What Software to learn

stefanq · 7 Nov 2012, 15:55

Hello everyone!
I really want to learn another app, beside sketchup, as I could spend an hour or two every day. I'm trying to move on from my actual job, where I spent almost 10 years, and where things don't seams to get better. I'm doing the same thing every day, making cabinets, measurements, technical drawings, cutting lists etc. but less and less renderings. I'm aware about the specific applications for furniture industry, but I'm thinking to learn something like Rhinoceros, Modo, 3ds Max
My first choice would be Rhino, as I really like the "CAD" feeling, and also, I feel comfortable with V-ray (is the same app. as for Sketchup). Plus, the demo version is fully functional.
I tried Modo, and I loved it. The problem is, I'm feeling it's not ready for interior visualisation, but mostly for product rendering.
3ds Max....the "industry standard" ...expensive as hell.
There is Blender as well, but I really don't know. It's hard for me to decide, and I think I need a push in one direction or another. That's the reason I've created this topic actually. So, push me!
Regards,
Stefan

Rich O Brien · 7 Nov 2012, 15:59

MoI is a cheaper Rhino. Easy to learn and great support.

Mainly for product design though.

Blender is great and grows your skillset immensely. It does require lots of dedication but it is very well supported for tutorials.

stefanq · 7 Nov 2012, 16:11

Hi Rich, thanks for your opinion, actually I just realised that if I learn Blender I could do freelancing as well, as it's free, and can not afford to buy software.
Cheers,
Stefan

dale · 7 Nov 2012, 16:30

I think if I had the time to learn another application (which I don't) I would learn Blender. My second choice would be C4D.
But when I see what others are doing in Blender I am impressed. I have heard it is a steep learning curve though.
Keep us posted on your progress.

Rich O Brien · 7 Nov 2012, 17:50

You'll love Blender once you start.

It's is so much fun and the workflow with SU is great.

Once you begin to understand the material setup it becomes second nature.
Not to mention it's UV Editor and Texture Painting.

Lobster · 9 Nov 2012, 10:54

I would try Blender and Moi. I did.

I ignored most of the features in Blender and concentrated on the modelling until i was used to the hotkeys. From then on it was easy to integrate the other features which work better on a well constructed model.

Moi is just extremely logical. Read the PDF UI descriptions in the manual which are very clear and as a Sketchup user you should be good to go.

Regards

Sam

pilou · 9 Nov 2012, 11:11

For fun, hobby and Pro (for Polys Blender and a big learning curve)

I will say Moi ! (Moment Of Inspiration)

That is the more crazzy funny easy Prog for Designers and Artists! (after Sketchup

You don't see this anywhere! The SU of Nurbs
Created for be used with a Pen Graphic!!! (A mouse or some Space Navigators can be also used)
So don't lost the hand artistic filling for drawing voluptuous curves! (2D or 3D)

Incredible Ergonomy!
Learning curve same SU!
Best drawing aspect of curves in any old computers!
Best transformation Nurbs to OBJ format!
And this : you have the direct link with the creator!!!

Have fun modeling!

Ps Fully compatible with Rhino <-> Moi by Crtl + C / Ctrl + V on the 2 ways!!!
Export SKP supported

In Free you have an infinite Demo existing without save for take the time to explore the Nurbs' world!
And the button print Screen existing + a save Screen HD (by a shortcut script) at any size following your graphic card! here 2560, 2560

script&#058;var v = moi.ui.getActiveViewport(); if ( v != null ) { moi.view.lineWidth = 4; v.renderToClipboard( 2560, 2560 ); moi.view.lineWidth = 1; }

Click for zoom !

by Marc Moisi

by PaQ

stefanq · 9 Nov 2012, 18:13

Gentlemen, thank you all of you, I think I have a battle plan now. I'll look into MoI, and hopefully, I will be able to import into Rhino, for dimensions and such. Or, who knows, Michael will implement that in the future. For Blender, there are some good render engines available, so purtty images are solved. My biggest concern about learning Blender would be....nodes. Polygonal and sub-d modelling I'll manage, because I understand the concept, and I did some "gymnastics" over the years with some different apps. But nodes are new to me. I think these are the best option for me right now, I'll thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions.
Regards,
Stefan

pilou · 9 Nov 2012, 18:18

@unknownuser said:

for dimensions and such. Or, who knows, Michael will implement that in the future

Maybe for the V3 because some many users have asked that

stefanq · 9 Nov 2012, 18:44

Haha, that will be great! Pilou, sorry for the noob question, but what exactly should I do with that script?
I played already with MoI, and I loved it. I'll register to the forum, to say hi to you and to Michael.
Look:

Mental · 9 Nov 2012, 20:31

The more softwares you learn the easier it is to learn the next one The tools are pretty much similar

Lobster · 9 Nov 2012, 22:34

You can use VRay I'm sure you can handle nodes in Blender.

pilou · 10 Nov 2012, 00:14

@unknownuser said:

but what exactly should I do with that script?

How use it ?
copy past it in the right column of the Options Menu's Shortcut
in the left column you put any free combinaison of keys (like Alt + J)
And call it at any time you want when you have some cool things at the screen

What is it's use ?
it permits to save any screen shot in HD format at any size inside the clipboard
like 10 000 * 10 000 pixels if you have a very big memory inside your graphic card !
it's a cool trick if you use only the free version