3D Model Newbie Thread

I want to learn how to make 3d models and would like to know the software and everything else i would need to do this. If anyone has any suggestions or comments they would be greatly appreciated. Thanx

Ok well .. there are various software packages you cand on. Depends if your willing to buy one, or use a free one. some software includes:

• Blender
• Milkshape 3D
• 3D Studio Max

Only Blender is free. ms3d costs $20 and 3dmax, the ideal one, costs $7000 or somthing like that. So, choose your program, then search google for a bunch of tutorials ..

Depends what you want to model too, I've been crating a number of tutorials for charcter modeling/rigging and animating.

Blender has quite a steep learning curve, but is worth it if you're willing to put in the hard yards.

However, it might be better off starting with something more like 3DSMAX, of which there is a free version called GMax, which should be quite appropriate if you wish to use it for modding.

Milkshape3D is very simple, and should introduce you to the concepts of making models. Another one I use that has impressive features, and is free is Anim8or.

i started off with blender and that dragon model of mine was the first model i popped out there. you have to learn the interface but then you'll get out quickly something good for your pov.

Thanx guys

Ah, now this is the Modding community that I always Dreamed of. Were members help one another.

Another program that I prefer besides the other listed programs is MAYA. It's devoloped by alias/wavefront and is a very powerful cinema and game developing program. If your willing to buy it, start saving up because it's about $2000 from what I hear. You can get the learner's version of maya, though, and that's about $24. And with blender 3d (at least I think it's blender), you can convert the model into any format that you want.

Maya
Alias.com
Maya learning edition
Alias.com

- Edited By makkon On Tue 21st, Sep 2004 @ 5:17:02pm

well... that converting comes with a little twitch... it's done using Python scripts (if you don't know Python is a scripting language, rather old but popular one among un*ces). some of them are well done but some are a bit a hack (points to 3DS script...). most common formats should work though. i got 3ds files loaded and some other better known formats work too. it's just like always... specs are scarce (or closed source) and then the haking starts... more or less well.

Yeah, I am learning Blender, another program no one listed was ,Gmax
it too is free, easy to learn and gives quick results, though they may not be the best results and it takes time to get something really good, just the same you will feel like it took less time and be able to easly track your progress. But, it has more limitations then blender and connot render

- Edited By Wilhelm_III On Tue 21st, Sep 2004 @ 5:47:07pm