i dont know about online tutorials. i think youre too far behind for that to work. most people that get somewhere in this field by being self taught are obsessed and have been doing it out of compulsion from the start. they dont say things like, im putting my studies off when talking about the software. they dont use words like procrastinate. and it complex. really really complex. you cant just pick up maya and fly with it. based on your zbrush posts, you need schooling to teach you at tleast the basics of 3d packages and photoshop and you need to be pushed and submerged.
but im not saying that you should do it… yet…
im a fullsail grad,and i have to say, ive seen alot of people spend upwards of 40 50 k on a degree without any artistic ability… regardless of imense technical aptitude… and ive seen them suffer… at least not be able to grab a job. you have to understand form, detail, conceptualisation, marketability… taste.
you need art training before 3d training. without the understanding of one the other is pointless. also you need to train. your hands are your tools… and they need to be practiced so that they can develope. its the same with anything… football, dance, literature, acting… muscles need to be broken in and refined.
plus, you need to know what your getting involved in. talk to anyone you can on here that knows something… because you are in trouble if you listen to people that want to placate or tell you what you want to hear, and youre in trouble if you listen to your parents talking about racism, obviously way off base. alot of the most successful artists in this industry are from all over the planet and from every race culture and creed you can imagine. you are in trouble if you wing it as well.
this forum is for some prety heavy hitters… well, everyone really, but some of the artists that frequent this site have worked on the very movies and games you talk about loving… so to go willy nilly into this forum is not necesarilly wise (along with my spelling) but… you want to build a report and a name. dont get a name for being brash and ill informed and definately dont talk about silly things like racism being an issue with employers… these are your potential employers and that could be quite offending to imply… though im sure your family has reason to believe these things from their own experiences… believe me, that is not the case where this is concerned. nobody sees you anyways. they see your skill. SKILL the key word. you need to become skilled. in whatever you do, you want to be a master. and lord of the rings was made by master right. bruce lee mother ****ers with a mouse and a wacom tablet.
fullsail is a school you could look at, but beware… they are tough and many dont make it out of that school with a degree. be patient. and above all keep your eyes on the details. form and detail. look at everything and think about how to recreate it. draw like theres no tomorow.
if you trully want this!
but im telling you this… im someone that you have to contend with for the job… and i dont sleep. i eat this stuff. i drink this stuff. i breathe it. and my demos not finished yet… im not even working… ive been working on it for a year, studying every single post on this site as they are posted. and i still dont think i have it perfect yet… and ive put more time and energy into it than most people ive met have put into anything. that should tell you what it takes.
dont kid yourself
but believe in yourself.
ive been winning drawing contests since i was a kid. and im still scared stupid.
but so far, the experience… just working with 3d is rewarding. and it is really easy to love this work and be satisfied. and from what i hear, if your good then so is the pay.
the image ive posted is a model before its ever even reached zbrush. it takes time to refine, trust me.
but dont be afraid if its what you KNOW you really want. just do it. but dont slack.
cheers