How can we become expert?

[M_sh]

As you know 3d arts have many branches such as modeling, lighting,rendering and etc. We might become skillful in some aspects, but if we want to become expert in all these aspects we will have various long ways.
What is the best way for fully learning 3ds max?
Is 3ds max user reference good for being skillful in all 3d aspects?
If you are expert, tell us your methods of learning.

[andoy]

yes use the max references for a start then it's just practice practice practice.
a lot of reading up on various techniques and more practice.
Some people are lucky enough to be surrounded by very good artists who can give them advice and help, but for the most of us it's a matter of visiting forums like this reading and asking questions then trying to put the theory learned into our modelling.
No easy way around it i'm afraid just lots of hours spent on the machine..

[M_sh]

yes use the max references for a start then it's just practice practice practice.
a lot of reading up on various techniques and more practice.
Some people are lucky enough to be surrounded by very good artists who can give them advice and help, but for the most of us it's a matter of visiting forums like this reading and asking questions then trying to put the theory learned into our modelling.
No easy way around it i'm afraid just lots of hours spent on the machine..

Thank you Andoy very much.

[JHarford]

as anything else in life, trial error , go through tutorials set yourself projects and overcome the obstacles, you will never 'master' everything about it and probably shouldnt bother to try as you will end up loosing out in the long run.
stop worrying about being great at max in a short time and learn the program for the output.

[andoy]

also visit the weekly speed modelling thread here at 3d total, you can learn a lot from here and get help from most people who participate every week.
also it will give you a weekly project to work on, which is a really great help in the learning curve.