Here you can see what can be had for absolutely free - no strings attached.
Why? You say...because to some people accomplishment and generosity is more important than money,
but, let's face it, for those who build this software, this is one hell of a job resume.
For
free or nearly free
2D software go
here: 
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| Bryce 3D 5.5 a landscape generator, can now be downloaded for free from download.com |
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TrueSpace 7.6 Now Available Absolutely Free! |
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| A
link to some incredible student-produced videos |
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As evidenced by Big Buck Bunny, Blender, a completely free 3D modelling and animation package, now comes with hair, fur, and cloth simulation. Click on the image to go to the Blender Homepage |
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| This
image will take you to Terragen, a freely downloadable 3D landscape generator |
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Amazing
work accomplished with a freely downloadable 3D landscape generator |
Check this guy out. His work is incredible. He's Japanese and he worked in trueSpace 3 and 4. Unfortunately, his last images on his website were dated 2002. Last I discovered, he is now employed in the CG industry. This artist worked with software that can be had almost free, such as truespace 4.5 and in my opinion is the living proof of the old saying that "it's not the tools, but the artist". There truly is no substitute for talent, nor for patience and extreme attention to detail. In my opinion, with his great skill, he pushed the capability of truespace 3 & 4 to the utmost limits. To do work such as this in any modern (and expensive) 3D modelling package would still be an outstanding accomplishment. |
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Recent trueSpace 7 work featured on the Caligari Homepage |
ONE MORE THING...
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Zoo publishing, now 3D Total, started a downloadable 3D magazine about a year ago.
In it there you may find tutorials for Lightwave, XSI, Max, C4D, Maya, Blender, and more.
More importantly, you will find features about and by experts to share their skills and inspire you.
A low-res version can be downloaded for free, but
The full hi-res version mag is just $4.50, and for that small sum well worth a look, IMO.
Sadly, there are some cheap and unscoupulous people who are intending to drive this little company out of business,
by downloading and giving away the magazine for nothing. I mean, we're talking just 4 Dollars here, guys.
It's even less per copy for a subscription.