Where to begin...

[kneldner]

Hello all,

 

I am about to start my journey to learn architectural rendering. I have some AutoCAD experience, and a couple years or architecture classes under my belt and have been reading on this forum for a little while now.

 

I was just wondering if i could get some hints/opinions of the best way to start learning. I plan to use 3ds max...and i know there is soooo much to learn. I'm just not sure where and how to start.

 

Guess i feel just a little small trying to do something very big.

 

Thank you for your help!

 

Kira

[manta]

Well...I'll give you my two cents...the road ahead will be pretty frustrating...so what I did was downloaded already made models to work with and practice texturing and rendering, and eventually along the way learned how to model things myself...there will always be things I can't model myself such as very intricate furniture, which I will outsource or buy ready made...anyway the point I'm trying to make is, having something good to practice with will make the experience more positive and make you want to do it more and more...its addictive...good luck to you, and if you have questions...do a search first before asking, cause your question has probably been asked already, I learned sooooo much from just reading the forums, this one and CGTALK.com...

[notamondayfan]

id sugest that you just get stuck into some decent tutorials, and eventually you'll build up your knowledge and confidence to attack your own projects.

 

also i think its good to do none architectural based tutorials, this will expand your tool set, and also give you ideas and techniques that may make you stand out from the crowd, also its sometimes more fun to do obscure tutorials

[Tamir]

Kira

Learning software is nice (and fun!) this goes without saying,

but remember! “One software is not enough”.

While you learn... It will be easier on your mind if you split the load of learning between more than one tool (to much of the same thing... is too much!).

 

So you need one 3D Modeling tool; it seems you like 3DSMax, good!

 

But also consider learning one stand-alone rendering tool (there are literally hundreds of them, and most are good).

Also, proficiency in Photoshop is an absolute must if you were to engage in any kind of professional visualization work.

On top of that you should also consider some editing software (if you are interested in doing animations)

 

It may seem as if learning few software programs at once is hard, but that is not the case. Besides! Like languages, with every new software you learn, it becomes easier and easier, so jump head-on! And before you’ll know it you’ll be a “Jack of all trades”.

Mastering any software is really a matter of time, a lot of time, so this way you will be mastering more than one software and you won't have to spend lifetimes for it.

 

Now that you’ve become somewhat proficient in the Arc-Viz tool set consider this:

The most important job, is to get the job!

 

So as you’re honing your modeling, texturing, lighting, compositing, and editing skills, don’t forget to network!

 

Good luck

[innerdream]

Check out Ted Boardmans visualization blog. Great Max tutorials.