Changing software

[skala67]

Has anyone made the transition from Cinema4D to 3d StudioMax? If so, what was the curve like, and how long did it take to become as proficient. I would like to become strong with more than one software package. Also what have people found to be the most helpful references while learing 3Dstudio (besides of course emersing myself in the program).

 

Thanks,

[josephus]

Has anyone made the transition from Cinema4D to 3d StudioMax?

 

TJ, where does C4D not meet your needs that 3DS will cover?

[STRAT]

i've done it from max to c4d

[skala67]

Good question.

 

C4d is a wonderful program, and I am looking forward to the release of Vray plugin.

 

I guess learning 3dstudio is more for the knowledge of a program that is more widely used in the US. I would like to know about what others have found success with and would also like to become more marketable if my current self operated company were to have to close down.

 

Also approaching a project from a different direction can sometimes have exciting results, and get you thinking about things from a new direction.

 

I still plan on using Cinema as my primary software package, but wanted to ask the question about the learning curve, so I am not wasting too much time and so that it is a positive experience for both myself and the company.

[Tim Saunders]

I started in max so I couldn't help from that perspective. But, did you see that book deticated to arch-viz in max that was on the front page news on CGA the other day? My bet is, that would be a great start.

[josephus]

I understand...seems like if you could be proficient at 3DS like you are in C4D then you've pretty well got the bases covered.

[STRAT]

i find modelling in max allot easier, although c4d's resident renderer/material editor is ALLOT nicer than max's imo.

[Sindala]

I'm actually considering doing the same. not to switch my main app. but i would like to know the program 'everyone' seems to use. Cooperation and hiring options are just so limited when you only work in C4D.

Another problem for me is that i'm just rusted solid in using vectorworks for modeling, which a lot of people seem to think of as inferior.

 

I played around with max at a friends, and worked with it a long time ago, and i think i would miss the object manager most. C4D is just very well organised imo.

[skala67]

Im going to go and check out the Arch Vis with 3dsmax8 by brian smith. I'll let you all know how it is.

[IC]

I have a theory about learning a 'second' 3d app and that is that the advantage your existing knowledge provides (and it does-they're all much the same really,) immediately presents you with a disadvantage in that you are stuck in habitual ways.

 

That's the main stumbling block-whether you find the methods of your new app sensible or not(and invariably you'll think the latter at first,) you still automatically think "that's not how I'm used to doing things" and take a step back.

Get over that quickly and Max, C4D, LW or whatever will be much easier to learn.

[brightlight]

I used to use C4d and loved it but had to move to max/viz

as nobody else (architectural visualisers) used Cinema and

I have to work! It's a risk (unless you work on your own alot)

moving away from the industry standard (max/viz for design visualising).

 

Ah, where are those programs now - Electric Image, Infini - D,

FormZ......? I tried to convince others of the merits of C4d

but met with too much resistance. Who knows it might change.

 

It's a pity that there seem to be alot of mergers happening (Autodesk

Alias) or is that a good thing?? It's doing my head in so I'll go back to

max

[warprat]

I use Lightwave as my main app. BUt max is the standard over here too. I am slowly learning the app. at first sight it was just a mess to me but after a while you sort of get used to it. still have'nt got the total hang of it cos I am just so used to lightwave.

But to learn another 3D app. is much easier when you already know how to use another app. no matter what app. at the end of the day we all want the same thing. A visual. imo.

[mahorela]

im a native max user but I think it's a shame that so many people are virtually forced into learning certain software to become hireable in arch viz. Kind of takes the variation out of it, imagine if we were all using max and vray, would make for some generic imagery.