Maya is my program of choice but it's super expensive. So, I decided to document my process of learning Blender. I have so much to learn but it's definitely worth learning. Check it Out here:

http://renderositymagazine.com/blender-through-the-wine-glass-cms-1736

-Ashley Community Leader

I'll definitely be reading it Ashley, as I'm trying the opposite. I've been using Blender since version 4.x (the old UI), and I've learned a lot (though not all) of it's functions over the past 8-10 years, but I'm still learning.

With Maya, I've been playing with it with a 3-year educational license, and I like it, but it's UI is set up differently than Blender, so I've had another workflow to learn. I have heard, and read a recent article, that one of the Maya development team is working with the Blender team to make the Blender UI easier to use. I know a good many folks have tried Blender, and give up quickly because they think the UI is too hard to deal with. I'm used to it, but it took some time getting to that point, so understand their point of view.

If all goes as it looks like it's planned, the Blender UI is going to be easier to use, depending on the end user's specific needs, so the interface could look different depending on whether you're interested in gaming, animation, etc. It definitely should be interesting to say the least.

Being the Blender advocate here I started really getting into Blender when development for Hexagon and Silo stopped which were the two most reasonably priced 3D apps for hobbyist. I recently started exploring Maya by subscribing for Maya LT which thus far I have found many similarities to Blender and work rather well with each other thus far the only limitation with Maya LT is the poly count your allowed to export is 200,000 and can still be used for commercial work. I think both tools are great there are things that seem a bit easier in Maya LT but others things Blender does shine like UV mapping in Blender makes sense to me where in Maya LT UV mapping is a learning curve

Awesome! Yes, it's definitely UI for me. I actually just learned yesterday that you can set some parts to the Blender interface to Maya. I think it will help a lot of people with that transition. I wonder if Maya has that same capability...? I look forward to learning Blender. I could whine all day about the UI in Blender but at the end of the day it's free and capable of producing high end art.

The biggest thing in Blender that will build your skills and get you learning it is getting to know the Keyboard short cuts it is like the holy grail of learning Blender navigation modeling sculpting will all come easier in Blender once you the keyboard short cuts learned there are numerous free downloads all over that you can find. Andrew Price offers a really update one you can print up for free thru his website but you have to sign up for his newsletter which is not to bad since he has many beginner tutorials that are like must watch to get you on your way to learning Blender. Personally think his is one of the best you can print it up and keep it by you when your using Blender

https://www.blenderguru.com/articles/free-blender-keyboard-shortcut-pdf?rq=keyboard

Thanks Lobo! I swear I was thinking i needed something like that. I find myself getting confused on the shortcuts because I'm trying to use the Maya ones lol

-Ashley Community Leader

I know the question comes up allot about switching from one to the other this article is a little dated but not by much but it gives a sort of conversion of functions in Maya and their counter part in Blender http://annex2nothing.com/modelling-in-blender-and-maya/ Blender has come along way especially in the last year in half many things have been introduced and add that is making it a real go to software package. There are a few issues when working with other application like Daz mainly the YZX and axis are not the same in Daz and have to a few work around for that that are pretty simple. Animation is really come a long way. CG Cookie has made archived many tutorials that are completely free with a regular account CG Masters is another great resource Blender Guru (aka Andrew Price) all have wealth's of information and I will toot the Blender forum has some of the best people in our own community to get help from so do not hesitate to ask for info if we do not have it already in our forum someone will know where to find it.

ashleyvs posted at 4:44PM Tue, 21 November 2017 - #4318443

Thanks Lobo! I swear I was thinking i needed something like that. I find myself getting confused on the shortcuts because I'm trying to use the Maya ones lol

-Ashley Community Leader

I have the same problem every time I switch between Blender and Silo, so I know what you mean, but Lobo's correct, learn the shortcuts, and you'll do fine.

I have a list of tidbits I've picked up when using all kinds of software, including Blender, Maya and Silo, and the first thing in each list IS the shortcuts, especially those most commonly used. They make good references when I forget one or two. ;)

I am sure you will find any new found skills you learn for Blender will open up a whole new opportunity of doing things and for free no less

Yes, that's what I'm hoping. I'll be spending some of the holiday getting acquainted with the software!

I am sure you will do well and like I said our Blender forum is full of people who will help and I have to sticky with wealth of info look forward to seeing what you make