The Blender Foundation announced the list of projects that are expected to be incorporated into Blender in 2015, including OpenSubdiv, Alembic, new meshing tools, improved hair dynamics, enhanced viewport, Ptex, workflow/UI changes, asset manager, etc. Most of them are being worked on with support from the Blender Foundation Development Fund or the Blender Institute. More on Blender.org.
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Have been using max and maya over a decade, recently migrated to Houdini. I sought for alternative modeling tools to adsk products to compliment the procedural workflow. I gave Modo a try – impressive, but destructive workflow. Then VERY skeptically I also tried Blender – every single expectation was shattered! I am truly in shock and awe! Blender is the ultimate MODERN(non stagnated) 3D application that combines the successful workflows of other leading applications. Not only it excels in modeling(most modern tools, non destructive/modifiers, powerful sculpt), it is also incredibly complete all around with features I used to dream of(e.g gpgpu render). The true GEM and power though is in PYTHON as it is deeply woven into the DNA of Blender. It gives you tremendous flexibility, dare I say, unlike any other application out there (in more “Pythonic” and object oriented manner). It truly feels beyond scripting and simple task automation. Seems as if there are no limits as you can bend and mold this software to your will. You can extend it with tools and features that you may have been waiting for years or simply tap into insane amount of addons by community. Further more the customization enabled by python is out of this world – you can make the program behave as any other or a combination of several that you are used to – make it a true extension to your mind without constantly feeling that you miss X feature in Y program.
The only downside is that learning curve is very difficult, i had to truly force myself to do it as I was highly skeptical at every step of the way. Default interface and keys scared me away a number of times but with good tutorials you will get past it. I cannot stress how wrong I was to dismiss it or take it lightly. This program(paired with Houdini) has truly made me love and appreciate the field again. I encourage everyone to give it a serious try.
Great to hear Josh! Going to try it again based on your recommendation!
I totally agree. I use Cinema 4D professionally, mostly because I make a lot of mograph stuff, and C4D has excellent tools for that.
But when I comes to modelling, sculpting, rigging, lighting, rendering with Cycles and almost everything else, I prefer Blender. I love that there is a build-in fluid system and a way to make pretty good smoke and fire. It’s a great tool, and once you get used to the way the interface works, it’s very effective.
Great feedback Josh! Could you contact me? ton at blender.org