GCG Feature: 'How to Learn 3D Animation'

The latest feature on Gamasutra's sister educational site Game Career Guide sees former Gamasutra editor Brad Kane review some of the books available for teaching yourself the industry's two leading computer animation packages: Maya and 3D Studio Max. In the first part of this series of articles, Kane selects the best (and worst) highlights of the recent set of books published on Maya, to help up-and-coming animator and modellers learn 3D animation - without ever leaving your house. "So you're interested in learning the art of computer animation. You want to build computer models in three dimensions, slap on some shaders that make them look cool, throw in a little animation, add some lights and particle effects, then render it all out and show off your work to your friends. Or maybe you're a little more serious about learning 3D - planning for an eventual career in game development or computer animation - but aren't able to throw down thousands of dollars for weekend workshops, correspondence courses, or a University-level visual arts education. Can computer animation be learned from the comfort of your own home? The answer is a resounding YES! There are many authors out there publishing books aimed at helping you learn 3D on your own, and with free license-restricted "learning editions" now available for once cost-prohibitive software packages, now is the best time ever to embark on a computer animation home-study." You can now read the full Game Career Guide feature to learn more on which books come recommended by Kane (no registration required, please feel free to link to this column from external websites).