Beginning student looking for advice!

[Antonizzle]

My name is Anton and I'm a 3rd quarter student at the Art Institute of Colorado. The school primarily deals with 2d/3d animation for games/film, but I'm looking to center my demo reel/porftolio around architecture.

 

I was just wondering: what kinds of software/skills do I need to become successful as a CG architect working for a company?

 

We're learning 3ds Max and Maya in school, but I MAY be able to take Autocad as an elective. Should I be concentrating on traditional drawing skills, as well? Is there some kind of book I should buy? What kinds of things should I focus on in my demo reel/portfolio?

 

ANY advice would be appreciated! THANKS!

 

-Anton

[carlangas]

I was just wondering: what kinds of software/skills do I need to become successful as a CG architect working for a company?

 

Hi Anthony, welcome to the forum.

 

there are several 3d packages that you could use but max is the most widely used, so tutorials, books, etc are easier to find. also autocad is what most architects use but its not totally necesary for arch cg but it would help. I guess if your going to be working with architects youre probaby going have to learn acad anyway at least the basics. just thinking about learning max and acad at the same time gives me a headache!

 

just my two cents

[mwhite]

If you are going to do CG for architects or interior designers then I would agree that you definetely need/want to be able to use AutoCAD at the beginers level since 90% of the base drawings you will probably receive as the basis for your work will need to be cleaned, fixed and managed before you can bring them in to a rendering or 3D modeling package. The other sofware package that you will need to know how to use is Adobe Photoshop.

 

Welcome to the forum!

[mbr]

Acad basics will be needed. You'll just need to clean up the messy drawings (the millions of text pieces, etc.) before importing. Nothing big, to learn will only take a few hours.

 

 

If you are in Denver, I'd be happy to get a coffee and chat with you. Feel free to email with any further questions as well.

 

What are you using to render? I highly suggest skipping Maya and working with Final Render or Vray (I use fR, at least for now).

[monkeysee]

I'd work on manual presentation techniques too. Being able to draw - even badly - is still an important skill in any of the cg arts. Learning the two packages could get a bit confusing, so I'd stick with 3ds max as it is a good all round 3d package - Maya is a little more heavy weight and more adept to organic modelling, not one for the beginner I'd argue! Also learn to get the best out of the built in renderers (the scanline and mentalray if available) before worrying about third party engines. Mentalray is an artform in its self! Many will claim it is slow, but if you tweak it just so it's incredibly fast. Photoshop is also an absolute must.

[Antonizzle]

Thanks for the advice/welcome guys!

 

I'm really excited about entering this field because it's so new to me. I'm really jazzed this site exists not only for professionals, but beginners, as well.

 

Thanks again!