pica$$0
05-07-2003, 06:51 PM
Hey I am new at the Max stuff but am super interested. What would you reccomend me starting with to get to be as good as some of the stuff I've seen on this site?
View Full Version : Beginner : Need insight on where to start to learn correctly
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LFShade
05-07-2003, 07:58 PM
Get your eyes ready for some reading:) First of all, welcome to the exciting, demanding discipline of 3D:)
I really interpret your post as two separate questions. On the one hand, there's the issue of how best to learn to use 3dsmax; on the other hand, the more general question of how to learn the skills necessary to equal the artistry in the galleries here. I'll try to answer them each in turn.
How do I learn 3dsmax?
There are actually exhaustive resources for this. So many, in fact, that it can be difficult to find the right path. Many people choose to go to school for it. This, of course, is always a great way to learn a subject, but it's not always accessible to everyone for reasons of cost or lifestyle (work, etc.). If you are interested in taking classes, you might want to start by seeing if any Max classes are available at your local university. There may also be art schools in your area with degree programs in 3D, or even dedicated 3D training centers with classes in 3dsmax. Decide exactly what you want to get out of it first, before signing up for any classes, and ask a lot of specific questions of the instructors/administrators at the school to make sure you're going to get it. I cannot stress this enough!
If you don't see formal schooling in your future, there are a number of resources for self-learning. A fantastic, and logical, place to start is the documentation that comes with Max. With a default install, you get a tutorial help file that will take you through the basics in getting around the interface, building simple models, creating materials, using modifiers, character rigging and animation. Don't concern yourself about creating awesome content at first, just focus on learning the toolset by sticking with the tutorials' instructions.
The next recommendation I would make is to get registered at www.3dbuzz.com and order their series of 3dsmax "Virtual Training Magazines". These are a set of fantastic video tutorials on CD that will walk you through the basics of Max, and also show you some tricks you might not have learned from the Max documentation. The best thing about the VTM's: they're absolutely free, and very professional in quality!
After you feel comfortable getting around in Max, you can just start playing with the tools you've learned to try and create your own original content. If you're one of the few with a natural virtuosity in 3D, then good for you! Otherwise, don't be discouraged by the lackluster imagery you will probably produce at first. Practice, as they say, will make perfect (or at least better). Which brings us to the other question...
How do I learn to create awesome 3D images like the ones I see here at CGTalk?
This is a more difficult question to answer than the first. This is mainly because good artistry is a combination of learned, practiced skill and good old-fashioned raw talent. You can develop your artistry to your personal best by learning the art theories such as composition, lighting, describing form, proper use of color, etc. But it's a harsh reality that some people, even at their artistic best, will not match the quality of the best artwork here in the galleries. If you think you've got the goods, or even if you don't and just want to test yourself and have a bit of fun, you can learn art theory by either taking classes and/or reading books and tutorials. There are of course many of these available.
The key thing here, again, is practice. It helps tremendously to get into the habit of drawing a lot. Draw what you see around you, draw what's in your head - draw, draw, draw! I personally am guilty of not doing this nearly enough, and I will humbly admit that my art suffers from it. If there's one thing which all the great artists here at CGTalk have in common, it's that they seem to all have a well-practiced drawing hand! There may be the occasional, freakishly talented modeler or animator who can't hold a pencil to paper to save his/her soul, but it's rare. Drawing is the foundation on which all art is built, I'd say. I think I've beat the point about drawing in quite enough, now:D
I could go on about this for pages, but I'll cut it off here having touched on the main points. You've made a good start by putting forward your question here in this community. There's an irreplaceable wealth of knowledge and experience here just waiting to be tapped. When you have questions, simply ask;)
Good luck to you,
RH
I really interpret your post as two separate questions. On the one hand, there's the issue of how best to learn to use 3dsmax; on the other hand, the more general question of how to learn the skills necessary to equal the artistry in the galleries here. I'll try to answer them each in turn.
How do I learn 3dsmax?
There are actually exhaustive resources for this. So many, in fact, that it can be difficult to find the right path. Many people choose to go to school for it. This, of course, is always a great way to learn a subject, but it's not always accessible to everyone for reasons of cost or lifestyle (work, etc.). If you are interested in taking classes, you might want to start by seeing if any Max classes are available at your local university. There may also be art schools in your area with degree programs in 3D, or even dedicated 3D training centers with classes in 3dsmax. Decide exactly what you want to get out of it first, before signing up for any classes, and ask a lot of specific questions of the instructors/administrators at the school to make sure you're going to get it. I cannot stress this enough!
If you don't see formal schooling in your future, there are a number of resources for self-learning. A fantastic, and logical, place to start is the documentation that comes with Max. With a default install, you get a tutorial help file that will take you through the basics in getting around the interface, building simple models, creating materials, using modifiers, character rigging and animation. Don't concern yourself about creating awesome content at first, just focus on learning the toolset by sticking with the tutorials' instructions.
The next recommendation I would make is to get registered at www.3dbuzz.com and order their series of 3dsmax "Virtual Training Magazines". These are a set of fantastic video tutorials on CD that will walk you through the basics of Max, and also show you some tricks you might not have learned from the Max documentation. The best thing about the VTM's: they're absolutely free, and very professional in quality!
After you feel comfortable getting around in Max, you can just start playing with the tools you've learned to try and create your own original content. If you're one of the few with a natural virtuosity in 3D, then good for you! Otherwise, don't be discouraged by the lackluster imagery you will probably produce at first. Practice, as they say, will make perfect (or at least better). Which brings us to the other question...
How do I learn to create awesome 3D images like the ones I see here at CGTalk?
This is a more difficult question to answer than the first. This is mainly because good artistry is a combination of learned, practiced skill and good old-fashioned raw talent. You can develop your artistry to your personal best by learning the art theories such as composition, lighting, describing form, proper use of color, etc. But it's a harsh reality that some people, even at their artistic best, will not match the quality of the best artwork here in the galleries. If you think you've got the goods, or even if you don't and just want to test yourself and have a bit of fun, you can learn art theory by either taking classes and/or reading books and tutorials. There are of course many of these available.
The key thing here, again, is practice. It helps tremendously to get into the habit of drawing a lot. Draw what you see around you, draw what's in your head - draw, draw, draw! I personally am guilty of not doing this nearly enough, and I will humbly admit that my art suffers from it. If there's one thing which all the great artists here at CGTalk have in common, it's that they seem to all have a well-practiced drawing hand! There may be the occasional, freakishly talented modeler or animator who can't hold a pencil to paper to save his/her soul, but it's rare. Drawing is the foundation on which all art is built, I'd say. I think I've beat the point about drawing in quite enough, now:D
I could go on about this for pages, but I'll cut it off here having touched on the main points. You've made a good start by putting forward your question here in this community. There's an irreplaceable wealth of knowledge and experience here just waiting to be tapped. When you have questions, simply ask;)
Good luck to you,
RH
pica$$0
05-07-2003, 08:07 PM
Thanks LFshade. I am enrolled at the Art Institute of Portland right now and am getting into the 3-D classes but I love to learn and have a desire to learn quickly I see your from Portland thats great. My goal is to prepare to build a short animation to send to a SIGGRAPH competition next year.
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