Probably old news for many, but very interesting nonetheless.
This is the relevant thread over at Luxology forums where I firstly read about it.
Note that homeschooling is an accepted form of learning, so actually anyone willing to learn the software is eligible to install it, as long as it is not used in any commercial activity.
what are the restrictions on the software?
Even though I’m still kind of a noob at CG, I would really like to try mudbox and Maya
I’m going to study mechanical engineering next year so would AutoCad be free for me
The only limitation is that you can’t produce artwork for business or any commercial use.
As explained in the link I posted Autodesk is being quite open about what is considered learning person; there is even a “unemployed” category among others.
From the Autodesk Education Site FAQ:
A student is an individual enrolled at a recognized degree-granting or certificate-granting educational institution for three (3) or more credit hours in a degree-granting or certificate granting education program or in a nine (9) month or longer certificate program, and upon request by Autodesk is able to provide proof of such enrollment.
An Autodesk Assistance Program participant is either a veteran or unemployed individual who has previously worked in the architecture, engineering, design or manufacturing industries, completed the online registration for the Autodesk Assistance Program, and upon request by Autodesk is able to provide proof of eligibility for that program.
Doesn’t mention home school. Doesn’t even really refer to anything other than post high-school type education. I’ll take the FAQ over what somebody on the luxology site says.
Also, in all instances it says they can demand proof of eligibility at any time. So taking a really loose definition of home school doesn’t seem to be in anyone’s best interest.
In all honesty you could even be right, but learning and using this high-end stuff as an hobbyist is like a dream, and I think that if an individual won’t be using it for business Autodesk has nothing to loose.
As a side note, Maya 2012 is a wonderful piece of software, I’m finding my way quite easily coming from Blender.
The interface is very customizable, the viewport is snappy, the “hotbox” thing is a great space&time-saver.
There’s full NURBS implementation!!
Still have to dig into Mental Ray material editing and rendering, but it looks not heavily different from any other package.
I don’t think so, even if you were right about the license it would not be the same as using illegal software because Autodesk have my registration info and acknowledge the application was activated on-line.
But that’s not the point, I just wanted to spread the word about a great learning opportunity for CG enthusiasts, that’s all.
Cheers!
I think Sketchbook Designer is worth a deep look.
I didn’t install it myself because I prefer to focus on one task at a time, so with the limited time I have Maya will be enough for the next year or so… :o
Actually, I (10th grade) am going into a 3d animation class at my highschool and i get a free 3-year maya subscription, though i will probably keep with blender because it will ALWAYS BE FREE. And i don’t have 5,000 dollars to buy it. I am just hoping everything i learn will be easily transferred.