Looking for some GOOD training...

[RyanSpaulding]

Hey guys,

 

So, I'm tired of not improving my skillset much anymore...and I'm looking for some good 3DStudio training...preferably on DVD/CD (I'm a visual learner...so books dont usually help me too much)...how are the Digital-Tutors/ Lynda.Com/ Total Training series?

 

I need front to back training...from basic to eventualy advanced.

 

Anyone have any experience with the above or care to push me towards something else? Thanks in advance. I'll be purchasing this with my own cash so I just want to make sure I get good training.

[Jeff Mottle]

http://cgarchitect.vismasters.com/static/training/

[RyanSpaulding]

That's a possibility...are these sessions recorded for download by chance? I find I often go back to a training DVD multiple times or I lose all the info...

[Jeff Mottle]

That's a possibility...are these sessions recorded for download by chance? I find I often go back to a training DVD multiple times or I lose all the info...

 

The 3ds max classes in this case are live only and do not have any recorded materials.

[JamesTaylor]

you could set up some screen capture software to refer back to in the future, unless less that infringes vismasters copyright - jeff??

[Jeff Mottle]

you could set up some screen capture software to refer back to in the future, unless less that infringes vismasters copyright - jeff??

 

 

Yes recording any of the training live or recorded is not allowed by our license agreement.

[SandmanNinja]

I got a lot out of the tutorials at lynda.com

 

www.3d-palace.com has a lot of free tutorials.

 

Also, www.kristopherlee.com has a free interior modeling tutorial and is working on a 2 DVD commercial set as we speak. It sounds VERY good and I intend to get it the second he says it's ready for release.

 

Cheers

[Koper]

yup, training is always a very good idea.

 

but i do have a concern with how the training is done (not that i have done it myself, but what i read from other posts), people are thought, showed how to, and explained the setting, of how to make a good render. (and this is all very important). but since i have started my new job i have come to realise that there is another big aspect for very good realistic renderings thats not really covered in the training sessions, and that is good propping (objects)

 

Jeff, on the online banners for the online training you show an extremely good render, but do you include those props (tables, chairs, light fixtures, textures .., .. and so on) for the trainee to use and maybe after training to own.

 

Ryan, training is extremely important, but since you are prepared to spend some money, also think about getting propper props, then you'll see how fast you improve

[SandmanNinja]

yup, training is always a very good idea.

 

but i do have a concern with how the training is done (not that i have done it myself, but what i read from other posts), people are thought, showed how to, and explained the setting, of how to make a good render. (and this is all very important). but since i have started my new job i have come to realise that there is another big aspect for very good realistic renderings thats not really covered in the training sessions, and that is good propping (objects)

 

Jeff, on the online banners for the online training you show an extremely good render, but do you include those props (tables, chairs, light fixtures, textures .., .. and so on) for the trainee to use and maybe after training to own.

 

Ryan, training is extremely important, but since you are prepared to spend some money, also think about getting propper props, then you'll see how fast you improve

 

I couldn't agree with you more, Koper.

 

The BEST houses I photograph are brand new Display Homes from top quality home builders. Why? They usually work some sort of deal with local shops to furnish the interior with NICE furniture, knick knacks, etc and have an interior decorator put it all together. Little things in the kitchen (knife block/holder, tea kettle, dish towel, glasses on the kitchen bench, cookbooks propped open, racks of spices, perhaps some fancy cookware hanging from holders or dangling from the ceiling (it sounds bad, but looks nice - I can't describe it properly)).

 

The WORST houses are the ones that are completely empty. The house can be beautiful and clean, but if there is no 'stuff' in it, it looks bare. It also can't convey the scale properly because there is nothing to compate the size of the space ... to. It may be a big room, but if all you see are 4 walls, a window and a door to the rest of the house, then how can the mind TELL how big the room really is? It can't. And with a computer render, it comes off as looking 'fake'. With a photograph, it just looks 'wrong'.

 

Not trying to plug Kristopher's DVD tutorial too much, but he covers modeling furniture as well as doing the room, the walls, trim, power points and light switches, etc. Attention to detail is the key to making a render look real.

[dinhtuan]

Some free tutorials here: http://vrayvn.blogspot.com/ .This's my blog for Vietnamese. You can't understand Vietnamese but there are some screen capture. The speed are fast to keep it low Mb

Cheers

[RyanSpaulding]

I'm more looking for general 3dStudio use...like tools, modifiers, how to use the software better...I'll get to the rendering part but it's not my #1 priority. I need to know how to use Max better

 

I'll look into Brian's training at a later date...I need to get better aquainted with the basics and then I'll know what to ask and be able to take advantage of the Q&A setup.

 

Until then though...looking at the Lynda.Com series.

[SandmanNinja]

I have the 3D buzz fundamentals set and can whole-heartedly endorse it. US$99+shipping, it covers everything.

 

there is a series of short video tutorials called (something like) Max101. I downloaded all of them and they are fairly short and they show a specific thing.

 

I can't find the site now, but I'll post the link when i get off work.

[Tommy L]

Ryan, maybe look at the way you work? I recently bought a Belkin Nostromo N52. Its slowing me down right now, but I think it will really pay in the long run. Its making me re-think the keys I use, which in turn makes me think about why I use them.

[JamesTaylor]

Ted boardman's blog has some good basic tuts in the context of arch vis. check out http://www.tbmax.net well worth watching.

[RyanSpaulding]

Hey everyone,

 

Thanks for the responses...I'm deciding between 3DBuzz and Lynda.Com right now. I hear good things about the Lynda.Com stuff, but I've never used it. Again, thanks everyone. Now I just have to choose and run with it.