Getting into LW step 1?
 

Hi Just thought I'd introduce myself.

I'm an XSI user that normally hangs around 3D-Palace.

Thing is I'm soon to start a course involving 3D and they use LW.

Just wondered if anyone would like to recommend any "must have" first tuts for starting out in LW?


Thanks in advance.

First off Spludge, welcome to the forum and to LightWave!!! :beer:

The best tutes to start with, IMHO, are the free tutes on this site. Can't go wrong with free! Also, they will get you used to the interface and 3D concepts in general.

After the freebies and some basic concepts and practice, I recommend the McLaren tutorial on this site. It keeps mostly to ten or so basic tools (with which you can create just about anything), it's long so you get LOTS of practice, and it's probably the best bang-for-the-buck tute out there. It covers modeling, texturing, UV's, lighting, rendering, the whole works. Of course no tute will teach you everything (the McLaren doesn't go into animation or deformation), but after the McLaren you'll be comfortable attacking any project.

Here's my McLaren

Again, welcome and happy LWing!!!

^^^ As he said. Also, find out which version of LW you'll be using and get Dan Ablan's 'Inside LightWave' book for that version -- it's what the manual should have been (and no, I'm not associated with Dan in any way - it's just that he's a great author).

I would aree with Mark the "Inside Lightwave" series is a fantastic starting place. If you are using version 7 of lightwave or if you've changed the keyboard shortcuts to Lightwave version 7 stylee, then this document could prove useful:

http://www.xsibase.com/users/Lightwa...20shortcuts%22

The other thing you have to be aware of is that Lightwave has two separate packages, one for modelling one for the positioning and rendering side of things which is something a little different to XSI.

Since you already have had some experience in 3D modelling, it shouldn't be too hard for you to get running. Is there any particular aspect you need a tutorial on?

Here is a good starting point:
http://members.shaw.ca/lightwavetuto.../Main_Menu.htm

Also if you are completely new and are just learning the interface, try here:

http://www.simplylightwave.com/movie...mhtml?tut_id=8

Hey thanks People!

All links bookmarked and ready to go.

I'm going to check out the Dan Ablan book cos I like to be able to study when I'm not at the PC.

Modelling, animation, lighting and texturing. The lot! (I don't know if LW has simulation). I'm a bit of a stickler about lighting. IMO many 3Ders don't give it enough importance.

Mainly doing man-made items which is what the course is about. I'll stick with XSI/Zbrush for character/organic work.

Nice MacLaren TowerFan!

Thanks again guys.

No Problem Spludge. This isn't the busiest forum out there but it's my favorite and the regulars here are great folks. Always helpful.

I agree on the lighting not getting enough attention. Here's the best lighting tute I've ever seen. It's cheap and very in-depth. Improved my renders ten-fold.

http://www.kurvstudios.com/lightwave...n_lighting.php

Hi Spludge,

I know how you feel. It really is a lot to learn isn't it ?!

The free tutorials are really great to start of with. The ones you have to buy also but try to think what you want to focus on. I dit most of the free tutorials and than I did the caveman modeling, texturing and rigging (the animation part is still waiting for me ... ;) ).

The book of Dan Ablan was a great help for me.

On texturing I got great help of the book http://www.amazon.com/LightWave-Texturing-Wordware-Graphics-Library/dp/1556222858
It gives a really good overview and it is really handy to look things up so one can really learn to understand how things work in LW

btw welcom !

jocco

Well here's the show so far.

I'm working my way through the Dan Ablan book at the moment and finding LW is pretty cool. Here's something I did meanwhile using Dogbite's timelapse video on Kurvstudios.


Self portrait in Lightwave using edge extrusion style.


http://www.pjpti.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/me.mov

Excellent work on the self portrait. You seem to have gotten to grips with the toolset fairly quickly at least. :)