Anyone here use Maya before?

[BonnieSimz]

How difficult is it to learn?

I use Illustrator and Photoshop mainly, but I wonder how difficult Maya is comparatively?
Also, does the software work on a Mac? Or is it just PC?



Thanks!
B.

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'Tina, come get some ham!'

[Tyger]

Hey Bonnie,

Check out this thread demos and trial 3d software (http://graphicdesignforum.com/desktopdefault.aspx?f=44&tabid=137) in the 3D software section.
There are various programs you can try out for yourself.

As for it's difficulty, it depends. Do you have previous 3d background? I know you said you mainly use illustrator and photoshop , but Maya is a totally different program. The learning curve is pretty steep, but with some determination and practice anyone with the desire to learn can pick it up. There's quite a bit to learn in these programs from basic 3d theory to lighting, animation, texturing etc. It's quite expensive too!

What is it exactly you want to do? Modeling, animation? These are things you should consider before you venture into the 3d world. THere are other programs that are cheaper that may suit your needs better.

Check out the link i provided as well as the other thread about which 3d software to use.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

[Tyger]

oh, i forgot to mention, try the trial version of Maya and see what you think. It is available for Mac as well as PC.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

[BonnieSimz]

thank you for the links!

I only want to use Maya because the icons I have been designing using Photoshop and AI are now to be designed using Maya. It is a new trend to have more of a 3d look. So, I have to up my skills.

These are more like spot illustrations I will have to learn to do. I don't want to be a 3d artist...not like Pixar or anything, just need to learn a new tool.
/DesktopModules/dotNetBB/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

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'Yes..I love technology...not as much as you you see...always and forever...'

[BOSCOW]

Like tyger said it is a steep learning curve to be adavnced in it, but photoshop will defintaley help in it, try the demo version, the basic physics is built in to it so you can learn the basics really quickly. But then it will become much more indepth. IF your seriously thinking about this for a carrer start using the demos or other credited software that will be dealt with in your field, Try a demo of after effects also you possibly be using something like that if you decide to go in the field. Your demo version are limited but with the learning curves of those programs, learn whatever you can from demos, if you start using third party free programs your going to be going the wrong learning direction.

[Tyger]

if you are looking for something cheap and easy......sounds funny...he...he i would recommend Swift3d. I'm an avid user and it's real easy to learn. You can make 3d icons easily with Swift3d. Download the demo and try it and see if it fits your needs.

good luck to ya'!

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

[idaho]

If you are only going to be using the software for creating icons then Maya is overkill. There are tons of application out there for creating icons that would be cheaper than using Maya and have much smaller learning curves.

Here are a few:

Swift3d
Microangelo
zBrush

If you really want to use a high end 3d packae then check out SoftImage. It's everybit as powerfull as Maya (it has been there biggest competitor for years) and it costs about $500 (PC only software). Much cheaper than Maya. Unfortunately the learning ccurve is just as steep as Maya but you're going to have a learning curve with either package.

-Idaho
'You want it when? Ok, no problem. Excuse me while I pull the magic wand out of my ass!'