what cgi animation program is best for a beginner?

Question

I am looking for an apple based cgi animation for video program which is easy as pie to learn and also allows you to do some pofessional stuff, any info please? Ive heard about maya 3d would that be the one to get?

thanks in advance for any responses.

Answer 1

Maya, 3dMax, both have high learning curves, if you don't mind going step by step for a few months following a really good documented book...you could try it.

For learning...you might consider some of the following, I've just recently evaluated IClone combined with CrazyTalk...when these are put into combination with programs such as Poser, 3DMax or Maya...you can get some incredible stuff. On their own tho, they are still pretty cool and reasonably priced:

http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/ IClone Media Studio 1.5
http://crazytalk.reallusion.com/ Crazytalk 4.5

http://www.internetradioindex.com/i-probe/ip_graphics_2.html A list with links to a number of these types of programs (most support Mac)

http://www.blender.org/cms/Home.2.0.html (Free GNU License) this one has come a long way from the one I demo'd several years back. A new beta is now out as well...Blender supports Mac OS X

http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=213&Itemid=89 I've directed you to this link first, Houdini Apprentice is FREE (that's always good ;), for non commercial use. It can be used to create demo reels once the program is mastered...Houdini is used for a large array of effects and cgi work, no doubt you've seen some of the programs work on tv, movies, commercials etc. They have numerous tutorials and the program is suppose to be relatively easy to master provided you work at it :)

I'll leave these with you...good luck with your pursuit...this area of work/interest has literally no boundaries except for those you put on yourself...once you work with these programs and become adept...it will be one of the most fulfilling talents you will have. Dedication, dedication, dedication...three keys to success in this business.

**Tip: When you find yourself becoming obsessed with a problem walk away for a bit, clear your head and then come back and look at it from a fresh perspective...you'll be surprised how the solution just "happens"...these undertakings can be very time consuming and fiddly...take it all one step at a time, don't jump around in the tutorials/books, work through the problems and you'll be a master in the end!

Answer 2

check out the Maya bible, and relate 3d character book. on line tutorial open the program and start a folder with a default name it have a mouse with 3 buttons. try building a simple polygon use the move or scale tool and at the bottom of the scene shows some help thier is a help library and movie in the program the would help you. if you want to save go to file down to save and name it. Try some summer class down at the local college helpful

Answer 3

3D Animation and Visual Effects:

Blender; $0 or $10/month
http://blender.org

As a hobbyist, freelancer, or small to medium sized studio you can use Blender as a low-cost alternative to Maya ($125/month), ZBrush ($800), and After Effects ($20/month).

Blender Tutorials
http://blender.org/support/tutorials

Blender is FREE with full functionality and you're allowed to use Blender in any production without having to pay for anything.

Blender Cycles Reel 2015
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wDRTjzLNK0g

Answer 4

Try Macromedia Flash 8

Answer 5

Create Animations Like Pixar - http://3dAnimationCartoons.com/?fvQE