Does Blender suck or rule?
by Jeff Gran · in Artist Corner · 05/25/2005 (1:08 pm) · 116 replies
I am experienced with the modeling and animating tools in both MAX and Maya, and I've recently downloaded Blender to try it out.
I have read many testimonials about how Blender is actually a very easy to use, fast, efficient tool. After an admittedly limited test run with it, I have to disagree. And not just because it's different than what I'm used to. It seems like a not-quite-there-yet version of a professional tool.
Some examples of things I have a problem with initially:
You can't customise your hotkeys, from what I can find. To me this is one of the most powerful features of the professional tools, that you can customize your interface to be what works for YOU, not what some guy or guys (or gals) deemed was the best interface.
Right-click to select, left click for "blender gesture system" to jump into transform mode... WHY? left click to select in any other application I can think of. This is not faster than the other way around, and is just annoying.
Alt-B to draw a selection-box (which uses the left mouse button, which is not consistent with non-box selection) This is not faster than not having to press two buttons before dragging a selection box.
You can only select vertices. There is an option to select faces or edges, but only in rings, and once you do, the result is that you have selected the vertices that belong to those faces or edges, not the faces or edges themselves. While it is true that it is not necessary to select the higher level sub-object elements, it is very helpful, especially when visualizing the actions you are about to take on the model. It's also faster to select a single face than to individually select the 3 or 4 verts that make it up. And the hotkeys for edge and face selecting are wacky... they don't even use the same modifier (one uses ALT and the other CTRL, if I remember correctly).
I actually do like Blender's customizeable windows system, cause you can make the window in whatever configuration you want, and zoom out and move around (like Maya's hypergraph, which rocks, and which is how I want my OS to work).
Also, I did some searching for professional-quality models made with Blender, and couldn't find any. Looking through the elysiun forums (semi-official blender repository), even the people who were trying to educate the noobs were showing poor modeling skills, and I only found one organic model (an orc head) which was mediocre in quality. Can anyone give me a link to something that would prove that Blender can be used to good effect?
I want to make it clear that I have an open mind about this, and most of the reason I'm starting this thread is in hopes that someone can convince me that I am wrong. Obviously I also would need to USE the tool more and see if I can get used to it and adjust my modeling style accordingly, but I'm interested to hear others' opinions and experiences. When I first opened Blender and started going through the tutorials, I was thinking it would be awesome... the world needs a good free 3D editor... but now I'm thinking that without heavy modifications this is not it.
Discussion! Prove me wrong!
I have read many testimonials about how Blender is actually a very easy to use, fast, efficient tool. After an admittedly limited test run with it, I have to disagree. And not just because it's different than what I'm used to. It seems like a not-quite-there-yet version of a professional tool.
Some examples of things I have a problem with initially:
You can't customise your hotkeys, from what I can find. To me this is one of the most powerful features of the professional tools, that you can customize your interface to be what works for YOU, not what some guy or guys (or gals) deemed was the best interface.
Right-click to select, left click for "blender gesture system" to jump into transform mode... WHY? left click to select in any other application I can think of. This is not faster than the other way around, and is just annoying.
Alt-B to draw a selection-box (which uses the left mouse button, which is not consistent with non-box selection) This is not faster than not having to press two buttons before dragging a selection box.
You can only select vertices. There is an option to select faces or edges, but only in rings, and once you do, the result is that you have selected the vertices that belong to those faces or edges, not the faces or edges themselves. While it is true that it is not necessary to select the higher level sub-object elements, it is very helpful, especially when visualizing the actions you are about to take on the model. It's also faster to select a single face than to individually select the 3 or 4 verts that make it up. And the hotkeys for edge and face selecting are wacky... they don't even use the same modifier (one uses ALT and the other CTRL, if I remember correctly).
I actually do like Blender's customizeable windows system, cause you can make the window in whatever configuration you want, and zoom out and move around (like Maya's hypergraph, which rocks, and which is how I want my OS to work).
Also, I did some searching for professional-quality models made with Blender, and couldn't find any. Looking through the elysiun forums (semi-official blender repository), even the people who were trying to educate the noobs were showing poor modeling skills, and I only found one organic model (an orc head) which was mediocre in quality. Can anyone give me a link to something that would prove that Blender can be used to good effect?
I want to make it clear that I have an open mind about this, and most of the reason I'm starting this thread is in hopes that someone can convince me that I am wrong. Obviously I also would need to USE the tool more and see if I can get used to it and adjust my modeling style accordingly, but I'm interested to hear others' opinions and experiences. When I first opened Blender and started going through the tutorials, I was thinking it would be awesome... the world needs a good free 3D editor... but now I'm thinking that without heavy modifications this is not it.
