Which tools should I use?

Hi,

First of all, I want to set something clear in case I say something supid: I'm a total newbie in everythat that involves modelling, animating, sculpting, etc, etc, etc. I do have knowledge in informatics, tho, I'm not a total noob8)

So, with that said, this is my question:

What software should I use to model, animate, sculpt and so? Which ones could be better to learn?
I have some Daz3D software (DAZ Studio, Bryce Pro, Hexagon Pro), but I did some research and read that DAZ Studio it's not good to use with game engines. I also have Blender (Yeah, I know that it is difficult to learn, but I'm so stubborn that I will learn to use it one way or another). Downloaded the release of Makehuman, too.

So, based of what I have read, Could I use Makehuman for characters, Bryce for landscapes and organic assets, Hexagon for modeling, and Blender for animate/render?

If not, please suggest me another software (Free, if possible ), or other thing I could do with the software I mentioned above.

Sorry again if I said something stupid, please have mercy on me

Greetings.

 

Since you're using Unity, what about using UMA for models?

Unity has two animation systems: the newer Mecanim and the older Legacy, which will eventually be phased out. I suggest deciding on an animation system first, and then figure out how you'll create and edit animations. Mecanim works well with root motion animation; legacy generally works better with in-place animation. This could have some impact on which animation tools you use. You can download a large library of free Mecanim-compatible animation in Unity's Locomotion Starter Kit and Raw Mocap Data to get a feel for it before delving into an animation tool.

 

that meant only the original DAZ figures, but not the software itself
I use Hexagon for modeling
3D Coat for sculpting, retopo,uv mapping,backing and texturing
for Riging I use DAZ Studio Content Creator Tools.

I'm very happy with my lowbudget toolset and easy smooth workflow.
I personaly don't like blender. Also expensive software not necessary to create nice looking assets for unity.

 

To keep it simple and cost affective i would recommend : Silo 3d (PC and MAC) or Cheetah 3d (Mac Only) or Wings3d free(PC) i personally dont recommend Blender i know its free etc.... but you will thank me later....others swear by it! Now if your Budgets Huge then Use Lightwave 3d, Modo or Cinema 4d. Then 3D Studio Max in that order. Now i own Silo 3d, Wings3d(Free),3ds Max 2008, Carrara 7.2 Pro, Hexagon 3d(Free), Daz Studio(Free), Bryce 6.2(Free), and Poser 6 and so many other tools but hey whos counting hahaha I refuse to pay top dollar for anything ...... Mind you i dont have 3d coat yet but at least thats not too expensive...... I am also hanging out to own a copy of Iclone pipeline! But to answer your question the simplest and cost effective modeling and animation pipeline is :

Silo 3d -> Modeling Iclone -> animation Unity -> Game Engine. As for creating the art work for your models i recommend the following and yes i own these products too:
Paintshop Pro(About 100 Bucks or cheaper at flea markets or ebay i got mine for 20 bucks) and Gimp (Free) These are the best bang for a small budget. If money is no object then sure go ahead and get photoshop but what for? ,you are just wasting money stick with Gimp and Paintshop pro. Plus if you can grab substance designer for all your texturing needs!!!!!
Another pipeline is Wings3d -> Iclone -> Torque Engine all free except Iclone. Then Use gimp for Art work

The possibilities are endless!!!!!

 

Well, if the legacy system will be phased out, it makes more sense to use Mecanim.
I'll give a try to UMA.

That's good to read

The thing with 3D Coat, is that I don't want to buy any software, at least for now. Could I use some of the software I mentioned above (or another free software) to sculpt, uv mapping, etc?

I've read about Wings3D, i'll look on that.


Thanks a lot for your responses, and sorry if I asked something to obvious

 

Softimage Modtool 7.5 is an option to consider. It's a few years old now and for non-commerical use, but it's free, easy to use and it'll do pretty much everything except sculpting. And it's a real professional tool, not a cheap alternative.

Whatever you choose I'd recommend starting off small. Modelling and texturing simple props like a television or signpost, just to get the feel of things.
Animated characters are probably the hardest thing to do.

 

I'll give a try to that. Yeah, I know that I have to start small, but I have the (bad?) habit of starting with complicate things. Just wanted to know what could I do with the tools I have, and also know of other tools.

Thanks for your response

 

You can also use Roadkill UV Mapper if you choose to play with UV's its free to use. But i still prefer the PTEX way of doing things with no UV Mapping!!!
while im on this topic if you prefer paid software try UV Layout , UV Mapper and Ultimate Unwrap all cheap and usable if you wish to spend hours mapping skins on models!!! My next statement make sure you read the EULA'S for each product too if they have one and most do...... you dont want to be stung with lawsuits if you dont follow simple rules in these so called "Grey Area or Red Herring Agreements".... I will not use MAGIX again after what i have been reading lately!!!!! but too make it easier i will say this if you use their music software make sure you buy samples or get royalty free samples otherwise using theirs can be a can of worms..... mind you their music maker editor is ok but i prefer other software now after reading that so called red herring agreement!!! so buyer beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I think it's best to have a software that does everything, instead of one software to one thing. Anyway, I'll look into that.

Yeah, that's a delicate thing. But right now I'm just learning. I'll keep that in mind for future work

Well, I think is way to early to start thinking about music. I play a couple instrument myself, so I guess I would try to make my own music. About sound effects, yeah, I have to keep in mind the royalties.

Anyway, thanks for your contribution