cassius_b wrote:Thanks. Looks good. I could use a good 3d modeling app. Blender drives me mad.
I've used several 3D modeling packages from 3DS Max to MODO. MODO is the last professional 3D software that I've had a license to. I don't get along with subscription based software (which is what MODO became a year or so ago) and so I've made the switch over to using Blender. Two things -
1 - Blender 2.79 (the current full release) is actually a pretty nice piece of software. I had hated Blender for a long time, but several months ago decided to give it a serious look and start to learn it. I found that it's a pretty powerful piece of software that makes sense (once you start learning how it works). It's also quite able to be customized. So, I had it working the way I wanted, left click to select and all that, relatively quickly and was off and running. After completing a few projects (paid projects for clients, mind you) I felt quite at home in Blender. So, yes, Blender takes some getting used to and some learning to begin to "think" the Blender way, but once you do, it's a very capable and powerful piece of software.
2 - Blender 2.80 is finally in beta! This is significant for many reasons. One is the Blender foundation has come to their senses, so to speak, and are in the process of bringing Blender in line with "industry standards" as far as mouse clicks, shortcut keys, and even the UI. For example, left mouse click to select is now the default (just as is in every other piece of software on the planet). The new EEVEE view port is simply fantastic, especially for game developers. It has a few industry firsts there that you should really check out. And while 2.80 is still in beta (and probably won't be a stable release until June of 2019), it's worth getting and learning. I am quite happy working in Blender and 2.80 is simply amazing.
3 - Yeah, I know I said only two things, but a third came to mind - support for Blender via plugins (free and paid for) is amazing. You won't find a lot for 2.80 as it's in beta, though they are starting to be ported over, but the number of plugins that enhance Blender 2.79 is amazing. You'll find plugins for real-time 3D painting, improving UV mapping, amazing Boolean and decal plugins, and more! Because Blender is free to use, many of the plugins are free, too. And the ones that aren't tend to be very reasonably priced (usually in the $10 - $30 range). Even the high-end professional plugins (plugins that would cost hundreds for other 3D programs) tend to be well under $100 for Blender.
With Blender 2.80 out, it's really the best time to start learning Blender. It's easier than ever because Blender is not as weird as it once was.
Oh! And if you don't want to use a beta version, but still find Blender 2.79 a bit odd for you, then there is always bforartists:
https://www.bforartists.de/It's a version of Blender that is supposed to be more artist friendly. Perhaps something like that would help.