Discussion! Prove me wrong!
#102
I am new to this forum but I have been a lightwave modeler for 10 years and I am determined to make sense of this Blender thing I am currently trying to rework the controls to make sense to a lightwave junkie like me if any one else has a lightwave background and would like to help let me know. I need a 3d program I can distribute freely with my project. I am sure that blender could really help make a difference to the torque users who cant afford the expensive 3d app's. the thing that I cant understand is why change something like left and right click this is just plain stupid it show just how far out of the true designer community they are ( other 3D programs the workflow is logical and follows some basic gidlines so that if you use a computer you can understand how to get around, this seems to fly right over the heads of the blender programmers)
free textures packs check out www.allbeehosting.com/smf
06/04/2005 (7:50 pm)
Hi everyoneI am new to this forum but I have been a lightwave modeler for 10 years and I am determined to make sense of this Blender thing I am currently trying to rework the controls to make sense to a lightwave junkie like me if any one else has a lightwave background and would like to help let me know. I need a 3d program I can distribute freely with my project. I am sure that blender could really help make a difference to the torque users who cant afford the expensive 3d app's. the thing that I cant understand is why change something like left and right click this is just plain stupid it show just how far out of the true designer community they are ( other 3D programs the workflow is logical and follows some basic gidlines so that if you use a computer you can understand how to get around, this seems to fly right over the heads of the blender programmers)
free textures packs check out www.allbeehosting.com/smf
#103
Yea, they default to selecting with the right, but that shouldn't be the downfall to the application.
11/03/2005 (2:30 pm)
Ahem, everyone knows that you can go to the user preferences screen and go to "view & controls" and change "select with:" to LMB from RMB, right?Yea, they default to selecting with the right, but that shouldn't be the downfall to the application.
#104
11/03/2005 (6:02 pm)
I use blender and I like it, it might be difficult sometimes but is very powerful for a free software.
#105
06/13/2006 (3:31 pm)
Hey im new im wonering if blender can create items like guns and swords? 
#106
Ashtara
07/03/2006 (7:13 pm)
Blender is a whole big learnng curve. It bites. 3ds max is too complex for exporting dsqs. Maya's pipeline is confusing. Ah but Milkshape... Let me sing the praises of Milkshape. Better yet checkout what Rex has done with that wicked and user friendly exporter. It even supports vert weighing now. If you don't agree with me thats cool.. just my observation.Ashtara
#107
Fur Library
Blender can do fur, soft body and cloth simulation for free, most other 3d apps charge top dollar for that ability. Material Nodes
Of course Blender ws used in movies like the Matrix, Over the hedge, superman ...
Just kidding, maybe in a few years time it will be ready. And no, you can't use fur and cloth in TGE!!!
Most of the big movie studios use Softimage XSI, Huedini, Maya etc. Game companies seem to like Max with Softimage XSI gaining ground fast.
If I had the bucks, I'd use all 4 of the above, but for now I'll use Blender.
07/13/2006 (12:05 am)
The forums are too quiet so its time to revitalise this old topic ;)Fur Library
Blender can do fur, soft body and cloth simulation for free, most other 3d apps charge top dollar for that ability. Material Nodes
Of course Blender ws used in movies like the Matrix, Over the hedge, superman ...
Just kidding, maybe in a few years time it will be ready. And no, you can't use fur and cloth in TGE!!!
Most of the big movie studios use Softimage XSI, Huedini, Maya etc. Game companies seem to like Max with Softimage XSI gaining ground fast.
If I had the bucks, I'd use all 4 of the above, but for now I'll use Blender.
#108
06/29/2009 (7:02 pm)
Here's my take on Blender. <insert obligatory ymmv statement>. The support for blender at #blender is TERRIBLE. I am *surprised* lately if anyone answers my questions about problems with blender (which are very, very basic). The online documentation seems to be somewhat ok, however. It's somewhat hard to beat free (especially when the others are $2000) and runs-on-any-OS, though. The quality appears to get worse and worse and subsequent Windows releases (which some may argue is a bonus), and the blender UI is incredibly backwards and weird compared to most other software out there. So much so that I almost expect to look at the source and see references to Amiga or defunct consoles (oh, wait. there *are*). Anyhow, the last 3D app I used was Infini-D which was pretty easy to use (but pretty hard to do real modeling with), so I'm a bit jaded. Bottom line is a few solid weeks of getting the hang of it (and avoiding using it on windows 7/vista) and it's not so bad. 
