Where, oh where to begin?

[Srek]

I can recommend the Quickstart manual and tutorials that come with R10 as a starting point.
After that you should have an idea on where exactly you need more help and information.
Cheers
Björn

[grundgedanke]

Signed.

There is no better way to start then this. I saw a lot of people start with that and it worked out fine. Arndt's book is great but better to read after the quickstart manual.

[vid2k2]

Agreed, do the quick start first.
Add to your learning needs with Cineversity.
From there it's practice, practice ......... :)

[noseman]

and also practice, practice, practice, practice :P

[plotz]

One thing that can help you out a lot is a basic overview of the general concepts involved in 3D work of any kind. The problem with jumping right into a specific app like cinema is that you still may not have enough basic knowlege to make the most out of learning the tools.

If you don't know what phong shading is, or the difference between a shadow map and a raytraced shadow...or what a UV texture vs a projected texture is...then getting some basic info under your belt might be good.

Here's a book I used to make my students buy:

"The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects (http://www.amazon.com/Art-Computer-Animation-Effects-Third/dp/0471430366/ref=pd_bbs_7/102-6776060-6163362?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173897093&sr=8-7)" by Issac Victor Kerlow

It offers a broad overview of concepts, terminology, and techniques in general terms. I used the first edition of it when I was getting into 3D and it helped a lot.

[kerbouci]

the cinema manuals are all useful

besides , the whole internet a starting point

[kerbouci]

The whole internet is a good place.
but remember , always start with the basics

[3DKiwi]

You should also check out c4dcafe.com (http://www.c4dcafe.com) over 130 free video tutorials and 25 r10 videos coming over the next few weeks.

3DKiwi

[Kanga]

Welcome Jason!
I'm a noobie in these forums as well:).

Make lots of simple stuff in the beginning. Until the light begins to come on. Doing lots of simple tutorials at the start will introduce you to the interface and to different concepts. Once you get comfortable you can do tutorials done in just about any 3d app because you will be looking for principles and approaches. The more you know of these the quicker you can start to formulate your own work style. If you have a chance do a little research in the beginning and check out:

Poly economy
Controling resolution over a mesh
Edge loops
Lighting economy

As a start, here are the main areas where people screw up in the beginning, which is a shame cause they are basic concepts.

Oh and don't forget 3d is the most fun you can have with your pants on:thumbsup:.

Cheerio Chris

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