The Life and Times of A Newb :0)

#1 Good luck!

I'm not a modeller either, but I just spent the last three months learning to model as well. My only advice is..

patience. LOTS of patience.. :)

#2 Check out Game Institute's course for 3DMax. I'm currently enrolled in it, and I think it's great. It's a bit pricey (about $250 + another $100 or so for a student copy of 3D Studio Max). The learning curve for modeling is unbelievably steep, but this course really shows you a great path to "climb the mountain on".

They actually offer 3 courses (which makes it even pricier) but all three are worth it (I haven't actually taken the third one yet, just the first two). The first course basically shows you how to "box model" using 3D Max. It focuses on building a tank for the big class project, but the skills learned will apply to almost everything you do in Max from now on. The second course is more focused on making a more "professional/clean" model and organic modeling. The third course is on modeling/rigging/animating characters. It's AWESOME stuff! If you're like me, you'll spend big money buying 3D Max books trying to learn to do it, and make little progress. Rather than that, I would suggest just taking these courses and actually learning how to do it. Their classes are mainly focused on preparing you to get a job in the game industry. And if 3D Max and Maya are just not financially possible for you (I think the student version license is only for one year), the skills you learn from this course will make modeling in any program make a WHOLE lot more sense.


http://www.gameinstitute.com/3DStudio_Max_for_Games_Module_1.html

#3 Thanks, Beck :0) I actually purchased many books and I must say I have developed some skills... I will pass on the classes for now at least.

Any idea how to post pics?

#4 I agree Devon, it has required lots of patience. A few times I wanted to toss this PC and Software out into the street, burn it and then run over it with my car.

#5 Model 01: Finished and ready to be skinned by a professional:

#6 Close Up

#7 I didn't know optimization was such a big deal until now, he is fully optimized and rigged. I even created animations for him and put him in the TGE. Swweeeet. My next project will be a bit more advanced, for my next act I will attempt to create a polysoup race track .... Wish me luck!

#8 Note to self:

This poly track isn't going so well :0(

#9 Well I put the poly track on hold for a while, actually until later this year. I am building up my portfolio with cool stuff and hope to have it done soon.

Wish me luck!