With the rise of many new 3ds software packages It is very common to hear that old fashion 3d software like 3ds Max are almost dead. Wich is not true at all. Now, I know that many big companies are requesting for Maya, Modo or Houdini but I realized that even if you need to go to that kind of companies you will develop most of your portfolio pieces in a different software. Let me explain why:
Chances are that if you are a professional already working as an animator or whatever, you are already a profitient user in some specific software, in my case 3ds Max. You will find out that you work much faster in your old set of tools than in some newer technologies that promise to deliver a better result in less time. This is why it is very difficult to learn and to adapt to a new software environment specially if you do not have the time to adapt to the change.
More often than not I found myself in a situation in which even if I started project in a newer software I end up exporting all the data to 3dsMax. It doesn't matter if I complaint about some features that 3ds Max has, I just can't let it go for good, it is like a second nature to me.
Having said all this, please do not think that learning a new software is useless. Actually, is very important to keep our skills updated and at least have an overall knowledge of the most popular 3d packages. But if you decide to do the transition, make it gradually. Do not attempt to switch softwares in the middle of a project just because it has some "incredibles" features that will make your life easier. Believe me, it will be a disaster.
I recommend that, if you are eager to try the newest technologies, test them first in a personal project or in your free time, then you can use the new tools but in tiny amounts, this means keeping the majority of the project and assets in the software that you know the best.
In case you have to apply to a new job and one of the requirements is knowing some specific software that you've never used before, just learn the features that are relevant to you. For example If you are applying for a lighting position, just learn the lighting and shading tools and don't worry about the modelling or animation tools.
Finally, remember that the tools are not as important as your artistic skills and even though they help a lot, sometimes is better to know a few old tricks than to have cutting-edge technology.
Chances are that if you are a professional already working as an animator or whatever, you are already a profitient user in some specific software, in my case 3ds Max. You will find out that you work much faster in your old set of tools than in some newer technologies that promise to deliver a better result in less time. This is why it is very difficult to learn and to adapt to a new software environment specially if you do not have the time to adapt to the change.
More often than not I found myself in a situation in which even if I started project in a newer software I end up exporting all the data to 3dsMax. It doesn't matter if I complaint about some features that 3ds Max has, I just can't let it go for good, it is like a second nature to me.
Having said all this, please do not think that learning a new software is useless. Actually, is very important to keep our skills updated and at least have an overall knowledge of the most popular 3d packages. But if you decide to do the transition, make it gradually. Do not attempt to switch softwares in the middle of a project just because it has some "incredibles" features that will make your life easier. Believe me, it will be a disaster.
I recommend that, if you are eager to try the newest technologies, test them first in a personal project or in your free time, then you can use the new tools but in tiny amounts, this means keeping the majority of the project and assets in the software that you know the best.
In case you have to apply to a new job and one of the requirements is knowing some specific software that you've never used before, just learn the features that are relevant to you. For example If you are applying for a lighting position, just learn the lighting and shading tools and don't worry about the modelling or animation tools.
Finally, remember that the tools are not as important as your artistic skills and even though they help a lot, sometimes is better to know a few old tricks than to have cutting-edge technology.
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