My university days have gone, but the local college idea is not bad.Īs for now I mostly want it to work in combination with Photoshop as I like to change backdrops and scenery. It's been a while since I saw that movie). Thanks for that good information, THX1139 (I hope 1138 is well. I think that Maya student version is around $350? Not sure but it would be worth you looking it up.

It might be worth signing up for a class at your local college and buying the software with a discount. You can get a seat of Lightwave (full version) for $150 (last time I checked). If you are a student, some of these programs have great pricing. I had a friend say 'I love what you can do with 3d, but I hate working with 3d.' But once they get into it they find that the process of 3d to be so technical and time consuming that it takes all the fun out it. I know a few people who really wanted to learn 3d because of all the cool things that can be done with it. You might also want to join CGsociety because they have a bunch of current info on what is happening in the 3d industry.īe sure an start slow because you might find that 3d is not your thing. Once you find your strengths and interests, then you can go to a more complex program like Maya and specialize in being a modeler, rigger, or animator. A safe bet is to start with Lightwave, CD4, Softimage, or 3Ds Max and see how it goes.

The main issue is that your have a strong portfolio in the discipline you choose. If you are going to work at a mid-level effects house, for example Zoic Studio, then you can get by knowing Lightwave, CD4, or any of the other mid-level programs. At a game house, you probably should know 3Ds max. If you ever plan to work at a high-end effects house, then you'll need to know Maya.

If you're just going to be a hobbyist, then Blender is probably the way to go. The learning curve on any 3d software program is steep, so you really need to decide what your long term plans are.

Might as well throw Lightwave into the mix

Blender cinema