2d or 3d program for this illustration type?

Question

I'm an illustrator who often works in Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Usually my projects can be solved using these 2D programs (manually drawing on my desk, scanning and then colouring final image in photoshop) but lately I have been questioning whether I should be deploying a 3d solution into my workflow instead.
What is a good versatile 3d program that would be recommended to model the type of image attached to this post (see note below)? (for geological diagrams). I don't have much time to learn a complex major 3d program such as 3D studio max but I am looking for a quick-to-deploy 3d solution that can be learned in a reasonable amount of time for this type of illustration. Any suggestions?
It would appear from this referenced image (see note below for image) it is simply a 2D illustration (has a nice character to it). If I decide to stick with a 2D program could someone recommend one suitable? I've been using Photoshop but perhaps I should switch to Painter (I think thats a Corel product?) or something else. I will need some nice texture to paint with. Is Painter better for fine art rather than technical images?
Any suggestions?
PS: Image attachment option is not available and so the image is at:
http://forum.howdesign.com/tm.aspx?m=508794
Thank you,

Answer 1

Hi... I've some experience of 3D apps (Yes, 3DStudioMax and an open source one: Blender.... and years ago a 'light-weight' 3D app I can't rmember the name of just now, it'll come to me). I don't think I'd class any 3D app as 'quick to deploy' as an 'occasional' user. If you're going to use it day-in day-out then sure it'll end up 'quick to deploy'. I think you've made this assessment though.
I've never used Painter so I'm not qualified to comment specifically on how it differs. I would say that I think you'd need to know specifically what it would do.. and I suspect it's a bit like airbrush verses paintbrush... or dare I say: Quark versus InDesign... they essentially do the same thing, they're not 'better' just different... though of course you'll get loads of people will tell you airbrush is better than paintbrush or vice-versa and get pretty evangalistic about their particular experience.. quite often not really very helpful in the end, best will and all that. I use both, regularly, have my preference but on balance... there's really nothing 'killer' I'd say one has over the other. I suspect it's the same for Coral Painter. There is a magazine in newagents for Coral Painter, might give you a feel if you look through it, I have and my feel was as I've just said... nothing 'killer' I'd change for.
If your experience investment is in PhotoShop and Illustrator then consider whether the 'cost' of going back to basics in something else is the thing to do... only you know the answer to that.... you say 'often works'... suggesting you may not have committed considerably yet but perhaps you have?
I suggest researching what others are doing... there are resources on the web with awesome work... both in PhotoShop and Painter... it'll show you what's possible... the surge in material on show opened my eyes to PhotoShops possibilities, an application I thought at the time I knew pretty well. Might help you develop a 'feel' for which way to go.
PhotoShop CS5 has some interesting new '3D' features now which I've not had chance to play with... I don't know if you've got CS5? If not, I'd see if I could sweet talk someone who has it into letting you have a proper look-see.
This is just my viewpoint given in the hope it'll help you out... though... I'm not sure it does. Difficult decision. Best of luck with it.