Heya,
So to get this ball rolling, I thought I'd ask here incase there was anyone else in a sorta similar place.
I, much like many others, am someone who has recently taken an interest in computer graphics and 3d design - I'm curious and serious enough to have purchased a year long CGCookie membership with the interest of wanting to perhaps find a new pair of shoes in a CG career (I've a friend who works for Weta, and seeing what he does is what most likely helped sparked this interest).
As of right now, I have no idea what specific area I'm interested in pursuing, so I'm following many of the fundamentals courses to get a taste of different pies.
Perrrrrr the question title, I've been asked by my partner and family for ideas for christmas gifts (and also my birthday which is coming up too heh).
I was wondering, does anyone have any suggestions for gift ideas that could be useful, or inspiring, or fun, or heck - even bonkers - for someone who is fresh to A) using blender, and B) CG/3D design in general?
Perhaps things like, concept art books from movies or video games (I know those are personal taste, but are there any stellar books out there that are must-haves?), or how-to books (eg: books on animation principals, lighting, colours etc etc. Perhaps books on the big name design studios in the industry), bits of tech to help w blender-ing (I bought a neat lil' wacom recently, but are there other products that could be useful?), or subscriptions to additonal software.
Y'know, things that will help with learning as well as excitement, inspiration, and motivation.
This is far as my ideas are able to reach being fresh to this realm, but I'm hoping any savvy and experienced people might be able to help with suggestions?
General ideas are superb, but specific products or even URL's would earn a handful of gold stars!
Cheers!
Is the budget infinite? How about a super expensive computer with a killer graphics card that will allow you to make renders super fast? If not ok, but keep that one in mind.
You have a friend that works on Weta? You from New Zealand? Weta is like one of those studios people always want to join. It would be cool if you knew what area of 3D you are interested in, that way an Addon like Retopoflow could be a great gift, if you knew you love sculpting characters for example. Knowing which area can open up a bunch of addons gifts.
Maybe a subscription to the Blender Cloud to have access to all the Blender Animation Studio stuff from people in Amsterdam working on their open movies. They have good tutorials and you get access to all the movie files and their production pipeline.
Maybe a 3D Printer? It's cool to learn how to model and then being able to print your creations.
If you've no background in design or a related design degree then do something that will generally help develop those skills.
I think the 3D printer is a good idea. It's a special moment to see something you made on the computer exist in the real, physical world. Here's an article: https://uk.pcmag.com/inkjet-printers/127959/the-best-cheap-3d-printers-for-2020
If your a complete noob, trying out 3D for the first time...
I would not suggest a 3d printer or a subscription to any additional software like substance painter or photoshop.
There are free alternatives, like Quixel and Krita.
And it will probably be sometime before you have a model ready for 3d printing.
I would however suggest educational material.
You have a CGCookie subscription, right?
So, you will learn everything about Blender and 3d modeling, texturing, animation, etc., etc. right here.
I used to do a lot of photography, and understanding how a camera works, good lighting and even color theory will help you produce awesome renders to add to a portfolio.
Have a read of this article I wrote improving-your-blender-3d-renders-tips-and-tricks
We see loads of awesome models, but the final render is often disappointing, the article is full of tips and tricks. Things usually left out of tutorials.
So, photography books, color theory, things like this will be useful.
If you need hardware, a second monitor, for me is essential, even when learning, to have the video lesson on one screen and Blender on the other can eliminate a lot of frustration.
A good mouse and/or tablet and pen, noise cancelling over ear headphones, a comfortable chair and a good desk.
Once you have more knowledge of Blender and 3d in general, you will know exactly what you want for Christmas.
You better get yourself a pen and paper first, I see a long wish list being written to Santa. 🎅
And be good!