[Lunatique]

I've heard from Lightwave users that it's much easier to use than MAX or Maya. I was told you can do things in Lightwave(especially modeling)that's takes less than half the time it takes to do it in the other 2 programs. Also, the learning curve of Lightwave is much less difficult.

So, those of you that are experienced in 3D and have used Lightwave--is it true?

[[Shizo]]

I didn't think LW was easier.
Production in LW could be accel-ed if you used shortcuts for actions, but so you can in MAX.
But if you can, try all 3 programs and see whcih fits you better.
like.. uhh, my icq is 9294581 if you know what i mean

[Anthony]

It's never the program, always remember that. That said, LW has what's generally considered one of the best polygon modellers around, along with things like Mirai. It also has one of the best renderers(and don't mention radiosity engines like Brazil, because ya don't use radiosity in productions!). For character animation Maya and even MAX are better(Maya for more complex, MAX can get good basic easy, but most people invest the extra $$ in character studio). For other types of animation, they're all equally capable. I like to model/texture, and render out what I model and texture, so LW's a perfect choice for me. It'll depend on the way you think and what your goals are.

[frostfyre]

I hear from Maya users that its easier to use than the others...

Seriously, having used PowerAnimator (ugh, v5 was NASTY) Max, Maya, Mirai and Lightwave in different production environs, they aren't any more or less difficult, just different. Most people get really comfortable with a given workflow, and for them, that's the easiest. I've also found that in many places, proprietary tools are used more often than the basic tools found in 3D packages, and there's no way to get training for those until you already have the job in the bag.

All that said, I'm nuts about Lightwave's modeler. for $2500 its the most complete 3D package out there. V 7.0 added some non-linear animation capability, putting it up there with Hash, Softimage & Maya in terms of animation workflow. The community is also quite friendly and supportive. I seem to see more illustrators and effects artists using it fulltime in production, though DD has used it + filmbox for its commercial work, and Jimmy Neutron is being done entirely in LW.

Use whatever works best for you, and your portfolio will do the talking. Victor Navone did "Alien Song" in Hash, a $99 program, and now works at Pixar.

What sort of work are you looking to do, or what do you like to do, digitally?

[Lunatique]

Just trying to add one more weapon to my portfolio arsenal. I've wanted to learn 3D for years, but everytime I touch it, I start to miss drawing/painting. So, I never learn a damn thing because I just end up dropping whatever I was modeling and goes back to painting instead.

Well, I'm going to try to tough it out this time. I have Lightwave 7, Maya 3.01, and Max 4, and I don't know what to tackle. I've used Max in the past when I did texturing, so I'm somewhat familiar with it. I've done lighting and some basic modeling in max as well, but nothing advanced.

[frostfyre]

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Well, given that- modeling is a very good place to start. Most places expect at least modeling skills. While I know you're more oriented towards characters in your painting and photos, environment modelers are very much in demand. I used to find that setting myself up with a specific project and deadline really helped me learn whatever package I was getting into. If you don't want to touch environments, maybe do a 3D portrait? This all may be moot, if you don't enjoy doing 3D at a gut level, doing it 50-80hrs / week is going to really suck. If that's the case, just stick to your 2D guns, you'll be happier, and the artwork will be better.

Good luck!