Animators - what programs do they work in & how 2 get into the industry? Do I still have a chance?

Question

I have realized recently that it was my childhood dream that I tried to bury, but now I want 2 explore possibilities if it is not too late for me. I am 30y.o., I know Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, tried 2 play with a 3D program (don’t remember which one – computer was not mine – but found it not that difficult, but very expensive 2 purchase just 4 training purposes).
I want 2 know if anyone have any info on it & how 2 get into the industry, please. Any advise?
Thanks

Answer 1

The well-known ones:

* 3dsmax
* Maya
* Lightwave
* Cinema 4D

Some cheaper apps and newer apps on the market:

* Modo
* Messiah
* Hash Animation Master
* Silo
* Carrara Studio
* Amapi 3D
* Truespace
* Merlin 3D
* Vue d'Esprit
* Realsoft
* Strata
* Pixels3D (Mac only)
* Electric Image
* Form Z
* ac3d

A great forum for learning 3D --> www.cgtalk.com

Answer 2

To paraphrase Pixar:
Its not about the tools; its about the talent.

Can you draw? ARe you good at lifedrawing? Sculpture? Can you draw the human figure both realistically, or cartoonish but retain realism?

Do you have the basic art skills and understand art in general? did you school teach you the basics in understanding movement in real life and how it has to be "changed" in the animation environment?


A company can teach you whatever TOOLS you need to use for them, but without hte BASIC talent, no matter if you know Flash or Maya, if you can't animate traditionally, then you can't animate using the tools/software that a company uses.