completely lost again

[ewong]

Hi,

Earlier this year, I had a brief go with Terragen 3 and did a 'nifty' scene (re: First Scene).  However,
work and other RL activities pushed my work with TG3 onto the backburner.

I don't know if I'm just naturally incompetent/stupid with understanding the technical jargon; but, I'm
finding myself going back to the First Scene (only to be confused again).  I liken this to entering
a B777 or an Airbus 380 cockpit for the very first time and seeing all these knobs and levers. 

Don't get me wrong.  TG3 is beautiful...   it's just complicated as heck.

So what I'm getting is as an advice, is to take TG3 and 'play around with it'.   But anyway,
I guess I'll fiddle with the First Scene again and again..

Incidentally, I would be the first person in line if someone did a manual for TG3. 

[archonforest]

There is a manual in the Wicki...
Start to read that and make sure you look up every technical term in a good dictionary/internet...etc and YES play with the program. Key here is do it, do it, do it!!
It does not matter how easy the scene u make first. Also take it by gradient. Do not jump into the deep water if u cannot swim yo!
Take it easy step by step.
Good luck for ya!

[Upon Infinity]

Yes, it can seem overwhelming at times.  Experimentation is good.  Although, you can also get scenes and files from Files Sharing that you can implement and see how they are set up.  Terragen 3 also comes with some presets that can help you to understand how to set up some things.  Practice makes perfect, or at least a lot better.  I'd recommend sticking to the top buttons until you learn the node system better.  Good luck!

[TheBadger]

Your not stupid. At least not simply because you find TG/3d difficult.

ITs simply a mater of time and determination. It will take a good while to get good at it, even if you are quite brilliant. So don't beat your self up, there is no point in that as everyone here knows.

But you are in much luck. For a long long long time, there where no tuts. And now there are. Start with GeekAtPlay tuts. Just do some of that for a while, then come back to your first scene. Bet you feel much changed when you do.

Another sorta easy way to learn is to use sat data from US GS. This way you can learn shading first because the terrain is done. You can color and texture a bit, and place objects and such. Those things are easier than making terrains. And by just coloring them you will lean to use shaders pretty fast. Then adding displacement from your coloring nodes, you'll get things quick.

[ewong]

I'm sorry for the delayed response.

I was hoping to spend a bit more time on Terragen,  but RL once again had its plans and
had a bunch of stuff needing my attention.

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

Ed

[AP]

Here are some videos that should help get you going.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHYOZ-Es4Eg&list=PLaH1PMiI_7AgLwnVORycHlnHd_Lp88TXU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k4Azpr9Crw&list=PLaH1PMiI_7AiqtJht63dr1jHVAvH_BtfV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Rp4Go8jLs

[ewong]

Thanks Chris! 


Ed

[bobbystahr]

I as well highly recommend the free presets as there's a world of learning in 'em

[AP]

Thanks Chris! 


Ed

No problem.

[AP]

I as well highly recommend the free presets as there's a world of learning in 'em

Good idea because you can study them, break them down, rebuild them and see what makes them tick.