I have mentioned several different 3D software packages over a few posts. Some I’ve had a little success with and some I have not. Even when I have not had success with a package, I still think the software is incredible. I may have challenges making things in Blender, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t incredibly powerful software. And people are doing awesome things with it. I may not feel completely comfortable in Lightwave. It’s still really versatile and powerful software. And I may get frustrated with Zbrush at times and lament that I can’t do what I want. This is not a failing of the software by any means. It is really incredible software that allows some very talented people to create some of the most amazing art.
With all of that said I have to confess that for me, getting into the trial of 3ds Max was a relief. I suppose some would say it was like coming home. Even when I can’t remember or figure out how to do something, it still feels right. For me.
I cut my computer graphics teeth on Autocad. Way back when it ran in DOS. Autocad 10 was my first class, then 11. I think I skipped 12 and then when I got into my degree program I picked back up with Autocad 13 or 14. My first introduction to 3d modeling was 3d Studio Release 4. At the time, I found Autocad to be wicked easy, 3d Studio, was not as easy. It took a little more work.
But even then 3D Studio had some very powerful boolean operations as well as lathe capabilities, though I don’t remember it being called that. I learned some of what I could do and what types of operations were needed to make something look like I wanted it to. I think those techniques have stuck with me over the years. As I have tried to create something in a particular piece of software, and struggled to get it right, I have been frustrated because I knew that what I wanted to do could be done in 3d Studio. I remembered what I would need to do. And I was not able to find that option in the software I was using.
Now, I’m less than a week into using the trial of 3DS Max and I am so much more comfortable and less frustrated. Not to say I don’t have moments of frustration. Sometimes the materials can be quite vexing. Then again, I have only been using it for about 4 days.
It amazes me that as much as I am enjoying working in the software that it took me so freaking long to give it a try. Of course it could be that I had to try all the others so I would know that this was the software that was going to be the best fit for me, for now.