3D Learning Resources

(last update date: May 14, 2007)

A number of resources exist on the Internet which run as training services. Generally there are dozens if not hundreds of videos covering the major software products and often there are learning videos which cover tasks and projects. Here is a brief list with some general aspects of these resources. This list only includes video-based training. In my opinion print material is not suitable for beginners. Too much is happening in a visual environment to be adequately captured in print. I have worked with some of the best publications around and find them all wanting.

 

1. http://www.vtc.com Visual Training Company

  • ·          400+ courses, many of which cover 3D and graphics products. Also included are Macintosh fundamentals, how to digitize and scan, database, programming languages, Windows and Microsoft products
  • ·          Individual DVDs are available for purchase
  • ·          Offers multi-use accounts. For example, 5 concurrent users for $1000 annually. You may have any number of registered users but only 5 can be online at one time.
  • ·          Most of the training videos have free segments online which you can watch free-of-charge to evaluate suitability
  • ·          Very little overlap with Lynda Online Training

 

2. http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/ The Gnomon Workshop

  • ·          Founded by Alex Alvarez in 2000, The Gnomon Workshop was launched as a means to share professional techniques with artists who could not attend the hands-on courses offered at the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood, California. Over the past six years, the Gnomon Workshop DVD library has expanded to offer training by over sixty professional instructors on a diverse range of tools, software and media including design, drawing, sculpture, painting, modeling, texturing, animation, effects and compositing. Shipped to literally every corner of the globe, our DVDs can be found in countless libraries, studios and universities... and on many thousand bookshelves.
  • ·          200+ DVDs
  • ·          Qualified students, faculty and schools are eligible for a 10% discount on all Gnomon Workshop DVD titles, bundles and scene files. Educational orders can be placed either online or via mail-order.
  • ·          Numerous free tutorials (1-hour or longer) are available for download

 

3. http://www.lynda.com/ Lynda Online Training

  • ·          200+ courses, many of which cover 3D and graphics products. Also included are Macintosh fundamentals, how to digitize and scan, database, programming languages, Windows and Microsoft products
  • ·          Group accounts for 5 or move individuals starting at $1,500 per year
  • ·          Individual DVDs are available for purchase
  • ·          Most of the training videos have free segments online which you can watch free-of-charge to evaluate suitability
  • ·          Very little overlap with Visual Training Company

 

4. http://www.caligari.com Caligari Corporation

 

5. http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_home.php 3D Buzz

  • ·          Wide range of online, downloadable training and DVDs for purchase on nearly all 3D topics.
  • ·          Prices are reasonable (e.g. Maya 3D training, 82 hours for $250)
  • ·          Manufacturers routinely use 3D Buzz to host their free training products

 

6. Outlets which offer academic discounts, such as http://www.academicsuperstore.com

  • ·          This online store often offers the best educational discounts around on almost everything that is available for academic discount. Still in all, you can occasionally fine some better deals by checking out other academic discount outlets, such as http://www.studica.com

 

7. http://www.asilefx.com/ asileFX

  • ·          A smaller range of 3D products not offered by other services. Excellent purchase prices and downloadable files.