Going the Self Taught Route

[earwax69]

One thing you can be sure is that employers will look at your demo reel, not your diploma. This is a good new if you got natural talent. Start a personal project and learn your soft doing it, its the best way I found to learn the soft and get a new piece for my demo. There is good tutorials out there, just search a bit. I use a lot of F1 key too for functions that im not familiar with.

As for maya vs 3ds, both are nice. The old way was to go to Maya/Xsi if you wanna do FX for movies vs go 3ds max if you wanna work in the game industry. Houdini is more and more used in CG for movies too.

Get the demo or educational version before you buy the license to see if it fit the bill.

Also look for a compositing package, it help polishing the renders. I think Maya is shipping with toxic now. Not sure if I prefer that to the good old After Effects!!

[Elyaradine]

As far as I know, the Toxik-based Composite is included in both Maya and 3ds max in the 2011 versions, so that doesn't really help with decision. :p

[Anderson3250]

Thanks for your response. I have the old PLE versions from 2008-ish, and so far Max and Maya have pretty easy interfaces. I got the trial/student version of Houdini and was kinda put off by it. It just seemed a bit too different; im use to using blender and wings 3d.

[danshewan]

Thanks for your response. I have the old PLE versions from 2008-ish, and so far Max and Maya have pretty easy interfaces. I got the trial/student version of Houdini and was kinda put off by it. It just seemed a bit too different; im use to using blender and wings 3d.

Before this thread derails into an inevitable app-versus-app pissing contest, first decide what you're interested in - not what you want to do (because that may well change as you learn new techniques and potential applications of those techniques), but what interests you.

Houdini is quite different from Max and Maya because of its procedural nature. It's very good at particle and dynamics work, and is common in visual effects. It's also true that Maya skills are still very much in demand for film and television work, and that Max is used extensively in the games industry.

However, don't pin yourself down to a particular package - a lot of people miss the point that software packages are just tools, and that skills and techniques are what's important. Sure, get to know your software, and know it well, but don't think that detailed knowledge of one particular program will restrict you from transferring those skills to other software packages.

[Anderson3250]

Before this thread derails into an inevitable app-versus-app pissing contest, first decide what you're interested in - not what you want to do (because that may well change as you learn new techniques and potential applications of those techniques), but what interests you.

Houdini is quite different from Max and Maya because of its procedural nature. It's very good at particle and dynamics work, and is common in visual effects. It's also true that Maya skills are still very much in demand for film and television work, and that Max is used extensively in the games industry.

However, don't pin yourself down to a particular package - a lot of people miss the point that software packages are just tools, and that skills and techniques are what's important. Sure, get to know your software, and know it well, but don't think that detailed knowledge of one particular program will restrict you from transferring those skills to other software packages.

Very true, versatility is key. I have learned a lot by using Wings 3D and blender, and it has made my step into Maya and Max quite easy. At my current skill level I don't know where im wanting to go with 3D. On one hand I would like to work on movies, shorts, skits, etc and the other-hand I would like to focus on modeling and texturing for games. I Max not really used in movies much and vice versa with Maya?

[rayman22201]

I am just a student, and I got 3ds max because that is what is being taught at the school I am going to. But I watch Maya tutorials all the time and I find that most of the techniques easily transfer. It's just a matter of finding where the buttons are in each program lol. Well, that is a bit of an over exaggeration, it isn't a direct one to one relationship, but most of the important techniques in CG seem to be program independent.

[HughBowen]

Yea I would like to do this before going back to school.But it seems I cant learn if not in a school setting for some reason. I learned Maya fundamentals in a month while in class. Now that im at home for the moment I cant seem to grasp anything else of substance. I have Gnomon Vids,and tons of other stuff it just doesnt stick.I really take a liking to the possibilities of the Maya/Zbrush Pipeline.But dont get why I cant teach myself some stuff.

[danshewan]

I Max not really used in movies much and vice versa with Maya?

Plenty of game developers use Maya. However, it's still the most popular non-proprietary package in feature productions.

I learned Maya fundamentals in a month while in class. Now that im at home for the moment I cant seem to grasp anything else of substance. I have Gnomon Vids,and tons of other stuff it just doesnt stick.I really take a liking to the possibilities of the Maya/Zbrush Pipeline.But dont get why I cant teach myself some stuff.

Well, Maya is such a beast of a program that you should expect it to take a long time to become truly proficient in several aspects of what it can do. I've been using Maya for around three years, and only now am I starting to feel really confident as a generalist.

