Getting Started Before Modeling in 3-D

     Before any modeling can be done, there needs to be some basic research done. My first objective in my research was to figure out what kind of 3-D programs I would want to work with and what programs the industry uses the most. There are several companies in the industry that I would love to be able to work for, and I used those companies to look up what type of programs they use. For instance I found out that the program Maya is a great source to start out with for any company when it comes to modeling. The problem is, the program is very expensive. As a student, Maya provides a free student version that leaves a watermark on anything that is created with in the software. On top of that, there are software agreements that state nothing can be made and used commercially other than to learn. Because I am a student, I have the student version for Maya 2013 and I will use it to learn basics. There is another 3-D program that has been around for years and it is completely free. This completely free and open source software is called Blender. The Blender interface is a bit complicated and frustrating but it is as Ami Chopine states, "the most powerful of all the free 3-D tool sets" (pg. 11). I personally messed around with blender years ago when I was still in high school, and I loved it. From what I hear, the interface has completely changed and I must relearn it. Even though I will relearn the software, I am going to use it as my main program for projects. Now the onto the next step.

     After the research has been done for what programs to use, the next step is to take a look at the system requirements for them. For Maya, the requirements can be found at their website depending on what version is being used. The requirements for Blender can be found on their website and are pretty straight across the board as follows:

Operating Systems:

• Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
• Mac OS X 10.6 and later
• Linux
• FreeBSD

Minimal specs for Hardware:

• 32 bits, Dual Core CPU with at least 2 GHZ, and SSE2 support
• 2GB RAM
• 24 bits 1280x768 display
• Mouse or trackpad
• OpenGL Graphics Card with 512 MB RAM

Average specs for Hardware:

• 64 bits, Quad Core CPU
• 8 GB RAM
• Full HD Display with 24 bit color
• Mouse or trackpad
• OpenGL Graphics Card with 2 GB RAM

     There are specs for production level but as a beginner, there is no need to look at those specs for right now until there is an exceptional level of modeling achieved first. There is no reason to be committed to using these two programs at all. What might work for one person may not work for another. Luckily a person can try out other programs before buying them in order to get a feel for the program. So try them all out and pick what best suits the needs of completing projects.
      I happen to have a laptop that can run both programs just fine. But if I did not, I would write this information down and go to a store that sells computers, whether it was online like TigerDirect or locally such as Best Buy, and look for a computer system that can handle a bit more than the basic minimum requirements. On top of looking for a computer, don't forget to get a mouse and keyboard that will feel comfortable and will last for hours upon hours of working with them. Do some research for these products as well and read reviews from other consumers before buying anything. Some people find using tablets to be more easy for them to create models, so by all means invest in one if that style fits. Above all else, do not forget to invest in a chair that is and will be very comfortable after sitting in it for more than several hours each day. Believe it or not, sometimes during odd hours of the day, modeling can be very time consuming and it requires a lot of sitting in front of a computer.
     I did my research in my programs and I have my equipment and peripherals to keep me comfortable and happy.  Now I can move on to learning the basic keywords that are essential to know in all 3-D programs and the interface of the two programs I have decided to use.
     Are there any suggestions for any other 3-D program that you find to be useful and fun in your opinion? Leave a comment below and I will be glad to try the program out.

References


Autodesk maya. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-maya/overview

Blender. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/requirements/

Chopine, A. (2011). 3D art essentials: The fundamentals of 3D modeling, texturing, and animation. Oxford: Focal Press.