Thanks for the reply, pinareris.
Yes, there are many ways to learn. Each has its advantage but also downsides. Since education in this field is my interest, I like to categorize it.
Since I write here in a forum, I like to share some thoughts about this, with everyone reading along. Mentoring …
The main element for success is either motivation or necessity. Both lead to different results.
Motivation often leads to learning before the project starts, and necessity is, as you like it based on the current needs of the project.
Nothing wrong with either. But one needs to be aware of the effects each has.
Let me go step back. There are roughly 1500 essential options/functions/tools in Cinema 4D. Each provides support for one’s project. Which could also be seen as a direct purpose function.
Then there is the combination of a few, also based on their function and logically connected.
However, the full potential starts, when anything that is given is creatively combined. Creative means to me that it is not a logical connection, rather a connection done that might look later on logically. I hope I’m not too short here of delivering that point. Creative solutions become procedurals more often than not.
So, with these three layers, we can locate where each of the ideas on how to learn Cinema 4D will be. We get already very far with level one, more so with two, and with layer number three, the sky is the limit.
The more we know, the more we can imagine what we could do, which is not really given with the learning it during a project (given a deadline) idea.
Creativity is based on exploration, failure, and ignoring rules. Something that can’t be copied, nor taught. Which means there is a limit given.
The main point that I like to make is the following: Each project is based on the skills to make it happen based on the tools (the “engineering” part), as well as on the ideas we have, (the artistic portion). IF we know what we need, the first is mainly needed; if we explore a scene to express what we like our audience should experience, the second one is in the foreground. Each depends on each other, missing one limits the quality of the work. (Not knowing a tool, means to not taking advantage of it.)
Hence my suggestion to get to know one’s tools as much as possible so that knowledge supports the art. However, the more clear we can see the layers and dependencies, the better we can tailor the mix that suits our very own needs. This is a decision that will carry one much faster to the individual goals than anything else, and it is each time a unique mix. No one can decide that for anyone.
My best wishes