Want to learn 3D modeling Thread

I've been thinking recently I would like to learn 3D modeling. I've had an interest in it for a while now, but I don't really know where to start. I've done a bit research myself it seems something like Blender is the best choice, though it seems to have a fair bit of a learning curve from what I've read. So, what's peoples opinions of it? Is it the right place to start, or should I begin with something easier?

I was also considering Wings 3D as a starting point.

Thank you.

Any referrals to good tutorials/acticles/videos would be welcome too

Edited by: JigsawPieces

my only complaint on the comparison (for those who didn't read it, it's just a comparison on bullet points) is that XSI is ~as old as Maya, but it lists it as a modern app while maya is old ('98/99 maya 1.0. XSI was '00). I also would say Maya has one of the best & easiest to use interfaces. Blender = #2 imho (because blender does a lot like Maya).

but thanks!

i would honestly go with 3ds max, it seems to have the most support on the internet imo... maya is a very close second and then xsi imo... all 3 are great tools.. but really if i was starting from scratch then i would want the one with most help and support out there for what you are actually going to make.. and imo that is 3ds max

3ds Max is commercial though isn't it? Same with Maya. I should have mentioned in my original post that I'm not willing to spend money at this time.
I have asked around a bit and most people seem to be pointing me towards Blender, and I've been shown a few different tutorials on it.

To notoriginal; thank you for your blunt but true words. It is only modeling I want to do for the time being, however sometime down the track I would definitely be interest in stuff like animation etc. Also, thanks for the comparison, I haven't looked at it yet, but I'll be interested to see the results.

my only complaint on the comparison (for those who didn't read it, it's just a comparison on bullet points) is that XSI is ~as old as Maya, but it lists it as a modern app while maya is old ('98/99 maya 1.0. XSI was '00).

Its 'technologies core aged', so it may not be referring to the age of the program itself, but rather the age of the technology included in its core.

But really the whole list is out of date now anyway (two generations or so). Prices are off, and there's plenty of changes made to each App within that time. XSI has seen some core changes along with a node based system ICE (which would probably up the rating for things like particles, fluids, soft bodies, and any other simulations), the new mod tool functions just as much as a PLE as Maya PLE did (and I don't think Maya PLE exists anymore?). I'm not too sure how the other apps have progressed, but I'm sure they've been adapting as well.

I should have mentioned in my original post that I'm not willing to spend money at this time.
I have asked around a bit and most people seem to be pointing me towards Blender, and I've been shown a few different tutorials on it.

There's probably a list of freesoftware floating around somewhere.
Blender
Softimage Mod Tool (Autodesk)
Sketchup (Google)
Wings 3d

Take your pick really. At this stage in the game your focus should be on learning the basics of 3d itself, not so much what program is used. Branching off into animation would probably limit your choices to Blender or Modtool however; the wings3d site said it doesn't support animation and I've never seen sketchup do it.

Edited by: Cryrid

Cryrid wrote: Its 'technologies core aged', so it may not be referring to the age of the program itself, but rather the age of the technology included in its core.

Maya was a new design after poweranimator, so it wasn't based on anything previous. I understand 3dsmax & lightwave, already vet's in their fields when maya came out...

But really the whole list is out of date now anyway (two generations or so). Prices are off, and there's plenty of changes made to each App within that time. XSI has seen some core changes along with a node based system ICE (which would probably up the rating for things like particles, fluids, soft bodies, and any other simulations), the new mod tool functions just as much as a PLE as Maya PLE did (and I don't think Maya PLE exists anymore?). I'm not too sure how the other apps have progressed, but I'm sure they've been adapting as well.

yeah, it is a little outdated. PLE is done (I always found it near useless), but they've all been adding thing competitively. ZBrush isn't on there, neigther is Rhino. The list is more like a list of "currently popular" vs an extensive list. But as been said before, once you know the app you can do anything it's designed for, doesn't matter how the UI is, the price, the "age" of the technology it's based on, etc.

Make a rectangle and learn. Only then can you become truly half-assed like me!

I can already make a rectangle in paint

I are special.