Self-teaching requires dedication and discipline. It's hard work, and it's lonely, but it can be incredibly rewarding. I'm completely self-taught, and I'm putting together a generalist reel right now prior to moving back to the States in the summer, and it feels great that all my hard work and effort is starting to come together.

Plus, avoiding massive student debts is always a good thing. Another plus of self-teaching is that you can progress at your own pace, focus on the techniques that interest you the most and are the most applicable to what you want to do, and the best thing is that potential employers won't judge you or penalize you for a lack of an official qualification.

[DuttyFoot]

If you scroll down the page and look at the link for each app you will notice they are both used in the same industries. The drop down arrows give a bit of info on each industry. You will not lose anything by learning either one. Once you try out the demo of each app you will decide what you feel more comfortable using and investing the money in.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=13577897&siteID=123112

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=13567410&siteID=123112

[tpalamar]

I am self taught, having started when CG was still thought of as funny. There was nothing out there as far as artistic education in computer graphics. I taught myself softimage (back when it was called softimage) Maya and Max. I did so because that's what the job used. The point being is that you just need to learn 3D. You cant go wrong with any of the packages as long as you can prove you know 3D and you are highly talented. Yes its true some companies will hire you just because you know a certain package or it will improve your chances. However the packages change quickly, and companies rise and fall that you will spend more time chasing "the right software" that you wont learn.

Since you have already been dabbling in numerous packages (which is a great idea) pick the one you like the best and start some projects. Keep in mind as you do these projects that all 3D software is based off the same principals so what you learn can be applied across the board. Understanding 3D is a long process, transferring your skill set to another 3D package is much shorter.

I am a bit envious, those were fun times starting off. Good Luck and have fun!

[Anderson3250]

A big thank you to everyone who replied. Im going to mess with both programs a bit more before I invest in one; honestly cost was a big factor in deciding. Seeing that you can do quite a lot with both programs and the ease of migrating to others as needed; I will pick on personal preference. Thanks again.

[aidenvfx]

I have also gone the self taught route. This has more to do with having a family and a fulltime job so being able to take even 1 year off to go to VFS is out of the question sadly.

As for software I agree with what everyone has said on the forum. I ended up going with Lightwave because of cost and the aggressive competitive upgrade they had that allowed me to buy the software for $500.

With that said my interest lies in particle systems, fluid systems which Lightwave sucks at. So I am in the process of learning Houdini since this is it's core strength and the fact I can get a water mark free learning edition for $100 bucks really made the decision very easy.

One other suggestion I have found extremely helpful in just learning VFX in general and working on real world projects is FXPHD.com. I am not advertising for them only that I have taken several courses through them and they were fantastic. They have some great Maya courses and have VPN software to use while you take many of the courses. I took the Maya intro course and it was very good. I have also bought different books, and a number of videos from Kurv. I would say the best training I have gotten is FXPHD as the training is a good mixture of project based and then they explain the theory behind the process.

[Darkherow]

Hi guys I am just wondering about something, thats in relation to this. Of course being self taught has it benifits and nowadays access to tutorials is everywhere, giving you an easy way to start learning. However learning from tutorials can take a huge amount of time such as with learning a package as Maya and then complete a Reel, my question is would it look badly to an employer if you taken a long time to do this? Also for some it would leave a big gap in their CV's for the time they spent working on their reel.

[GoldenCamel]

Hi guys I am just wondering about something, thats in relation to this. Of course being self taught has it benifits and nowadays access to tutorials is everywhere, giving you an easy way to start learning. However learning from tutorials can take a huge amount of time such as with learning a package as Maya and then complete a Reel, my question is would it look badly to an employer if you taken a long time to do this? Also for some it would leave a big gap in their CV's for the time they spent working on their reel.

As far as I know, your reel rules supreme. If it's good nobody would care about the rest. And yes, self learning can be time consuming. And there's simply no way around it, one suggestion that I got when I started to teach myself was to focus on one category at a time. For instance, start with modeling and keep at it until you're decent, then move on to lighting or something else. Attempting to learn everything at once makes it very frustrating.

[imageen]

well one thing's for sure, the self taught route is the most painful one, it's like fumbling in the dark as you struggle to learn and you have to make lots of mistakes before you really get the concept but that's how you really harden yourself to be good

[grantmoore3d]

I'd also suggest taking some local art courses to supplement your personal CG training. Learning the artistic fundamentals is something I've lacked while teaching myself and am now realizing would have been invaluable had I picked it up years ago... so please don't forget that!

