I always try to do my own task in order to actually learn something. And I believe there is no learning in "paint by numbers" when you follow the tutor and don't ask yourself questions like "What tool should I use" or "How to solve this problem" and "How to approach that part". It's kinda dull.
So do I really have to sculp the same exact shark to get that course done? There tons of them already.
Here is my submission:
https://cgcookie.com/exercise_submissions/21812
I made it for my friend who dives with actual sharks, what's wrong about it? Or is that approving script simply buggy?
I completely agree with your application of learning. In fact I often encourage it in my videos. While I think this is the best way to establish lasting knowledge, not everyone prefers it. Especially for new users who often lack the confidence to do their own projects. Early on it's common to need a bit of hand-holding until the confidence is built up.
Also with exercises that are designed to be systematic and objectively graded as much as possible, it helps to have a standardized goal with specific guidelines. If this exercises was "sculpt anything you want" then the grading would be the wild west, degrading its value. Also we'd only ever need to have one sculpting exercise because that would encompass all possible topics.
For artists like yourself exercises could be irrelevant, being based on specific guidelines. Instead of submitting your realistic shark to the exercise, I recommend submitting to the gallery and linking to the course to make the connection.
In the end the ultimate goal is that you're learning regardless of if you're passing exercises or not. Clearly you've learned how to sculpt well because your shark looks great! As lame as it probably seems to you, it technically doesn't meet the exercise requirements. Don't mistake that for a negative reflection of your work.
Wow that attention to detail is amazing man, while I have to agree with Kent’s comment I think you nailed the sculpt otherwise!
Kent is a big enthusiast for realistic sculpts. If this was a course on realism I am sure you would have passed with flying colors.
I think your thoughts and opening comments are totally valid. If your skill is better than the average blendhead then veer off into the woods a little and make your own style WHILE also sticking to the theme.
One thing I can say is Kent is consistent with his grading. I watched him give one blender artist a C+ on a live stream for spreading his wings of creativity into an area he was weak in and it was not really part of the series theme at all. But he was also kind and gave constructive feedback even though it was not part of the criteria. That person stuck with that theme the entire course regardless and completed it and Kent guided him regardless. That is a great instructor!
Some previous complaints on this site were everyone receiving a passing score regardless of skill shown on the submissions. I think that has recently changed due to the constructive feedback given. The grading has seemed to be a little harder/more on target than I remember in previous years.
blanchsb Thanks s million for that kind reply, Shawn. I am definitely going to sculp that shark and finish that course properly (loose ends always bug me). But I'll add some details to it for sure) hope all will be good.
I agree that total "ok" is wrong and gives an illusion of progress. A bit of frustration seems fine, you should earn your way in)