Help!-Experienced watercolor renderer starting with computers

[jgibson63]

Hi all- I just joined this group and have about a million questions but I'll take it gradually. I've been working as an architectural illustrator for over 10 years and I think it's time to get into computers. I know autocad a little so I'm not a complete newbie but I'm my knowledge is basic. Here are my initial questions:

 

-3ds max seems to be the nec plus ultra-are there other serious programs I should consider-accurender?

-would you recommend classes in an actual school or are online courses or tutorials sufficient?

-should I "master" autocad first or try to learn programs in tandem?

-I'm currently on mac and I have become aware of the pro's and cons of bootcamp but if anyone can give me an overview....

 

I really appreciate any answers and any general advice you can give me

 

John johngibson-perspectives

[John Dollus]

john,

 

Being on a Mac, you might want to check out Cinema4D

http://www.maxon.net/pages/dyn_files/dyn_htx/htx/welcome_e.html

[Frosty]

Welcome John, you're in the right place to ask questions!

 

Feel free to ask as many as you feel you need to and use the "search thread" function frequently. Many beginner questions are already answered for you.

 

With your illustration background I am sure you will have many specific questions about digital vs traditional vs hybrid methodologies and how various styles of applications can be integrated to the achieve the affect you desire.

 

These I think should be your foremost questions and only you can answer them. Why switch to digital tools? Is there something you wish to gain from them? Is there something lacking in your current work-flow? What styles of digital or traditional images do you want to create?

 

Jumping into a specific application, though tempting and exciting, may not be the most effective course of action for you. But I can't help but steer you towards Piranisi. Good Luck

[jackb602]

I'll chime in as a very happy Cinema 4D (on Mac) user, although I have no traditional illustration skills to speak of. Ironically, Cinema has probably the best NPR (nonphotorealistic) system out there in its Sketch & Toon module.

 

They have a save enabled demo, which includes all modules, that you can download here.

 

Jack

[Iain Denby]

John

 

I'm from a background of traitional perspective set-ups and rendering techniques. I made the switch to digital 10 years ago, so I might be able to offer advice on specific related questions. Ask away.

[DiegoFlores]

-would you recommend classes in an actual school or are online courses or tutorials sufficient?

 

 

John johngibson-perspectives

 

It really depends on your learning habits. Going to school is the sure thing, specialy at the very beggining. But the learning speed is up to the other people in the same course. It might be a good idea to take courses and read tutorials somtimes, then evaluate where do you learn more. With time i guess you will start learning by yourself.

[DiegoFlores]

i think you should start with modeling, because, it comes more natural than learning about materials and lighting(mapping coordinates,image managing,alpha channel, shaders, antialiasing, and all that technical stuff) ,besides, once you learn modeling you can render the naked geometry , and then illustrate by hand. I mean there is people who struggle with renderings to make them look like if they were drawn by hand.