Ok, trying to start off GOOD this time..

[samchestido]

hello,

i'm a newbie. But i feel like i shouldn't be. I started with 3d almost 5 times now, and stopped after a few months because nothing i tried worked out. i even can't figure out how to make a decent plate yet!

now this time, i want to start properly. do simple stuff first. do it the hard way.

maybe some of you guys think "you don't learn 3d overnight." and i agree. but first of all, i'm a bit impatient (got it from my dad ). i now know that i just have to be patient. and second, i see guys here that model marvelous things after 3 months in 3d!

the only thing that ever worked out nice was a robot leg, and that almost only consisted of primitives.

so where should i start? i know most people say that i first have to be good at drawing, but where to start drawing? i mean, if i keep doing it then i still won't be good, since i have no idea.

i hope i make some sense... and please, don't think that i'm not serious about this, because i am, i always have wanted to do this for a living.

[3dmonkey]

my advice is to go through a bunch of tutorials step by step starting with the most basic ones you can find. if something doesn't turn out like it should, then try again. its really hard not to get frustrated sometimes, but you really have to stick with it to break and ground and learn things.

[Mr. Bluesummers-3DT]

Quick Reply
What sort of programs are you using? I started with Bryce, and though it's laughable now, it's a great place to get going. The interface was so simple that I could do it in my sleep after a week. After that, it bridges over into creativity very quickly and lets you start working on what you want with relative ease. If you're going from zero Maya or something, I can understand where the frustration comes from. In such a case, you have to learn the interface, the technology, and the artistic theory all at the same time. I'd be burnt out way faster than three months.

My advice is to start simple and try to take things one step at a time. Download some learning/trial editions of software to get a feel for the interfaces. Take it slow, and do tutorials like 3dMonkey mentioned. Don't hestitate to be bold with the interface and push all the buttons. It's not a rocket- it won't explode...usually.

Good luck,

[samchestido]

you know what the funny thing is, i kind of know my way around max. but when it gets to modeling and actually do stuff, it's really hard for me. i know how to make a cube and all, even made the alien after the 3d buzz tutorial. but when as an example i try any of the 3d palace things (the cars and stuff) i have to start over after 5 minutes because i lost track of what he said or i just didn't look good enough or something...

[DustinB]

Having to be able to draw couldn't be farther from the truth. I couldn't even draw a stick figure properly to save my life and yet I can model pretty good. I would just go through some very simple step by step tutorials. Get to really know your tools and what they do. Yes you do have to have patience. That was the first thing my animation teacher in college said. Anything in 3d that is worth anything takes a VERY long time. Just keep trying to model basic things til you learn the software properly. Model as many things as you can. You will learn something new every time.

[Mr. Bluesummers-3DT]

DustinB really got it there. The truth is, that drawing is helpful- but not all important. It's nice to be able to sketch out your ideas before jumping in and modeling, but it's not vital. I can't draw seriously to save my life, though I can hammer out basic figures to help me remember inspiration when it strikes.

One of the most important things I was taught when starting out was that you will create a million images between now and when you're any good at 3d. The important thing is to keep going, or you'll never reach the end. That is to say- start a new project every few days, and don't get bogged down on one thing. Likewise, don't cruise through three ideas in one day, or you'll be wasted and frustrated at the end. Just feel your way through and taste each project as it's completing itself to see it's potential. If it's crashing, work for five more minutes, and then start something new. I've got a folder in my 3DSM6 file that has about two gigs of trashy old geometry, scenes, and Bryce files shuffled in. That's not counting the stuff that gets deleted now and then.

Keep on working on it, and suddenly you'll realize it's getting easier. I also recommend the Joan of Arc tutorial on 3dtotal.com. I got a kick out of learning good organic modeling techniques there, though the translation's a bit difficult at times.

[Phynius Gauge]

Well, I don't know if this'll work for everyone, but it certainly worked for me:

First, read all about edgeloops and topology. Then do the Joan of Arc tutorial. Follow every step, and copy the mesh as closely as possible. Then, read about edgeloops again, and it'll all come full circle. After I completed those three steps my skills increased drastically.

Don't worry about being creative while you're coming to grips with a program. Just do tutorials. They'll give you all the means you need, and once you feel you've mastered those means, then you don't need to worry about the technical side and can focus on your creativity.

In an analogous sense, it's kind of like learning to drive. At first you put all of your focus into the physical side, such as the pressure you need to apply to the gas pedal in order to make the car go speed x. Once you've mastered the how of driving, you can focus all of your attention on just driving...if that makes sense :P