How do I learn CG?!!...Where do I start?!

[Aspiring Visualizer!]

I am currently an Architectural Technologist in Toronto Canada, I have noticed that none of the colleges in Ontario or Canada for that matter, offers this program. Sheridan used to but it has been cancelled indefinitly because of the lack of interest.

I have used AutoCAD for 2D drafting for many years, I have just recently started using it for 3D. I am currently learning how to use Desktop to create 3D models though, because AutoCAD's 3D capabilities remind me of release 13 days!!

My goal is to create highly realistic images, such as many of the images found in this sites gallery.

I am wondering a few things...what training do you have? Did you learn on your own? How long did it take to 'perfect' your images?

Did you learn autocad for eg. to create a basic model / shell building in, then viz/ max for materials & lights, & then photoshop for the scenery and final touches? or is the scenery done in viz/ max as well?

I am noticing that when I am doing my models in CAD right now (rendering in cad too) that I really don't know a whole lot about lighting and shadows!! Did you guys just read up on how to master that? such as with Jeremy Birns 'Digital Lighting & Rendering' book?

Also, there's alot of blocks in these scenes such as plates, chairs, couches etc. do you guys purchase all of these yourselves? because they're soo expensive!

I apologize that this is soo long, but I feel soo confused!! Thanks for your help!!!

[Scott Schroeder]

I went to school for CG. I went to Purdue University and majored in Computer Graphics with specialization in Architectural Viz. This was a 4 year program. I knew nothing of CG before I went. So everything I learned I learned in college.

 

I do all my arch work in Max. The only thing I use AutoCAD for is cleaning up linework to import into Max. Then using that linework to create my works in Max. I do not like importing AutoCAD geometry into Max becuase you will get nasty meshes that can give you grief when rendering.

 

It really depends on your "eye" for CG to determine how long it takes for you to get a good image. Like anything else some people just have a natural ability to create well composed images with the most minimal knowledge. If you have a very extensive art background it should take you no time, however if you do not have an eye for art it may take some time. But do not get frustruated, this is a skill that can easily be learned. If you look at some of the work that is on here they are superb images as far as rendering quality but the setup of the image is suffering. Use of white space, flow of the room, where the lines take yout eye, etc

 

The book "Digital Lighting and Rendering" is a VERY good start to CG work. If you learn the stuff in that book you should have no problems at all creating well balanced CG images. Also books on interior design help to, to give you a knowledge of creating a furniture scheme that has a postive flow to it. Feng Shui (as studid of a concept as somepeople think it is) is a good start to just get the flows of a room down. Also there is a book called "How to Get a Job in Computer Animation" by Ed Harriss. This book is decent, but the list of companies and schools that offer CG is what makes the book worth buying. The companies/schoolsthat are listed are in Europe, US and Canada so you get a really good spread. In just a few seconds of browsing I've already found 6+ schools in Canada, and thats just the companies that start with "A".

 

As far as stuff in images, for the work that I did myself I created any and all geometry myself. While it's easier to just buy stock meshes, knowing the extra modeling skills just helps. Sometimes I would download a free model form 3dcafe.com and modify it to what I would want. IE, taking a standard couch and flaring out its sides, adding more pillows and adding a better texture to it.

 

The real key to this is just playing with the software. Create a small room and have one box in there. Play with the different lighting setups in max/viz. Just toy around with the software, its one of the better ways to learn. The help files that are included also provide decent help. Books on Max/Viz can be sketchy as far as content so if you are going to buy one you need to research it as to your needs. Some books can be geared towards advance users while others are geared towards extremely novice users. I'v heard the 3ds Max 6 Bible is a decent book, though I haven't had a chance to really explore the book.

 

Hope this somewhat helps.

[Frosty]

That is all wonderful advice. If you really want one on one tutoring tho, it is available in your area through http://www.zolos.com. I'm not sure that you can get 3DSMax training though. I have taught for them for a few yares and their specialty is FormZ.