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Did Darc and I miss something, Marble?
This is perfect place to ask, because others can benefit from it too.
No, you answered, thanks. It was this thread ...
http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/35123/fwsa-siblings-jaina-jessi-render-questions-comments-thread/
K thanks all for the help thus far. One of the main Q's I did have was what would be the best program generally speaking to start to practice on developing/creating things? I really don't know what I want to try and do at this point as I know I will be practicing and working on everything in the future but as far as actually knowing what to start off with trying to develop or create....I just have no clue. I figure the simplest would be less hard to build on for now but please bear in mind am not thinking of poses as that to me is something that you cannot really build on. I just know I have to start off small but on something I know I can build on like maybe props or something?!?
What would or did the vendors here start off trying to construct/create to start to develop some ability in the field then building on it? I figure things like figures and clothing may be the hardest so I will be steering clear of those for a while. Ty.
torque3656 what do you work with now (which programs do you know how to use)
I use Blender...there are several others here that use it, too.
But, just because one vendor uses a particular modelling program doesn't mean it is 'best'. The best modelling program is the one you are most comfortable using. Many of them have free, trial versions...usually 30 days. Use that time...and yes some are very expensive.
Blender, my modeller of choice is free, Open Source...so there is no cost there...but it is time consuming to learn.
I started with Hexagon and still use it as my primary modeling tool, I have since added in z-brush and marvelous designer, but Hexagon is still my main go-to. If you learn Blender it can do most of what z-brush and mervelous designer can do so you wouldn't have to swich from program to program. So I would try that first, if you can get your head wrapped around it you'll be pretty much set for almost anything. If Blender makes your head want to explode you can try Hexagon or Silo, Silo usually cost a bit more but is more stable on almost all computers - they are both polygon modelers - prtty much just polygon modelers. They are fairly easy to learn, both of them, but eventually you will probably want to learn other program to fill in gaps that they can't do or don't do very well (like paint brush morphing type stuff, Hex and Silo can both do it but z-brush does it much better) Wings is a free polypon modeler, fairly simplistic but free and reasonably easy to learn.
Those are the free or inexpensive ones.. if you have a couple thousand bucks laying around you could try Modo, Maya, 3DS Max.. Those are BIG programs that do just about everything, but really I don't see much reason to use them over Blender which does the same things and is free.
It helps if you do have an area that you are interested in. Otherwise it's far too vague to give you anything but the most general of information. So let's start here:
1. Do you model at all?
2. If you do, what programs did you learn on and are you just trying to find out what people use to move on to those instead. Almost any dedicated 3D modeler will suffice for the majority of stuff. That would be a polygonal modeler as opposed to Zbrush or 3D Coat where you tend to work from a more sculptural end that is high poly and then reduce the poly count by retopologizing. These all have uses for those of us who do morph work. As to which program, it doesn't really matter as long as you know how to use it and can produce what you need in the formats usable by Daz Studio. I use multiple programs to accomplish what I need, as an example.
3. So that brings us to where lie your interests? Are you interested in hard surface? That would be buildings, robots, something where the surfaces could be manufactured in real life. Or organic? Face/Body morphs for existing figures, developing full figures not utilizing the Daz meshes, landscapes, clothing, accessories.
4. Within those interests, you may find you have an affinity for SciFi which entails things like greebles, or historical which can cover furniture, woodwork, masonry. Many of us like a particular genre or like to dabble in various things. Some stay in hard surface or organic, a bit of both. But...the more interest you have in what you're doing, the more likely you'll not only enjoy what you make, but what you make will come out better if you have a keen eye for detail that comes from liking and understanding what you're working with.
Good modeling is a matter of translating what you observe into a 3D object and understanding how it works lends more believability to the piece regardless of whether it actually exists in real life. This means good references and equally good research. Even for things that don't exist, they need to be based on something that rings of recognizable for we humans to be able to relate to some degree.
Hopefully this answers some of your question as well as giving you new things to consider.
Once you can answer those things, it's easier to give you some better direction. :)
I make characters and I use z-brush, blacksmith3d, and a lot of photoshop.
Eh.. have more to say..
Those are the modeling programs I know of worth mentioning off the top of my head, I know there are a few others floating around.
