I am trying to now create my own projects shortly after watching a tutorial/course, by making what I find is interesting and challenging.
I've heard that smaller projects but more of them is better for getting better quickly vs larger projects that may take more time.
I would like to hear others thoughts and experiences with what has worked the best for you?
Also screenshot of my WIP space camera probe thing that I started building after going through most of the POTHEAD course, which is currently challenging for me.
Smaller projects work better, because you see returns quicker and don't get discouraged. Also smaller projects have less areas for problems and makes it easier to troubleshoot. Smaller projects also take less time in the planning stage or in some case can even be done without planning. I do recommend going thru the planning stage just so you can learn it and be better at it when you do move to larger projects. Smaller projects also allow you to focus on specific areas. Like in my case modeling and sculpting are my weakest areas. So I'm currently focusing on that. I've never handled the planning stage before, because I usually do rigging, animating, and TD work. So, I started what I thought would be an easy project, but due to poor planning and my lack of modeling skills I've had to start over. Side note: my project would be considered a small-medium project I think.
I'd say smaller is more manageable, but once in a while it's also great to change it up. So lets say for every 10 small ones, you do 1 large one. But if you ask me, when you really really grow exponentially is when control gets taken away from you. We tend not to notice, but we do things at our own pace, going where you feel comfortable with, if you can't do it you move to something else without thinking it very much... but when you're working with a team or for a client or in one of CG Cookie Collabs, and you have challenges that you have to rise up to the occasion, boy oh boy is it a super step up. Collabs are great for that, you can watch the livestreams for the ones that Kent has hosted:
Larger projects tend to never get finished, lots of smaller SESSIONS is ideal in my opinion.