Why is softimage and Maya so difficult to learn?

[DorianErhart]

I just installed the program and it is inctredibly difficult to learn. I have mastered Poser 7 and by my observations, Poser 7 was ten times easier to learn. How long does it usually take to be pretty good at Maya or softimage (not an expert).

[DavidHenderson]

SoftImage is the more powerful, but I haven't seen it in like 10 years. I would opinion Maya takes a year with classroom instruction. SoftImage about 2 years with the same qualifications.

3D is hard because the GUI metaphor is a 2D mouse commands a 3D illusion. All of this 3D crap is in its infancy. It fascinates non-artists -- for the first time they can do photo-realism.

I fully expect 3D animation to mature within five years to the point that stereo cameras transforms live actors into virtual worlds. a la Avatar

I never made 1 single dime doing 3D animation. Many tech schools promise 3d software will be an 'exciting career' (but they don't tell you the career involves the government forfeiting your paycheck from you). You are looking at tremendous expenditure of time rendering the animation into video, and more time editing that video with other video.