[SOLVED]CGI Animation software for idiots?

Ssrogg · 04-24-2008, 09:05 AM

I'd like to start playing with CGI Animation.....however, other than the $8,000 ILM software, I can't find anything to "learn" on. I know Poser 7 will create 3D models, but not sure of animation. Have seen several environmental rendering programs, but no idea if I could import/integrate characters into the mess.

I'm no code writer. The best I can do is a few command prompts for links and images. So a tool-based program would be a must.

My goal would be to produce YouTube type animated shorts (think:crazy frog), not full-length motion pictures. Though it WOULD be cool to make CGI Animated sigs.......lol

I am fully willing to accept a LONG learning curve, heck, I expect it and even enjoy it. I learn best by "doing", anyhow.

This is something I'd like to start in the next 6-8 months. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. I'd be willing to spend up to ~$1,000, but would prefer less in case I just don't get it. Just don't tell me I need to learn code. = )

Eric

ebackhus · 04-24-2008, 11:53 AM

Blender - http://www.blender.org/
FREE

DAZ Studio - http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/studio/-/?&_m=d
FREE

Maya PLE (Personal Learning Edition) - http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...112&id=7639525
FREE

Ssrogg · 04-24-2008, 05:44 PM

Joo roxors! Thank you, I know what I'm doing this weekend. LOL

Like that Daz, Poser without the $200 pricetag.

Much and many thanks!

Eric

Ssrogg · 04-27-2008, 08:38 PM

ebakhus, I'm currently trying to decide whether to love you or hate you for showing me Blender. Kinda like introducing a dealer to an addict.....

The UI is gonna take me a month or more to get down. Still have to figure out this whole Python thing and what it is. Looks like I gotta learn some code, after all. Lucky me. LOL

I figure if I can manage make a crummy looking ball bounce in the next couple of months, I'll be spot-on for the learning curve. Gonna look into a Community College course. According to Blender.org, supposedly many CC's offer courses.

I'm both excited and overwhelmed right now. lol

Thank you, again!

Eric

**freddyhard** · 04-28-2008, 04:30 AM

here is a good manual for blender.

ebackhus · 04-28-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ssrogg

ebakhus, I'm currently trying to decide whether to love you or hate you for showing me Blender. Kinda like introducing a dealer to an addict.....

The UI is gonna take me a month or more to get down. Still have to figure out this whole Python thing and what it is. Looks like I gotta learn some code, after all. Lucky me. LOL

I figure if I can manage make a crummy looking ball bounce in the next couple of months, I'll be spot-on for the learning curve. Gonna look into a Community College course. According to Blender.org, supposedly many CC's offer courses.

I'm both excited and overwhelmed right now. lol

Thank you, again!

Eric

Bwah ha ha ha ha!!

Ssrogg · 04-29-2008, 02:43 PM

Thanks for the manual, Freddy. Highschool textbook should be perfect at this point. LOL

I have saved about 6 e-books and maybe a dozen video tutorials, as well. But would be nicer to have an actual paper book so I can reference it easily while working. Found a couple put out by the Blender foundation, and the Mancandy DVD tutorials. No lack of resources, just need to assimilate it all.

ebackhus- Joo ees EBIL! (sorry, too much EQ..)

Eric

04-24-2008, 09:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 137 OS: Vista	[SOLVED]CGI Animation software for idiots? I'd like to start playing with CGI Animation.....however, other than the $8,000 ILM software, I can't find anything to "learn" on. I know Poser 7 will create 3D models, but not sure of animation. Have seen several environmental rendering programs, but no idea if I could import/integrate characters into the mess. I'm no code writer. The best I can do is a few command prompts for links and images. So a tool-based program would be a must. My goal would be to produce YouTube type animated shorts (think:crazy frog), not full-length motion pictures. Though it WOULD be cool to make CGI Animated sigs.......lol I am fully willing to accept a LONG learning curve, heck, I expect it and even enjoy it. I learn best by "doing", anyhow. This is something I'd like to start in the next 6-8 months. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. I'd be willing to spend up to ~$1,000, but would prefer less in case I just don't get it. Just don't tell me I need to learn code. = ) Eric

04-24-2008, 11:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
ebackhus Asst. Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 12,050 OS: WinXP Pro SP2b My System Blog Entries: 9	Re: CGI Animation software for idiots? Blender - http://www.blender.org/ FREE DAZ Studio - http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/studio/-/?&_m=d FREE Maya PLE (Personal Learning Edition) - http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...112&id=7639525 FREE __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

04-24-2008, 05:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 137 OS: Vista	Re: CGI Animation software for idiots? Joo roxors! Thank you, I know what I'm doing this weekend. LOL Like that Daz, Poser without the $200 pricetag. Much and many thanks! Eric

04-27-2008, 08:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 137 OS: Vista	Re: [SOLVED]CGI Animation software for idiots? ebakhus, I'm currently trying to decide whether to love you or hate you for showing me Blender. Kinda like introducing a dealer to an addict..... The UI is gonna take me a month or more to get down. Still have to figure out this whole Python thing and what it is. Looks like I gotta learn some code, after all. Lucky me. LOL I figure if I can manage make a crummy looking ball bounce in the next couple of months, I'll be spot-on for the learning curve. Gonna look into a Community College course. According to Blender.org, supposedly many CC's offer courses. I'm both excited and overwhelmed right now. lol Thank you, again! Eric

04-28-2008, 04:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
freddyhard Design Team Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Éire Posts: 1,428 OS: 2k (still!)	Re: [SOLVED]CGI Animation software for idiots? here is a good manual for blender. __________________ "It takes two to lie, one to lie and one to listen" Homer

04-29-2008, 02:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ssrogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 137 OS: Vista	Re: [SOLVED]CGI Animation software for idiots? Thanks for the manual, Freddy. Highschool textbook should be perfect at this point. LOL I have saved about 6 e-books and maybe a dozen video tutorials, as well. But would be nicer to have an actual paper book so I can reference it easily while working. Found a couple put out by the Blender foundation, and the Mancandy DVD tutorials. No lack of resources, just need to assimilate it all. ebackhus- Joo ees EBIL! (sorry, too much EQ..) Eric