Any good online tutorials and/or books to get started with? The extent of my computer graphics ability is Photoshop. I tried to dabble with 3D modeling awhile back, but didn't have the patience to teach myself at the time. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bp9801 Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 The only free alternatives I know are the trial versions of programs like Maya, 3D Studio Max, Cinema 4D, and ZBrush. For online training, there is always Lynda.com.. just it costs 25 bucks a month. For a free alternative, I'd look at Tutorialized.com and more specifically the 3DSM page. Its been about a year since I've done any 3D modeling, but if you need any help to get started just let me know and I'll remember what I can. I could always break out my copy of 3DSM as well.. if I still have it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowKing Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 theres blender, but that's really hard to learn...at least for me, so you should be good Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_cow Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 as for free i don't know but maya did have a free version a while back but they may have dropped the whole idea because you couldn't render anything out. i personally use Maya and Digital Tutors for the training part. now since autodesk owns mostly all the good programs Maya and 3ds Max is mostly the same. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildman2 Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 (edited) Yup I model 3d stuff all the time.When I am not using Cinema 4d I fire up Wings3d it is free and real real real easy to use.All it does is model , UV map plus some texture stuff. A lot of things you do in it will translate to other packages like Maya,Max,Cinema 4d and the like ..Go to Renderosity.com there is a forum just for all of those programs including Wings.Also at Wings3d.com there is a forum for help and support.If you give it a try I can help you out quite a bit in it if you get stuck or just don't know where to start.Been using it for a cpl of yrs now,not a master at it but can work you thru almost anything with it.Of the other packages mentioned I think Cinema4d is the easiest to grasp for the newbie.Maya is very complex so is Max to learn.Blender has an interface from hell you either get it or you don't ,I don't, it is a powerful app for a freebie and does a whole lot of stuff.If you can get past the interface.Bryce is a great gateway app for 3d stuff.Currently Bryce has a free personnel learning edition as do most of the mentioned apps.Dnload them all and see what one you can understand the quikest.You will know within a cpl of hrs playing with it if it is the right app for you in my opinion.Made this knife in Wings took maybe 2hrs.I would start with wings first. Edited July 30, 2020 by wildman2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locutus Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 If you have a .edu email you can get 3ds max for free (like I did.) through their learning program. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bp9801 Posted July 30, 2010 Posted July 30, 2010 If you have a .edu email you can get 3ds max for free (like I did.) through their learning program. While handy, I highly doubt Clay has a .edu email address considering he graduated a while back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locutus Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 While handy, I highly doubt Clay has a .edu email address considering he graduated a while back. Hey, I'm just sayin. He's not the only person who's reading this thread, so maybe someone else is interested? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bp9801 Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 Hey, I'm just sayin. He's not the only person who's reading this thread, so maybe someone else is interested? Like me since I forgot all about Autodesk's student program. Thanks for the reminder. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClayMeow Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 Thanks for all the responses. I actually do still have my .edu email address. It's auto-forwarded for life, but should theoretically work for registering, so I'll check it out. I'll check out Wings3D too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishop245 Posted July 31, 2010 Posted July 31, 2010 i used to play with bryce5 and even uploaded one failed attempt at rendrosity along time ago but like wildman said they have some good info over there and some kick butt modelers too i am blown away by some of the stuff there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluePanda Posted August 4, 2010 Posted August 4, 2010 I've done modeling but not the same kind you are likely wanting to do -- just SolidWorks and AutoCAD. More for making parts -- not making anything to cool or fun... also not Free unless you can get your hands on a student copy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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