[Bloodyghost]

Hello,

I am new here and I am currently on the urge of buying animation software on a online student discounter. The software is this years Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation 2010 which holds so much software in it including 3ds max, maya, Mudbox, Motionbuilder, Softimage, and Sketchbook. Then it hit me would this be a good package for a newbie. I have no experience in any kind of animation software except Blender.

Was really wondering if I need this all this stuff? And If it is a good idea, then is there any books or tutorials that would help me with these many software.

Please I would love to hear any comments that would help!

[Planetary]

Well I go to school for animation and out of all those i only have used 3DsMax. Theres no way i personally would have learned that program if i didn't have a teacher showing me how to use them. Buts that is me, i don't know how patient you are, 3Ds max has a help/search feature that tells you about everything the program has to offer; but its up to you if you want to sit there and learn by reading. They do sell books to teach you the program, i've never read one so i'll leave it up to another member to recommend a title.


I can however help you on the animation side of things.

http://theanimatorssurvivalkit.com/

That is honestly all you need, follow the stuff he teaches in the book and you will have lively and amazing animations (with practice and dedication). Just buy the book, its 20 bucks. http://www.amazon.com/Animators-Surv...4569278&sr=8-1
This is absolutely the best "text" book i have ever purchased.

Study it, apply what he teaches in your animations and you will be well on your way to be a good animator. Don't get the wrong impression though, Animation is extremely hard work and will require you to sit for hours behind your desk. The rules of animation have been set by the masters, if you practice the rules and apply them then you will see improvements.

One more thing, he is a traditional 2D animator, but the principles of animation applies to all animation, even 3d.