3DS Max - Does anyone use it?

[kevsterman]

I'm in the process of looking for a new job after being made redundant from my position at an architectural firm. I've decided in a slight change of career and want to get into architectural visualisation. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet too much but I'm pretty good at SU & Podium (I think)but 90% of the advertised jobs out there require experience with 3DS Max.

I know its supposed to have a steep learning curve and its expensive but it appears that if I have a knowledge of it, my chances of getting a decent job increase ten fold.

I've found an online course http://www.theelearningcentre.com which teaches it online over a 6 month period. It looks good but its over £2000!! Worth it I'm sure if it gets me a better job.

What is peoples experiences/thoughts on 3DS Max? Should I take the plunge?

Cheers

Kev

[remus]

i suppose the first thing to do would be to get together a brilliant portfolio. Even if your 3ds max skills are lacking you may well be able to woo a potential employer with your other crazy skills. More seriously, software is pretty easy to learn compared to 'the eye' for good visualisation.

The second thing to do would be to download the free trial. Get together a load of tutorials and give it a go. Do a couple of hours worth of modelling everyday and you will hopefully get the basics down, and perhaps even get to the point where you can say 'i have some experience in 3ds max.'

Pretty basic stuff really, but something to start with.

[Mr S]

I think it very much depends on the individual.
Some take like a duck to water with these big 3D applications.
Others find it a hard slog. (the latter includes myself).

So, there is no easy answer to this question.
But before I even considered spending the sort of money you are talking about I would purchase something like this: http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=477
You can even download some of the movies for free.
Other tutorials are available from other vendors, I just like the presentation style of http://www.lynda.com .

Digital Tutors are also very good. For more info and free movies visit: http://www.digitaltutors.com/store/home.php?cat=106

Unlike taking classes at college, these DVD tutorials can be played over and over until you understand what is being said.
The costs involved makes much more sense if you are just trying to find out if this is really for you.

Try the sample movies and if it feels "right" proceed further.
Good Luck.

Mr S

[kevsterman]

Thanks for that advice guys. Downloading the trial and working my way through some tutorials is the best way to go at the moment. And cheers for those links Mr S

[cheffey]

Max was the second 3d program I learned after formZ. I must say that once you figure out where the tools are hidden, I'm guessing you will fly. A lot of the same principles apply as sketchup you just have more tools at your disposal and the software can handle high poly. I would go ahead and apply to the places you want to work even without the 3dmax qualification. Then go in and flat out tell them that just about anyone can learn the software but you have more passion and a better eye.

Good luck and I hope that this bit of bad news allows you to grow into something that will really make you happy.