Vertexspline

That's a mighty nice tutorial Mack -----thanks for the effort on this. Its going to be so useful for so many now and in the future.

welcome back Heiner---- It is apparent many folks do come back to AM after some trips to other softwares -----it does say a lot about its specialness. and as far as speaking of other software in the forums --I think if you are referencing I/O stuff for instance there has been no troubles as far as I have seen lately. Rich

I cannot help but think this will be a very helpful tool in acquiring new users .........as its hard to ask folks on faith that your stuff is really cool. Now that said , the next step would be ---organizing and perhaps updating as much tutorial material that can be obtained ----so in those 14 days ----you get people not frustrated but energized to subscribe or buy. (also 14 days for folks who have jobs is not a lot of time and goes by very quickly. 21 would be so much better as it gives them thee weekends if they are not busy doing other stuff. Just my 2 cents)

3d coat is indeed a very powerful application and would be interesting to see how folks might integrate with AM. The voxel scuplturing and retopology tools are indeed --top shelf. rich

smiles ....made me chuckle -----thanks John rich

I think the general idea of user group meetups would be extremely helpful for many folks ....especially a group that could have a couple of more experienced folks show up. That would help draw more people knowing certain folks might be there . And these groups could really bolster some learning -------which in turn would bolster skills and which in turn would bolster example works which ultimately helps bolsters sales.........which helps bolster development. A win for everyone. Although. Its hard to organize these things not knowing how many folks in such and such city are using AM and would like to show up etc--- but I think the idea of starting really small.....and growing it up makes sense and maybe some of these really small startups will grow up to a full scale user groups given some time.

I have not found any troubles with 17 but then again I am not digging very deeply of late as have been trying to get better modeling----but so far for me on windows both 16 and 17 are solid.

Voted today as well...........always happy to help an AM'er .

Xtaz --looking great so far------I like all your trees !! Great job. Hopefully you can figure out flickering issues.

Gene-------got my vote today -----sorry not very international. Good luck!

Tarantula.......hey welcome back......there are a lot more learning opportunities around now.....do some searches on the forums and web -----and have fun.

Chris ....thanks for the sneek peek......... I think it is coming along very very nicely . Its got great storytelling for 15 seconds long or so ----that's awesome ---and yes like others ----cannot wait to see what is going to happen.......

Fuchur----( I wrote this in other spot )--but its awesome !!! Its really one of the best introductions to AM modeling I have seen . And its must watching for everyone new or everyone struggling with modeling. I have been one to struggle with modeling and have to say there were a couple of things you explained that has me re-excited to practice ---so thanks so much for your efforts.

hey MikeV---- I thing moving along and making some progress in other areas is good for the soul sometimes. Its a big program with lots of stuff to learn anyhow . Glad to see you are pushing ahead and forging forward!! and Most importantly have fun!

Happy Birthdat MikeV-----hope its a great one!!

Robert---"Your NEW TAoA:M Lesson 1 " is exactly the kind of learning tutorial that I think is very needed to help beginners to get the process of splinemanship. Free or otherwise. It's awesome. I think its focused on the beginner in mind in a video format that makes learning so much easier. You really teach well. Unfortunately --- no one cannot expect you to be providing additional tutorials ---its not your job. I suppose you want to have fun using AM not teaching it. smiles. MikeV ---I hope you give a look to some of the free tutorial stuff mentioned here and give it a little more time and practice. . understand that the experienced folks here have been at this a while. They have more than likely gone through periods of similar unpleasantries when they started. AM modeling is as you have discovered a little tricky for some things but actually you may find for somethings you may actually like it over poly's. and I think as you can see --folks are eager to help you ---they cannot help with your frustrations but they surely will chime in with helpful suggestions and hints and observations if you ask as you have. The experienced folks here --really are the backbone of AM right now. They really do care to help folks out.

Yes this thread was very informative and interesting to read through and follow---Nice job all .

I think that Mike's experience is a common one. Struggling with AM modeling is almost a given for all new folks. I struggle and feel his frustrations. He obviously wants to learn and make stuff . He obviously has talent but is being frustrated by those patch works rules and practices . And Mike brought up many good points of all the trickiness to getting it all to come out right. And its not like it cannot be done --obviously great modeling is done by the works you can see here. Besides the TAOAM book tutorials ....what really is needed are a point by point modeling tutorials by some of the most experienced modelers with AM .......going over all the planning , and decisions one needs to take. All the continuity strategies used making the models . All the break spline tricks, Add points , etc etc. Every step taken and why. and maybe all the bad habits new folks do ie. peaking to early or late etc ----an a few different models each with different approaches to being successful with etc. I almost think having some do not do this ...type of tutorials would even help many. Heck ---I would even think many folks would pay for some good current tutorials. However- I cannot stress how important --how amazingly valuable this kind of thing would be to growing the user base of AM users. And more important keeping them active and renewing year after year. And sure ---you can't make everyone a great modeler by having some great tutorials but-----you will not lose so many good modelers to frustration. And many less talented will become more talented. Robert has made a few short tutorials of the likes needed ------but many more of a similar vein would be oh so helpful. Robert made some good points how vs blender you can rig super fast with AM but modeling might take longer. But if folks never get to make that model right , never make one character they are happy with --they may never get to see the elegance and speed of AM's rigging. I know resources are tight with HASH at this point in the life of AM --but if I owned this AP -----Working on new current and detailed tutorials would be very high on the to do list......That and t- shirts and hoodies !!!!! Anyhow --just my two cents.

MikeV-----do not get down on yourself --------you really are doing great for a weeks go at it. Modeling with patches has some hurdles and obstacles that takes some time to work out - I got frustrated for awhile myself and decided to give it a rest and took some months off but in hindsight I think i wasted some time so ----its better to just keep plowing along -----practicing and practicing......I understand the frustration and have felt like I can't do this as well...but based on what I have seen you do in a week........You Can DO This !!

hey David --thanks for those links -----I struggle with modeling and I have not seen these two ---so thanks-----(you see when you post a helpful hint for someone in the thread --you never know how many folks you may actually help.

Gene, I might have to agree with others here and say this might be your best one to date. Your volumetric work in this one added a nice flair. Well done indeed ----and stubborn? more like your hard working! Nice one.

Congrats to all the winners -----very awesome stuff indeed. And Robert your not exactly Al Capone maybe MH would make an awesome Mascot some version. Also Nancy- your renders color's are vibrant and stunning. Xtaz your cottage scene is right out of a fairy tale indeed--nice. Inspiration from all of you.

Mecha ---all the improvements have been great ........watching you improve it has been fun.

welcome MikeV --do hope your return visit to AM is going to help you tell your story as you would like. I think there is something to be said about choosing the tool that gets the job done. AM ---has no equals when it comes to telling a story and value. And with some work and lots of practice -----I think one can achieve results that would make the more "professional?" apps feel extremely overpriced.

Michael---Welcome back indeed. Hope you get all your stuff working out well and you can start having some fun with Animation Master again.