#Advice to student
4 messages in this thread
I am a college freshman at Harvard, out here on the East Coast.
I have always had a vivid fascination for both computers and special
effects, so 3D animation seemed a logical field to get into. I work for my
school's computer magizine, and so was able to obtain a copy of 3dS to
review, and in doing so became amazed at the possibilities. I have several
questions I hope you guys can answer.
1) What is a "resonable" system. I have a 386/33 with a math coprocessor,
and only 4mb of ram. I know I have to upgrade, but to how much? Also,
I have a 120 mb hard drive.
2) I'm currently trying very hard to find a job this summer working in the
visual effects field, ideally programming graphic workstations. I've been
told I should learn Alias and Wavefront. Any ideas how I can learn these to
get the experience, considering my school doesn't have a state of the art
graphics facility?
3) Does anyone know of any summer internships (paid/unpaid) in either NY
(where I live) or California (where I'd like to spend my summer?
4) Finally, does anyone have any advice/stories about how you got into the
animation field? Reading through the letters, I get excited about the
prospects. Thanks in advance for any help!!!
Dear James,
I don't think Alias or Wavefront run on a PC and are very expensive so I
suggest forgetting them entirely. Instead, you'll get similar or better
results using 3d Studio AND it runs very nicely on a 486. If you want to do
any decent sized animation you will have to get more memory, I suggest 16Mb
to start with and make sure your motherboard can accept more! (I could tell
you a story…)
I know of a post-production company in the south L.A.,CA area where the
owner teachs graphics etc. (Cubicomp) and he might be amenable to some kind
of arrangement. He also has a 3d studio system hooked up to video editting
equipment. Plus, it's only 5 miles to Newport Beach, yes! If you're
interested I'll E-mail his number.
To get into animation learn one package thoroughly, do the tutorials,
experiment etc. Come up with some representative stuff, e.g. mechanical,
architectural, flying logos, some character animation etc., then most
important thing, MAKE A TAPE (aka demo reel). You won't get far without
one.
Good luck!
Thanks… How do you transfer stuff to tape? As I understand it, you need a
VCR which can be controlled fram by frame by the computer, right? I can't
afford that kind of sophistication though.
:
You're right. You transfer to tape by outputting an image through a
framebuffer (like a TARGA+ type board) and using a frame accurate VTR (not
VCR) controller.
You don't have to be able to afford it, that's why I form alliances with
people who have that equipment. I suggest finding a benevolent
post-production facility who would let you "practice" on their video
equipment, in exchange, you might do some graphics for them.
In this economy "barter" seems to be the way to go. I made my entire demo
tape with bartered laying to tape, edit time and voice-over. In exchange, I
did some logos. No money changed hands.