Well I have VERY basic knowledge of C++, but I was wondering if there is anyway to learn how to create workable graphics in DirectX without knowing how to program? Or do they go hand in hand? Also, I have some more questions that some of my searches did not turn up: -Does DirectX require any prerequisite knowledge? -What programs are required? -Are there any good online sites to learn from? -Are there any good books to learn from? -Does a game that runs DirectX, automatically run DirectX graphics? -What are the pros/cons of DirectX vs. OpenGL? And some topics a bit farther off, but I'm hoping some may answer: -What are some graphics jobs other than modeler, texture-izer(?), landscaper? -Are these doable in DirectX? -I have mediocre art skills, what would be the best area to head into, as they all interest me? -How did you learn your profession, how long did it take, and what do you recommend doing/differently? Thanks, if anyone answers one of these questions, I will consider it a success. I'd love to learn graphic art, and I am willing to spend 2-3 hours per day doing it to achieve my goals.

Just to follow up...I just saw below that there is a more relevant section to what I feel this post is about.

Up to the mods though, as I am sure both forums will be very helpful.

I think you misunderstand what DirectX is. DirectX is an API; a collection of (programming) interfaces designed to aid in the development of various game-related "things" (such as audio, input and graphics). Direct3D is the subset of the DirectX API that is concerned with graphics.

Direct3D is not a "tool" in the traditional sense of a program like Maya or 3DS Max. You must write programs to be able to use it, and you must do a lot more than just make calls to the Direct3D API to yeild a workable game or other application.

To answer some of your specific questions:

Quote:I was wondering if there is anyway to learn how to create workable graphics in DirectX without knowing how to program?

No. If you mean "graphics" like "3D models," there are tools (actual applications) like Maya, or 3DS Max (both expensive) or Milkshape (much more affordable).

Quote:Does DirectX require any prerequisite knowledge?

Yes. You should be pretty comfortable writing C++ (or C#) code. Familiarity with the mathematics and theory going on under the hood of the API (geometry, linear algebra, the graphics pipeline, et cetera) is required in some way shape or form once you move beyond trivial demos.

Quote:
Does a game that runs DirectX, automatically run DirectX graphics?

This is pretty much a nonsensical question regardless of what you are defining "graphics" to be. A game using Direct3D to render images can use geometry data (models) defined in any format. A game can use other aspects of DirectX (viz., DirectInput) without using Direct3D.

Quote:What are the pros/cons of DirectX vs. OpenGL?

DirectX effectively limits you to a single platform. Other than that, it depends on which API's interface style you prefer.

Quote:
I have mediocre art skills, what would be the best area to head into, as they all interest me?

Consider applying to an art school; practice and improve your skills. It sounds like you want to be the guy creating textures/models for a game (the artist) rather than doing programming (the programmer) and dealing with DirectX.

Quote:How did you learn your profession, how long did it take, and what do you recommend doing/differently?

Would you like my life's story while I'm at it? :)
Stay in school, study hard. You get out of education what you put into it, and your education and how you apply it (viz., demos or a portfolio) is your best springboard into the industry.

Thank you for the very well written and informative answers!

I think you are right in assuming that I understood DirectX wrong. What I'd like to do is create the art for games. Character models, buildings and the like.

Would I use 3DSMAX for this? Or this this not so much a field, as programming DirectX is?

Quote:Original post by idloco

Quote:Original post by Gallivan
-What are the pros/cons of DirectX vs. OpenGL?

the only one i really understand is that, you can program for OpenGL and use it on several plataforms ( Linux, windows, mac,... ) but directX only on Windows
And some topics a bit farther off, but I'm hoping some may answer

That is the case. Functionally, they are equivalent at this point. Outside the core, however, is D3D's standard library D3DX. It has quite a few things that aren't included in OpenGL (or GLUT), like mesh loading / manipulation, animation, global illumination (PRT), etc.