4 replies to this topic

[nexias]

Let me just take one quick moment to introduce myself. I'm Mark N. As of now I attend high school taking (zero) computer courses. I have been designing in Adobe PS for about 4-5 years now, I know average html, I understand php and CSS a little, and been developing website for quite some time. I am also 17 years old, graduating next year.

That aside. For the past year, I've been contemplating, like the rest, what I want to do post high school. I've thought of a lot of things, but I keep coming back to 3D modeling, and entering the Gaming Industry, but enough of that, I'll get to the point.

My point is, I want to become a video game modeler, from designing the concepts, to modeling the actual model, all the way to running tests with the engine. (btw, sorry if this is vague newbish talk). But there are stop signs everywhere, I do not have much experience in drawing, I've never used a 3D modeling program in my life, and I only have about 1.3 years till I graduate. A lot can be done within a year. So thats why I came seeking help, because where else besides a forum full of game designers, could I find the answers I need.
Thanks much for your time if you've read my plea, to put it simply..."You're priming my future..."

[Goz]

Maya Learnign edition:

http://usa.autodesk....3&siteID=123112

Or for the other popular modelling package you could download a free trial of 3DS Max. But i'd go with the Maya learning edition if i were you ... Its free and you'll be able to learn anything you need too through it :)

[SigKILL]

Some colleges offer degrees in modeling and game design etc. etc. Don't know if they are any good though... There are quite a bit of 3d-modelling tutorials on the net, and there are numerous 3d-modeling mags around (IIRC there are regular game-specific columns in www.gdmag.com ).

[mice]

I was going to suggest www.anim8or.com, but if there's a free learning-version of maya and 3DS, go with them.

These points are something you should know as well:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertex
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NURB

And for concepts and stuff, join the www.conceptart.org forum. They'll teach you anything you'd like to know.
Or just admire their work, as I do...for hours and hours and...

[neptune3d]

Hi Mark,

As the others have said there are many different free versions of the big software packs available. You can get Maya, XSI, and Max trial version and give them a whirl.

As for learning what to do with these things I would head over to 3DBuzz.com, they have tutorials ranging from begginner (ie. how do I use this thing :) ) to intermediate for free! Best part is they're video tutorials so you get to watch them work and yack at you and crack jokes (there is a whole section on modding unreal including low-poly modelling, level design, weapon design and programming).

Should be enough to get you started, there is a whole fourm there dedicated to straight 3D problems as well,

good luck.
Nep