[awilson]

Hi,I'm new to Lightwave and new to 3D modelling too - I'm excited by the possibilities of being able to transform my ideas into visually-realised models using a program such as Lightwave,which I like as its layout seems very intuitive and logical to me.
My question is really a general one and concerns the approach to learning what seems a vast subject - seeing as there are obviously many experienced 3d modellers here I'm sure you can give me some very helpful advice.
I'm wondering how many people here began learning Lightwave (or 3d modelling in general) starting with modelling very basic items before venturing any further?Is it absolutely necessary to start this way?
I ask because the very first model I ever attempted was a tutorial of an interior of a mansion with staircase and two floors.I was amazed that I finished it easily with very few problems.This led me to think that 3d modelling was really quite simple if approached simply and mainly a case of carrying out the various modelling operations in the correct manner and so one wouldn't go wrong.
I recently purchased the Stratocaster tutorial and have got stuck at a very early stage and so have been reading various manuals,tutorials etc to try and deepen my knowledge.
Whilst such books are invaluable with highly detailed information I've yet to come across any book which actually helps with defining the best approach towards developing one's skills in,I guess a logical way or at least the most practical way so as to effectively acquire the necessary knowledge to get to advanced level modelling.They all seem to take the approach of exploring the program and how its various operations are carried out,but this seem to present a multitude of complex knowledge to the person just starting out without really helping in showing the best route to take to actually learn the program,or am I missing something simple?
Do the modellers here with many years experience still struggle with problems from time to time?Can you recommend any books which you feel might best help in dealing with this aspect of things,with regard to Lightwave specifically.Sorry this is such a long post.

[Mark]

Really, it all comes down to knowing your toolset. Read the manuals that come with your software (dull as they might be), and also make sure you get hold of Dan Ablan's "Inside Lightwave [X]" book as this is the single best supplement to the manuals out there.

After that, it's a case of keep practicing, and when you get stuck trying to do something, hit the web, hit the books and keep trying different approaches until you manage to sort something - then keep that weapon in your arsenal for next time...

[awilson]

Thanks for the reply - in retrospect I realise my question was prompted by an excess of frustration and temporary blindness to the obvious but I appreciate your reply nonetheless - it's always good to have positive encouragement.
thanks
Arthur Wilson

[rwhunt99]

Hi, I just want to let you know you are never alone. You mentioned you got stuck in the Stratocaster tute, you can get plenty of help here especially on any of the tutes. Yes modelling can be very frustrating but also very rewarding. keep playing with the tuorials on newteks site, I personally like a video tutorial better because I can see everything as opposed to just a few screenshots. I am learning every day myself and have a long way to go. I belong to several forums and like to read about problems or questions that pop up, because more than likely I have a similiar problem. So, best of luck and keep on mousing around:p

[awilson]

Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to reply - your comments are very welcome,as is all the help I get here.As good as the manuals are,and even the video tutorials which I agree are much more revealing in detail - the assistance offered here is invaluable - thanks!
arthur wilson

[bullet_evader]

Funny, one of my first tutorials i did was that mansion hall too.

anyhow, i've learned a lot from reading and posting on forums, and i also purchased the book inside lightwave ( mark allready named it before ). that book helped me a lot.

i'm still not the best in lightwave, but i can see huge improvements in my lightwave skills. That's one of the most amusing things in doing 3d, getting better and better!!

later i hope to be as good as one of those professional 3d modellers. But that's just a dream for now.

anyhow, i wish you luck in the 3d world.
don't be afraid to post some work of you here, so we can give comments on it.

[awilson]

Thanks for the encouragement.It's great to find so many enthusiastic and helpful folks here Really good!!
Seems like 'Inside Lightwave' had better be next on my list of acquisitions - I was lucky enough to buy a whole bundle of video tutorials along with my Lightwave software so I should be well set for learning the program inside out (he says confidently)!
I've already hit the learning curve - the trouble with them is that you don't know how steep they really are until you come out at the top end so I'm anticipating something of a climb but hoping that I'll asimilate all the required knowledge without too much hardship.
I can also see that I'll be posting a few more questions in this forum pretty soon too......
It's good to read about the little problems that others have too as I can feel much less of a dummy right now.
Really want to post some finished work........
Thanks again for the help