Beginner - A lot of questions

escudero

Hello!

So, my name is Luis, i`m from Brazil. I started my college last week, i`m doing Game Art (my passion) and my area of focus is VFX (Effects for games) and modeling/sculpting (I received zBrush from the school). A asked a lot of people and most of them told me that if i`m focusing in Modeling and effects, my sketch (draw) ability is basic to create 2d models to do the 3d right after.

I`m a little bit confused in what to do actually, I have to learn a lot of stuffs but I don't know how to start it.

. It world be better if I start with drawing technics poses and anatomy) but focus more on zBrush?
. For VFX in general I`ve After Effects and The Foundry Nuke X, which do you guys recommend?
. being VFX and 3D Modeling my area of focus, which kind of draw do you recommend?
. It`s better I use my Wacom tablet to model on zBrush or mouse?
. Do you know any good zBrush tutorials? from beginning to advance.
. Pick up some random 2D concepts and do the 3D model is a good exercise to learn?

Thank you guys, if you have any Tips please let me know!
Escudero

Eric Chadwick

Drawing is an important skill for every artist. I know a few quite a few game artists who cannot draw, but it is always better to know how. Drawing influences all the other art skills, especially sculpting in Zbrush. But also texturing.

We have many resources and tutorials here on our wiki. http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Tutorials#Polycount_Wiki_Tutorials

VFX in games usually means particles, so you'll want to learn about those. After Effects and Nuke are great, but those are used more for videos and movies. Some info here:
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Special_Effects

escudero

Thanks!

escudero

Somebody else?

DireWolf

- Yea drawing is always good. Especially if you want to go the Zbrush route.

- If you want to work in big studio making films, go for Nuke. After Effects can create amazing stuff but to me more suitable in a small team or solo projects due to it's cheaper subscription.


. being VFX and 3D Modeling my area of focus, which kind of draw do you recommend?
- I'm sorry I don't understand your question.

. It`s better I use my Wacom tablet to model on zBrush or mouse?
- Wacom. Pick a cheap Bamboo Pen, it's around $100.

. Do you know any good zBrush tutorials? from beginning to advance.
- Visit the Gumroad thread. There are tons of cheap Zbrush course there. Highly recommend Grassetti's design & anatomy package.

. Pick up some random 2D concepts and do the 3D model is a good exercise to learn?
- Yes. Keep working and create as many things as you can. Get your 10,000 hours above all else.

escudero

Thank you Dire!

escudero

I bought one zBrush tutorial at this site. Someone else?

MisterSande

hey Luis, Here are some sites that helped me propel my artistic abilities:

www.newmastersacademy.org,
for everything related to art fundamentals (drawing, perspective, design etc.)

www.uartsy.com,
This site started out as a Zbrush tutorial site but has developed into one of the best art course sites there is. There are literally a ton of good zbrush classes to take or workshops to buy which will help you tremendously if you are just starting out.

www.3dmotive.com,
very affordable and easy to follow 3D art tutorials.

HGC125

Hello, I recommend digitaltutors.com they have a bunch of stuff in VXF and modelling/sculpting
I guess that a Wacom will make your work easier and more precise, but I still didn't have the chance to experience a Wacom
regards

AdvisableRobin

I say this a lot, the biggest thing you need to learn is how to teach yourself. With a lot of schools teaching game art they are normally behind on industry standards or only teach the fundamentals. You'll never stop learning, especially in the game industry when technology changes so quickly and software, workflows and even jobs can drastically change in a few short years.

So learn to teach yourself through tutorials, online seminars, online classes and Google searching.