CompuServe Thread

#Need to learn 3DS soon!

12 messages in this thread
#97677From: Steven M. McGuinnessApr 18, 1994 8:46 PM
Dear John; Perhaps I mis-phrased my request. What I meant to say is that I wanted to become familiar enough with the tool to know what I'm talking about during a potential job interview. I did not mean to imply that I could learn it nor even apply it after spending a weekend with it. Dave Marks told me that 3DS is as complex to learn as AutoCAD is, if not more complex. I know from my AutoCAD training that you're looking at a week, minimum to know enough about the tool to get in trouble. After spending a year with it, Dave is just becoming comfortable using the tool. Applying the tool properly only comes with experience, as you well know. It also requires the hardware (and software) that I do not have. I cannot affort to spend 10K for a speedy 486 w/ gigs of disk space and my own copy of 3DS. My true trade is Programming, and I'd be a fool not to persue it. I know the Windows Programming market is very competitive; however, I have nearly 10 years of experience in the field, so you don't have to worry about me being in competition to you! What is most deceptive about 3DS is that it is merely a tool, the use of which is left up to the experiece and imagination of the user. It tryly amazes me how a knowledgable dealer can make it look like anyone can create spectacular results in little or no time. I give you credit for pointing out that no matter how good a tool is, experience and creativity are more important to a perspective client and/or job opportunity. I've seen the light! Respectfully yours, and all other 3DS users out there… Steve McGuinness PS. Speaking as a Programmer, don't be suprized if you see my name as the Author of a Published IPAS routine in the not so distant future.
#97681From: John EllisApr 18, 1994 9:45 PM
Steven, I got a really nice note on your behalf from David Marks, one of my most favorite forumer's. He basically explained your situation and your interest. So I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the wonderful world of 3DS. It will be a real plus for you to be working with David as he is very knowledgeable and conscientious. Your programming skills and his expertise should compliment very well. >> What is most deceptive about 3DS is that it is merely a tool… << I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one however. <g> 3DS is merely a tool like Ferrari is merely a car. But you point is well taken in that like a Ferrari, 3DS needs a good driver. <G> And in that regard you're fortuneate to be working with David. Hope you really enjoy the 3DS experience and that we'll be seeing some good things in the way of IPAS as a result of your extensive programming background and collaboration with David. If I can assist you please feel free to drop me a note. -JE
#98931From: David J. MarksApr 27, 1994 4:26 PM
>> like a Ferrari, 3DS needs a good driver. <G> And in that regard you're >> fortuneate to be working with David. Hi John, I'm finally stopping for a breath of fresh air, and catching up on 3 weeks of forum stuff. Thanks for the kind words. I often don't feel like a "real" 3DS user, since I haven't submitted to the major contests or demo calls yet. Industrial and mechanical animations tend to lack interest and are generally kept simple. Product design work is usually proprietary. And so it goes… I'd like to pull together some fun stuff that's been hanging around here, but that doesn't pay the bills. At this point, with 3 weeks of madness ended, another deadline rapidly approaching, and a week of travel coming up, it looks like I will miss another years' Siggraph reel. Oh well… Again, thanks for the kind words, and keep in touch. I haven't had time to jump into threads, but I do still look for my name to pop up!
#98938From: John EllisApr 27, 1994 5:26 PM
David, >> I often don't feel like a "real" 3DS user, since I haven't submitted to the major contests or demo calls yet. << As far as I'm concerned anyone that uses 3DS professionally is a "real" 3DS user! I know what you mean about industrial and mechanical animations tend to lack interest etc. Although if that's the category you work in that's also the competition in terms of contests. But like you I have a problem with much of the work because other than the Broadcast stuff which is pretty generic as its usually composited over video, the commercial design stuff is typically for in-house use, and boring to those not directly involved. I did one a few months back for "artificial veins". Actually my second one. Its a very odd animation but the doctors and researches absolutley loved it. (wierd) Anyone else viewing it would wonder what in the world…. <g> Anyway, glad you popped in to say hello, sorry to hear you won't have time to finish your animation for Siggraph. I empathize, there is certainly a high cost involved in time and effort not to mention equipment etc. CIAO -JE
#99036From: David J. MarksApr 28, 1994 11:48 AM
>>… boring to those not directly involved. I'm gonna try to have some fun and squeek out something interesting. I'll just set another insane deadline for myself and it will be just like a "real" job!
#99051From: John EllisApr 28, 1994 1:03 PM
>> I'm gonna try to have some fun and squeek out something interesting. << Glad to hear it! For me its the satisfaction of having submitted something, regardless of the outcome. Best of luck. -JE
#99061From: Todd WiedemannApr 28, 1994 1:57 PM
Dave – << InnoMation … >> ?? Tell me more … or give me a call ! |-\\/
#99203From: David J. MarksApr 29, 1994 8:55 AM
>> InnoMation …?? Tell me more … Marketing animation as "Steinmetz Machine Works, Inc." made it difficult to obtain certain types of projects. InnoMation is the first part of a new image and marketing strategy. Still lots of work to do, but so far the name has been very well received. Thanks for asking. You should really stop lurking in the shadows out there and say hello more often! BTW, I had a change of heart about the Floyd album. It still doesn't live up to their older stuff or "Momentary Lapse…", but it is still very good. Listening to the lyrics, it sounds like their trying to bridge the gap between themselves and Roger Waters, and finally make peace with each other.
#99542From: Todd WiedemannMay 2, 1994 8:13 AM
Dave – I can understand about the naming thing … marketing our stuff as "Reycon Construction, Inc." doesn't truly represent the product either. We have a new name in the works for our adventure … but are still nationally trademarking it 'cause we think (and our research shows) that it's quite cool. Unfortunately … lurking is kind of a way of life for now, I'm in absorption mode, attempting to glean as much knowledge here as possible before we go for the national roll-out of our concept in June. I'm glad you have had that change of heart about "The Division Bell". It is, like many of the Floyd's albums, one that takes a bit to "grow" on you. "Coming Back to Life" is an especially poignant song, both musically and lyrically for me … I've been back together with an old girlfriend for about 3 months now after a 4 year "distancing". That song really works for me … <sigh> 🙂 Well, see you soon. |-\//
#100605From: David J. MarksMay 9, 1994 8:29 AM
>> national roll-out of our concept in June. Sounds cool. I gotta be brief since I'm catching up after a week on the road.
#97779From: Jonas Ruikis [ADESK]Apr 19, 1994 10:48 AM
Steven, << a week to learn ACAD.. >> I always say it takes ~40hrs to do every mouse click and turn every page in the 3ds3 tutorials and 20 hrs to really read the ref. man. cover to cover. As a programmer, you may want to look into IPAS3 programming. Check out the lib section under software dev kits, especially the READ.ME file and the two IPAS Q&A's. jonas[adesk]
#97865From: Steven M. McGuinnessApr 19, 1994 8:57 PM
Jonas; Thanks for pointing me into the right direction. Steve …