Hello everybody. I've been away from CGCookie a little while, and before starting again I want to tell you people a little bit about myself.
In March 2018 I started CGCookie, and it's been a great time, but there are some things I want te get off my chest before going on.
First: I have a form of autism. In my case this means I am not very good in forming relationships. I have problems with this in personal life, but it also reveals it self in my digital life, like on the forums and the live classes. So it may happen that I start of with a very enthusiastic greeting, but don't know what to say after that anymore. So if you think I react strange sometimes; now you now why :)
I think this autism also makes me learn and work a bit slower then people without autism (I think). This is also I'm always a bit hesitant to do the live classes. I'm afraid I can't keep up. I decided I will keep following the live classes (I love them, and learn a lot from them), but I won't do all the exercises, 'cause I can't combine them with my work and my family responsibilities. But I will try to do some of the exercises, because the feedback is very valuable to me. I also will try to post more personal work in the forums and the gallery.
The second thing I want to get off my chest is that when the question is asked what level I'm at, I don't know what to answer. I've been using Blender for a very long time. Probably longer then most of you. Since somewhere like 2004/2005, or maybe earlier. But learning was so difficult and slow to me that I gave up about 6 years ago. My results where so poor that I thought I would never learn. I started to do some digital painting. Since then I started to understand better about how I could learn better, and learned a bit about composition, color and shading. Then, in my search to find a good site for my learning process I found CGCookie, right at the time I was playing with blender again for the first time since years. And the fire started burning again.
In the next couple of days I will post some of the projects I've been working on the last months. I hope you will like them, and give some critiques. I also want to some or all of my work to the February 26, Live Critiques class.
I hope you people don't mind my little rant. It's just so you know who you're dealing with :)
Hey welcome back to the forum. I and surely others are happy to have you here again. About the learning part don't think that you will or might learn slower then others. Thinking like that cause doubt and doubt is not the best thing to have. I also have a kid in the family who has autism. Along with 2 other pretty difficult situation. But damn got to say it's true what the dokter said. As a little toddler he was amazing smart then. I know there are a lot of other things, but I am sure that if this is what you love to do, you will do just fine. I look forward to see you're works here soon and hopefully in classes too, but remember just do what you want to do :)
ccarrotnl Hi Wilco, welcome back! I've been wondering when we would see you again.
I've never found you reacting strange, so don't worry about it. Always enjoyed our online conversations so far, won't be different now 😊 I understand autism can be a hinder to you in some regards, but I also see it as an asset. As Yukino mentioned, there are some good things about it. Like being smart, and the ability to really focus on what you love and get the most out of it! I've seen this with my best friends brother, great guy who always inspires me with his passion and enthusiasm. I've always thought the same about you during classes.
Also, everyone learns at their own pace. I myself always take a lot of time during courses and such, it's no big deal. Much more important is that you have fun doing it! As for at what stage you're in, there is no need to label it in terms of skill imo. You're at the "enjoying 3D modeling" stage 😉
And about classes (which will be called workshops this year), just enjoy it and do what you can, but no need to stress. It's all about having a good time and learning something, within the time you have available.
So I would say start a Polybook and post your work, I'm happy to provide feedback when I have time. And good to have you back! 😄
@yukinoh1989 @smurfmier1985: Thank you for your warm answers. Your so friendly.
smurfmier1985: It's not only that I might react strangely, sometimes it's more that it takes so much energy to answer (constantly revising my answers) that I sometimes don't react at all, or just very late.
Good idea, that polybook. I might just do that.
ccarrotnl Ah okay, I understand. But still haven't noticed anything strange, also not about reacting late or not at al, so no worries, it's all good 😊
Ha, I'm full of good ideas! 😉😛 looking forward to seeing more of your work again 😄
Hi Wilco, and welcome back =]
We all have cards dealt to us that we have to understand and adapt for our lives. Some are better than others, some worse. What matters is how well you understand yourself and accept it. Once you accept who you are, you can adapt the situations surrounding yourself to better suit yourself. I have a friend with Asperger's, so I understand there are some social cues he misses, which may be a similar situation with you. It's okay to ask for clarification; it's the person who's answering's fault for giving you any hard times.
Don't worry about keeping up with the exercises. It sounds like you're busy, so take them at your own pace. I'm still working on that darn Challenger model from the Vehicle class, so no pressure =] It's rewarding to be able to get it done in the short time frame, but if that doesn't suit your style, then don't sweat it. It'll still be there when you want to do it.
Measuring your skill level is a difficult thing to quantify at first, but maybe with more examples of different levels could help you understand where your skills lie. I wouldn't call you a complete beginner, but maybe transitioning into an intermediate skill level. So, semi-intermediate? Keep practicing every day and your skills will sharpen up in no time. I've found practicing every day has a better consistency on my overall improvement than spurts every few weeks. You got this.
I look forward to your work!
Hello! Welcome back. Everyone has already said much and unfortunately, I don't have much else to add. Looking forward to seeing your projects.
Good luck!
Wilco! So glad you wrote this. There is nothing wrong with going slowly. Believe me, I'm the same way. I can't say
I have a form of autism, but I've been extremely/morbidly shy from a very young age. I've learned to just stand back
and know what I can handle in various situations. An enthusiastic greeting is just fine, it lets us know you're here
and we're glad to see you. One thing you must know, learning never stops, from what I can see, you're doing very well. I too, have not enough time and family/work responsibilites to complete most of the classes/streams. I still attend to get the inspiration from other artists and enjoy the comaraderie of the people here. Even if you just sit and soak it all in, you're participating.. :-)
So, take your time, speak up when you feel comfortable and enjoy this, I for one am happy to get to know you.
Thank you all for your kind replies. It has done me good to get this off my chest. :)