Da'son Smith

Greetings,

I'm an aspiring “Indie” Motion Graphics Artist, aka Hobbyist. I'm starting fairly “late” in life, as I've spent the better part of my last 15 years in the pro audio world (Producting, Mixing, Mastering).

I spent a great deal of time researching and trying to figure out the best way to start. My visions are simple, in the micro, I would like to learn how to animate to sound. In the macro, I would like to mix 3d elements with live motion (As such, I'm learning Nuke NC too).

Deciding to use Houdini was tough, because there seems to be a lot of work flows, resources, and preferences out there. I reached out to the Sidefx team via email, and they were very kind and polite, and that tipped me over to this “apprentice” version and community.

My question for the community is simple, Where do I start?

I see that on this site, there is a learn section - I plan to follow all of those videos. Also, there is an “archive” site, that appears to have a different set of videos - I'll follow that too (What do you think?). And of course there is no shortage of such on Vimeo and Youtube.

But in the context of motion graphics, animating to sound (Physics / Motion), and learning basic “modeling” - what else would be recommended?

I ask, because I know this rodeo will eventually lead me into things like AE / Element 3D and the likes. As their tool set allows you to do some neat post stuff (Maybe even Nuke). I'm just trying to figure out at what point do you know you are in a position to move on or expand?

With audio this is simply, you can “hear” the difference. And I know with Mograph, you can see the differences, but maybe not really. An abstract and short video may be more convincing then a high-poly sci-fi futuristic city with bad lighting (Im certain the discipline or time in each varies).

Any resources, mentors, or articles would be VERY useful during this phase.

I look forward to building and learning with all of you.