[Krymzon40]

Hey everyone. Right now i'm wondering if I made the right move.

I'm about to get my undergraduate degree in Illustration, and I was accepted into the MFA Computer Art program at SVA. I'm not sure exactly what field I want to get into, whether it be modeling for movies, games, or animation.

Yesterday, the $1000 deposit for SVA was due and I faxed it out and I'm wondering if I should just go the self-taught route instead. I have a good background in drawing, painting and some digital painting. I've been teaching myself Maya and ZBrush for the past couple months and I feel confident in my ability to learn, there are a couple examples on my website http://blog.davidmerrique.com/

Do you think SVA is a good idea or should I continue teaching myself?

[kelvincai]

Since you already have an undergraduate of a related field, I don't think you need to spend more money and time into a master degree, unless you want to be professor or researcher.

I am personally holding a master degree of computer science, but because I wanted to do research and software engineering of computer graphics technologies.

If you goal is to be a modeler and get a job in the studios, the reel is the most important thing you should focus on.

Online tutorials and some Gnomon workshops could teach you the tools. And, just practicing and polishing your reel until you landed a job.

[JYoung]

Aye, unless you want to teach it's really not necessary if you're confident you can learn on your own. Even then, there are quite a few teaching gigs that only require a bachelor's.


The one thing it may help you with is making a decision on what direction you want to head. Unfortunately, that's a pretty heavy investment just to help with a decision, but some people need it.

[tpalamar]

Yeah, if you want to be in an art type field and do not want to get into a serious educational career, a masters degree will be overkill. You cant go wrong with more education but you should contemplate your direction before making that commitment. Your work is solid, now you just need direction.

[DoctorMonkeyFist]

oops wrong thread

[ekunzendorf]

Hey everyone. Right now i'm wondering if I made the right move.

I'm about to get my undergraduate degree in Illustration, and I was accepted into the MFA Computer Art program at SVA. I'm not sure exactly what field I want to get into, whether it be modeling for movies, games, or animation.

Yesterday, the $1000 deposit for SVA was due and I faxed it out and I'm wondering if I should just go the self-taught route instead. I have a good background in drawing, painting and some digital painting. I've been teaching myself Maya and ZBrush for the past couple months and I feel confident in my ability to learn, there are a couple examples on my website http://blog.davidmerrique.com/

Do you think SVA is a good idea or should I continue teaching myself?

Hi Krymzon,

SVA is an excellent idea. Their MFA program was one of the first anywhere, and they are still one of the best. Their classes are taught by professionals from the industry. An MFA will allow you to teach, and coupling your illustration degree with their CA degree is a very good match. And you will be in New York, which will put you in tune with a primary market for computer graphics. You will be among the very best in a fairly competitive and collaborative environment.

If you can afford it, apply yourself and persevere, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Full disclosure: I used to teach for SVA at their short lived Savannah campus in the late 90s, and I got to know some of the folks from New York. Good people!

I wish you luck!

Excelsior!
Eric Kunzendorf

[rakmaya]

If you already have an undergrad, you can definitely go the self learning route. My best friend did his undergrad in fine arts. But all CG (animation) was self taught. So it is doable. But getting a minimum undergraduate degree in some related field could be helpful to get feet wet with some no-name studios. Then again I guess if you have a killer portfolio, nothing else would matter I suppose.

[Krymzon40]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I took most of your advice, a professor's advice and my gut's advice. I'll be skipping SVA (for now at least). One of the reasons i was unsure is that I'm not very impressed by the MFA work on their website (http://mfaca.sva.edu/selected_work_2009) . It seems like I'm already there, or close in terms of modeling skill and I've only been doing it for about 3 months. Here's something I've been working on Dancer (http://blog.davidmerrique.com/dancer-render)

I'll be taking the self-taught route, thank's to the internet, this is very possible.

[MrConterno]

if your going self taught take a looksy at digital tutors, they are really good. I'm not sure how you learn but I hate books I need to see videos and such. But they have a pretty large selection of all kinds of programs and its decently priced. And of course Gnomon DVDs. Figured I'd put in my two bits.

Good luck on your learning :)

[Raptoreagle]

I agree with MrConterno, DT(digital tutors) are a good place to start................after u've gotten all your software and you understand what it is you want to be learning. I started using their materials for a year and i can say i'm pretty good with Maya now.
Like someone already said ..............it could and it WILL get lonely teaching ur'self stuff but if you are focused and dedicated you can master a key area of CG in a year!

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