A modeling program is a very personal thing, you have to find that one that works for your brain. Definately take mjc's advice and use the trial time of all the ones you can afford and try out the free ones. I would suggest giving a bit more trial time to Blender before you decided you don't like it as that one will serve you the best in the long run unless you want to spend thousands on dollars on softwear. But don't be upset at yourself either if you can't click with it, there are many people who don't.
Edited for copious typos..
Thx all for replies.
To answer Chris Palomino: no I don't model. I am started at the RAW basics and just want something to start with to give me a feel of how it works and am looking for vendors to tell me what is the easiest type of content to start practicing with.(regardless of the software program used) and am looking to create or develop buildings/scenes or "hard surfaces" as you say but I realise to start on such a task as these would be way beyond a newbie. Eventually I am looking towards using Blender as it seems to be well recommended here and many places and I want to eventually move onto everything in the end after a few years.You mention Sci-Fi also. I've never really been a Sci-Fi sort of person but would delve into it just for the sake of practice.
If you want to make stuff from scratch start with small/medium scene filler props or furniture, those are the least complicated to get working properly in DS, once you get the hang of that move on to either larger things like buildings/environments or smart props and small conforming things for characters depending on where your interests are.
If you want to make characters start small, try working with a specific feature and make (and get working in DS) a few morphs for a specific facial feature, get used to how it work swith the sub-d that gets applied after the fact, then move on to the next feature until you've got a good understanding of how each one works and are comfortable getting the morphs into DS and functioning.
Thx fisty. Does Blender work well with creating scenes/environments generally spealing for Daz?
For regular hard surface things, yes.. for trees and vines and things like that you might need to find plug-ins for it or other programs. (I'm a Hex girl, one of the Blender peeps would know better specifics)
(that's not to say you can't model a tree or vine from the ground up, so to speak, any modeling program can do that - but there are faster ways of doing it that will save you your hair)
Blender is a fine program. You'll get people who do not like it (or other programs). If you're comfortable working with it, stick wit it. It's a very capable modeler. And I agree with Fisty about starting with props and stuff. Wrap your head around how the program works and how modeling works. Working with 3D is about breaking things down into their simplest shapes: boxes, cylinders, spheres, etc. Don't let a shape overwhelm you, break it down and you'll begin to understand how to tackle it.
Torque, I'm echoing what others have said, you will definately have the best luck creating things that you are personally interested in. If Sci-fi is not your main passion, start with something that is. You can tell if the content creator was passionate about what they did, or if they phoned it in because they thought they should make it. It does not matter what your passion is. Someone else will want it. 19th century Ming vases, blue haired troll toys, or knowing how to texture an amazing brick wall all have value. Learning how to do what you want to do, not what you think others want, is going to be your most valuable asset. Figuring out what that is certainly can be the hardest part though.
Narrow it down. Do you want to make props? Full sets or smaller scene filler? Historical, modern, gothic? Do you want to do lighting or make shader presets, or texture existing clothing items? Do you want to make characters with morphs and skins or monstrous creatures?
You said you want to do sets, but know you want to start small and that is good. Search the net for reference pictures. Break it down into parts. Most buildings are just four walls with embellishments. Finding the right modeller is very personal. Hexagon and Silo are really straightforward and inexpensive. Blender is free, but the price does not matter if it works for you. I'm learning Modo right now and the full package is around $1800, but they have an indie version on Steam that could be as inexpensive as $10.00 a month on subscription. Get the trial of whatever programs you can, track down as many tutorials as you can, and really give them a test.
When it comes time to texture your models, that is also very subjective. You will want a 2D editor like Photoshop, Paintshop Pro, or Gimp. A 3D painter like Blacksmith, 3DCoat, or Substance Painter are also good, but not strictly speaking, required. If you already have programs you are fluent in, use them. The end result is the goal, not how much you spent on the software to get there.
Good luck.
Hey, thanks!
Yea, I don't like to venture out of the MO foum too often ;)
(regular forum members:) "Oh my gosh, he DOES exist!" (while Jack leaves again with Santa and the red M&M)
K thanks all again for all your input I think I have more than enough to go on for now. Much appreciated people :)