Expert: Andre Hickman - 2/21/2007

Question
I'm interested in learning computer animation with Maya software. I have no previous experience in animation at all. I do have some computer programming experience. I am wondering if it is possible to learn it on my own or do I need to take classes.

Answer
Hey Sterling,

If you are sincere and diligent, ANYTHING is Possible!
I know this, because I did the very thing that you are thinking about doing...I taught myself with no previous background or experience. I will say that I had plenty of painful days and nights learning, but in teaching myself, I developed my own style of learning, and can learn just about anything in a fraction of the time it takes everyone else.  

You can see my work in my portfolio at:

http://www.andrehickman.com

in the "galleries" link.  There you will see all sorts of graphic stuff that I have done, in 3D animation, motion graphics, and print designs, and am completely self taught in it all. The web is a great resource, and if you have something that you want to learn about the software, just go to yahoo or google, and LITERALLY search what you want to know...for example "Maya tutorial create a head" or "Maya tutorial create blur effect", etc...

Also frequent bookstores, such as Barnes and Nobles, and Borders, and look through the books that they have available.

Lastly, INVEST IN YOURSELF! Buy some of the books that really catch your eye, and are written to your style of learning...Start with the basics of the software, and grasp all of the basic functionality and toolsets.  Then work your way to more advanced design.  If you see something somewhere that you think is way too difficult, you will start to break it down into more fundamental concepts and parts, and realize that it may not be as difficult as it first appeared.

All I can say to you is DO IT!  Check out my site, and keep me updated on your progress.

Cheers,
Andre'