How do you guys take notes?
polycounter lvl 11
There are so many hotkeys, terms and workflow tricks in the 3D world, it's hard to remember all this information! How do you guys manage to keep track of everything? Personally I've been taking notes from every video I watch or tutorial I read and put them in text files. But now I have hundreds of different text files. I can't find the info I need all the time, haha. Same thing happened with my artist inspiration folder. It grew so big I started sorting them by concept artist, illustrator 3D enviro people, etc, but now I have hundreds in each folder I forget who most of them are. Pretty much gave up keeping track after 1000, so I just have 1 folder of my favorite artworks.
I'm thinking of spending a day to sort the notes better by software, type of art, etc, but I'm curious how other people deal with this information overload.
I'm thinking of spending a day to sort the notes better by software, type of art, etc, but I'm curious how other people deal with this information overload.
Replies
I also have sticky notes plastered around my monitor :P
It also helps if you know that a certain function can be done, you can just google for the answer. Eventually you'll remember it after you do it a bunch.
When programming I do the same thing with sticky notes of language features I want to start using and api features.
I have Boards for Anatomy, 3D Workflow, Tutorials, Drawing Guides, and etc.
I also have a small writing board I use mostly for non-computer stuff like events to attend, bills etc.
I used to use sticky notes on the desktop but I never ended up writing or referring to them. I started taking notes far more often when I began using evernote.
Or post-its.
After that, I got text files. One file is just a master collection of all things about art I keep.
I also have other text files for notes I keep from school.
Here's what I do to avoid having mostly wordy notes or too many of them. I only take down what's the most important. From what I've learned, taking down everything is a waste of time. Some things may just not be important right now and if they are you can always research it later and get a far better understanding of it.
Also, not all the time I need to write down notes. I actually prefer having examples. I recently created a folder where it's nothing but different pictures showcasing perspective. I also made another folder that shows different lighting and shadowing techniques.
If I'm branching out ideas, and exploring new workflow ideas, brainstorming, or coming up with variables that surround a topic ...I'll use Text2mindmap
I take photos of it before I wipe it so I still have all my infos, it is 90x60 cm so not that big. Really handy when your watching tutorials or planning stuff.
That text to mindmap website is so cool though, I've been looking for a decent mind-mapper for such a long time! Awesome.
I use Notezilla. It is a sticky notes app with some advanced organizing features. Good for taking quick notes. New version supports syncing with cloud and access from phone.
You can make an application shortcut out of this link: https://mail.google.com/tasks/ig
I also have an iPhone / iPad app that lets me add items while in meetings.
I have lost a notebook before one of my favorite ones, thing is first thing I do is write my name and address and a rather decent reward if found in the notebook.
Still I never had it returned dunno who thought a notebook full of 3d techniques and a few jokes was worth more than what I offered but who knows maybe it opened doors for them in a way money never could have.