#109
2. zombii thread must feast on human brains .... brainsssss ....
06/29/2009 (8:34 pm)
1. Blender works fine on my Vista322. zombii thread must feast on human brains .... brainsssss ....
#110
Don't use it. It doesn't help a resume. It doesn't have near enough functionality. It's waste of time, even if you're trying to learn modeling. It's better to learn the tools and layout of an industry standard demo while learning modeling than to figure it out with blender.
It's just like GIMP and photoshop. Learn photoshop, not GIMP.
07/03/2009 (2:15 am)
For new modelers, don't even bother.Don't use it. It doesn't help a resume. It doesn't have near enough functionality. It's waste of time, even if you're trying to learn modeling. It's better to learn the tools and layout of an industry standard demo while learning modeling than to figure it out with blender.
It's just like GIMP and photoshop. Learn photoshop, not GIMP.
#111
www.blender.org/features-gallery/gallery/art-gallery/
Ever watch Elephant's Dream ?
www.blender.org/features-gallery/movies/
07/03/2009 (2:41 am)
...dislike what you want to dislike, but try not to give out tainted advice or trash what should not be trashed, Jeff.www.blender.org/features-gallery/gallery/art-gallery/
Ever watch Elephant's Dream ?
www.blender.org/features-gallery/movies/
#112
download.blender.org/peach/trailer/trailer_720p.mov
07/03/2009 (3:47 am)
Yes, this is the danger of resurrecting old threads: often conditions are not the same than when they started. Blender is right now a full pro package, and it tells nothing good of anybody to trash it with false "facts". The same goes with Gimp, another OpenSource jewel.download.blender.org/peach/trailer/trailer_720p.mov
#113
Why should I pay a modeling tool to make games? Only because it's industry standard ?
Blender have sufficient tools to make games with Torque, And to make small game (with Blender game engine). So Why should I Pay?
I Use Blender, 3DS, and Maya, And I think Blender is a great tool (my favorite one). So Yes Blender rules ! Keep to see blender 2.5 awesome release (current is 2.49).
07/03/2009 (5:19 am)
lol, this thread is really awesome!Why should I pay a modeling tool to make games? Only because it's industry standard ?
Blender have sufficient tools to make games with Torque, And to make small game (with Blender game engine). So Why should I Pay?
I Use Blender, 3DS, and Maya, And I think Blender is a great tool (my favorite one). So Yes Blender rules ! Keep to see blender 2.5 awesome release (current is 2.49).
#114
Blizzard - 3DS / Photoshop
http://www.blizzard.com/us/jobopp/artist-3d-character-wow.html
Bungie - 3DS / Maya / photoshop / zbrush
http://www.bungie.net/inside/jobs.aspx#job14551
Microsoft Game Studios - Maya / Z-Brush / Mudbox / Photoshop
http://www.microsoft-entertainment-jobs.com/job/REDMOND-Artist-Job-WA-98052/5257...
If you want to apply for jobs like these with blender and GIMP in your resume, go right ahead. I think you'll be at a huge disadvantage to other artists that are just as good as you who are using software they will not need training on.
07/03/2009 (8:20 am)
My point isn't about how good the application is. I suggest that 3D artists who are first learning an app should choose 3DS or Maya to avoid needing to convert to them later when they want to get a job at a successful studio. Look at some requirements for 3D artists and you'll see.Blizzard - 3DS / Photoshop
http://www.blizzard.com/us/jobopp/artist-3d-character-wow.html
Bungie - 3DS / Maya / photoshop / zbrush
http://www.bungie.net/inside/jobs.aspx#job14551
Microsoft Game Studios - Maya / Z-Brush / Mudbox / Photoshop
http://www.microsoft-entertainment-jobs.com/job/REDMOND-Artist-Job-WA-98052/5257...
If you want to apply for jobs like these with blender and GIMP in your resume, go right ahead. I think you'll be at a huge disadvantage to other artists that are just as good as you who are using software they will not need training on.
#115
07/03/2009 (9:18 am)
A lot of other big studios uses propietary software which you will never be able to learn before working with them. And if you try to get a job at the industry by only knowing how to use some tools, you will not be very successfull. Do your job well, with wathever tool you use, and then maybe... And remember you are at an indie friends forum, most of us just want to do our job, no to apply for a bored big studio employement ;) 
#116
07/04/2009 (10:33 am)
post deleted 
Torque 3D Owner Frogger