CompuServe Thread

Darren, Welcome to 3D Studio User's Land. I think that the biggest change that you will notice is how easy it is to make changes. I am a strong 3DS user and have been forced to use TrueSpace on occasion. I found its heirarchical structure hard to use and harder to change. This is nothing against Truespace which is a great deal for the money. Its just not production oriented. My tip for you is to return here often and listen to what people have to say. A lot of sharp people drop by.

Darren: Congratulations on choosing a great school! If you've followed the discussions here you'll realize that 3DS is only one of the tools available for 3d, and that integrating 3d into the (architectural) design process is one of the most challenging issues in professional practice. If you're in architecture at Cal Poly, you might be interested in talking to Don Grant. I understand he has incorporated ArchiCad into some of his design courses. Regards, A. Jay Holland

Dear Dana, Sorry to have taken so long to get back to you. I think that you will find most of the animation field is still a mom-and-pop kind of organization. While there are some great schools out there, and some great companies like Industrial Light and Magic, Digimation, Rhythm and Hues, and so forth, most of this business is not like the rest of the computer field. You must seek out your own work. I also do normal computer consulting in Powerbuilder, Unix, Windows and DOS, Novell, and most hardware. I have Powerbuilder work coming out my ears if I choose. Animation is not like that. In my case I saw a need and animation filled the gap. I didn't learn animation then go find work. I needed to produce videos and animation was a elegant solution. Never mind I had to totally learn lighting, IPAS routines, rotoscoping, mesh objects, DPS PAR boards, expensive VTRs, video production, and 3D Studio. The learning curve has been steep. But know I think I am over the hump. I can look at almost any picture or idea and figure out either how it was done or how to create it. How would I go about generating outside animation work? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that I can't find anyone to help me with my video projects! I believe that I can generate a six-figure income off my video ideas. After I get a few videos done and that crunch is over then I may approach the local TV stations, Miramar (who produce the Mind's Eye series of videos), and so forth. Do you subscribe the Planet Studio? If you don't do so today. It has been a great help. Anyway, stay in touch!