I miss the learning paths that were removed with the transition to the new site. I also noticed that, for a brief moment, they had been converted to a playlist, then gone again.
Ok, here is the question: I have been avoiding following complete courses that tackle all possible 'production' stages at this point, since I don't have the necessary background to intelligently follow them - I need to understand what is being done, more than just copying the instructors' directions blindly for a nice final result that I could not ever replicate again.
So, the question is, as I become more fluent in the art of modeling, and I feel ready to start addressing the next topic, what should be the next logical step to learn? Texture, materials (shaders) or lighting? I want to avoid going for materials then finding out that texture is a prerequisite, and so on.
Learning in order of difficulty, leave nodes (almost) to the very last. Node compositing is tricky and difficult.
For learning node compositing, I keep digital scrapbooks for storing screenshots of node trees plus results. Screenshots act as memory jogger. For scrapping screenshots, I use Google Slides which is free to use.
My studying habit, I keep a study diary & jotter pad (3.5" x 3.5" paper block). In study diary, I jot down mostly video titles, hotkeys, etc. For bookmarks inside Blender books, I use loose thin paper from jotter pad and scribble my notes or observations thereupon.
For every new version of Blender, I always watch beginner tutorials only just to be sure of remembering new hotkeys and picking up new tricks, no matter how many years I have been using Blender. :)
Hey mmarcokoster,
The playlists are available via the Library menu, and they contain the same courses as the previously named Learning Flows.
As well as having the official CG Cookie playlists, you now have the option to create your own playlists, to plan out your Blender journey to suit your needs.
Happy Blending!
