#Improving LW skills?
6 messages in this thread
I've been able to use a Toaster for quite some time now, and I'm
interested in getting better in LW. The manual and tutorials I have are NOT
very good, and I've absorbed pretty much everything I could from them. My
question is, what next? I need someone to show me where to go from here, or
maybe a book or two. I've taken all I know from the manuals, but I can't
really put that knowledge into creating a really cool animation…
I watch Babylon 5 and SeaQuest, and the effects just seem like
light-years out of my grasp. Is it just tons of experience that enables you to
create such incredible animations? The documentation I have would help for a
flying logo, but not much beyond that. I've taped and watched all of these
professional animations, and I simply don't know where to start to try to
achieve stuff like that.
From the articles I've read, it seems that one of these animation
masters just sits down for a while and out comes a beautiful spaceship, or
whatever. Most materials on LW have concentrated on "wimpy" stuff, like logos.
Is there a source I can learn from here? My main obstacle is modeling.
Advanced features like spline patches are not well documented at all. What
does it take to create wonderful models and animations like the pros? I would
appreciate any help. Thanks!
–Daniel Maas
Danial,
If you want to learn LightWave the first thing you want to do is get a
subscription to LightWave Pro. It's published by the makers of VTUser and
while it's a bit pricy it's well worth the price. VTUser also has the
occasional LightWave article. Another good source of information are the
Tutorial tapes by Lee Stranahan. Finally, once you've learned all you can
from tapes and available magazines consider a tutor. I've been doing
Imagine and LightWave tutorials for a while and I've found that most
people HATE paying for my time. At least until I spend 5 minutes to teach
them how to use an effect they've spent the last month trying to figure
out. One hour a month with a good tutor will answer a lot of the questions
you'll have.
Of course if you've got a life outside your computer you'll probably never
be REALLY good at 3D. ;^)
Jeff H…
Lee Stranahans tapes are an excellent way to start getting knee deep in LW.
You can call them at 1-800-377-1039 and ask for the Desktop Images
Instructional Video Tapes. Oh, and you MUST subscribe to LW Pro.
Adib
I'd say you were describing the basic premise behind LightWave Pro…going
from basic to intermediate to advanced/professional LightWave use. AVID
publications can be reached at 408-774-6770 for subscription information.
Grant Boucher – Amblin Imaging
"It's hard to believe grown-ups do this for a living."
Subscribe to LWPro, Video Toaster User ad get some of Lee Stranahans LW
Video Tapes. And Ask ALOT of questions here. BTW several Seaquest
animators are here in this forum….hint hint
Hey, All the books you need come in the form of the scenes shipped with the
machine. Yea, there are little tricks, but I believe you'll go further if you
try to tear apart what others have done!
Tapes..Tapes..Tapes… If you can find the Alpha Video John Gross tapes, you'll
like 'em…even though they're 2.0! Also, Check out Lee's tapes!
GM