Thinking of career change
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Hello all
I am wondering how would one go about looking for firms that use SU and other 3D programs. I am thinking about changing careers and would like to get into 3D design. I am efficient in AutoCad, as I use it on a daily basis, but am kinda get tired of just drawing 2D plan and profiles (Civil Field). Any advice on how I can get into the field would be great.
Thank you
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Im not an expert in this, but i wouldnt recommend trying to get in to 3d modelling as a career in itself. There are a lot of people who know how to use 3d modelling packages, and to be able to make a job out of it you will need to be extremely proficient in many apps.
I think youd be a lot better of pursuing this within a field, and the best way to go about that is to just use a lot of different 3d packages.Once youve got the hang of the major modelling ideas (NURBS, poly modelling, parametric etc.) everything becomes a lot easier. Dont expect to become a master immediately, it will take a lot of time to learn the ins and outs of even one app, let alone many. Just stick with it and most importantly, have fun.
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Hi, "S" (I suspect your first name begins with an "s"),
I would begin with your current employer! If you already have a job in the civil field that requires the use of AutoCAD every day, I'd say you already have a place where you can use SketchUp. Any field that does design work -- whether buildings, interiors, plazas, bridges, or drain pipes(!), has need to demonstrate what has to be constructed in 3D. These fields have been working mostly in 2D plans traditionally because it was the fastest way to demonstrate to the contractors and laborers what has to be built -- I suspect that if something like SU had been available in ancient Egypt, the pyramids would have been designed in it! So don't let the fact that it's not customary to show design intent in 3D dissuade you from presenting plans that way. Sometimes the 'powers-that-be' have to be convinced, and sometimes they're reluctant to change from the tried and true, the traditional ways of doing things, but if you can show that the 3D method consistently demonstrates how things fit together in a better way -- easier for the workers on site to understand, you'll be able to persuade them that this method has much to offer, and you'll be able to play with SU on the job.
I don't think SU can ever displace AutoCAD entirely, but it sure has made 3D conception much simpler than ACAD can do it! I think they will work hand-in-hand.
I'm sure some others may have other suggestions for you.
All my best wishes for future success,
Gigi
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Thank you both for the replies.
My thinking was to getting into maybe somekind of interior design firm or something that does renderings often. i know learning will be a long proccess but what better learning is there than on the job. I learned more about Autocad through work than I ever did in school.
In my line of work i deal with water and sewer stuff (i.e. Lift stations, well site, booster pump stations and so on) i guess I can take an existing project of ours and do it in SU and present it to the boss and maybe he will fit it into the budget for future projects.
I never thought of it that way, this whole time I was taking SU and modeling house when I could actually model something that I use on a daily basis. Hmm....see thats why I love forums, so many inputs that you see things you missed in the beginning. I got the perfect project for this too. will post my progress
Thank you,
any and all advice is appreciated.
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