Expert: Andrew Ransavage - 5/26/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Andrew, I am doing some job as a graphic designer & I am going to join classes to learn 3D animation & VFX but I am just confused that what software should I learn first to be an expert in 3D animation & VFX. Right now I am just aware of software Photoshop, Illustrator & Corel Draw. Are these softwares will help me in my career in animation?

ANSWER: Those programs are 2D graphics applications. Photoshop is a raster paint program, Illustrator and Corel Draw are vector graphics but they are all specifically 2D.  If you are interested in 3D animation applications you should look into Autodesk 3ds Max or Autodesk Maya.  Video effects editors would be Adobe After Effects or Autodesk Combustion... Let me know if you have any more questions..

Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer Andrew, Sir I want to be a professional animator & willing to work with the industries such as Walt Desney, Pixar etc. & this time I am just going to start lerning 3D animation & VFX technology. So how do I get to the destination very soon? (I mean what are the things I  will have to work hard on?)What are the steps that will lead to get to the aim very soon? What softwares should I start learning with first? Are Autodesk Maya & After Effects best software to start learning with?

Answer
If you're interested in 3D modeling and animation or character animation, then you should definitely learn Autodesk 3ds Max and/or Maya. These are the programs you should focus on. They do basically the same thing so you may want to just pick one, both are used in the motion picture industry although 3ds Max is very popular in the video gaming field. Use tutorials or classes to get yourself started, then it's all a matter of getting your foot in the door at a job where these programs are utilized. You can't expect to take a few classes and then start working at a company like Pixar. It takes time and you need to slowly work yourself up in your knowledge and skill level with these programs to advance your career...