When to learn vray?

[kwcargill]

I'm a 4th year architecture student and I'm very impressed by the rendering quality of vray. I have been using 3dsMax w/ the default scanline renderer for over a year (haven't tried the mental ray engine yet). I consider myself an intermediate user of 3dsMax and know the principles of materials, adv. lighting, etc.

 

I guess my question is, Should I first learn to master the use of the scanline renderer engine and/or Mental ray before I jump into vray?

[lxgrunger]

Dont have to.

You dont have to be a master with standard lightning to use vray, finalrender, brazil or whatever render engine.

[BrianKitts]

coming out of school if I were you I would focus on modeling, and advance your lighting as you go. If your modeling skills are weak it doesn't matter what rendering engine you use, your end product will show that lack of quality. Majority of people I see comming out of school (including me a few years back) had the concepts down but need the knowledge that a few years of experience can teach for optimal modeling.

 

But on that same note, the sooner you start learning the sooner you'll advance. I really don't see any reason to develop your skills using scanline, the most you'll take from it is learning composition and to accelerate your workflow in max. If you can afford the vray license I would get it and start developing your skills in both areas simulataneously. I can't image the industry turning back from global illumination engines, so in my opinion developing your skills in scanline would be like going through college writing everything in sanskrit.

 

little PCU anyone??.....(SANSKRIT??? you're majoring in a 5000 year old dead language???.... PE best I can do, get out of here)

[Vince Paske]

Its a good idea to learn as much about scanline as you possibley can, as well as the global illumination built into 3dsMax (and throw in some Mental Ray too)...and also learn VRay. Getting the idea? In other words, learn as much about the "technical aspects" of the engines as you possibley can - its a good habit because software developers constantly add/change features, so its a good practice to constantly poke around with various render engines.

 

But knowing the knobs and buttons won't get you a great looking image alone, as anyone in these forums will tell you. Lights, compositions, materials, etc...ect all add up to a great image. I remember looking at images 5-6 years ago done with scanline that still hold there own today. Here's a link to a great book that'll hopefully help you. Good luck!

 

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Lighting-Rendering-Jeremy-Birn/dp/0321316312

[martin walker]

Kendall, I cant sing V-Rays praises enough. Im not going to say it the "best" renderer as its all down to personal opinion, but I can say its exceptionally well documented, very easy to gain a basic understanding of, and very intuitive.

 

I'd suggest you jump in as soon as possible. Scanline, sadly, is antiquidated and other than sketch renders, animatics or toon applications its use is very limited.

[Gus_Rayvus]

I have to agree with Vince. It’s not really the software that matters. You could teach a monkey how to use vray. What is more important are

the foundation skills. If you can demonstrate you have a good eye, any company worth their salt, will teach you whatever software they use.