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Anthony Hall
  
 
   

What aspect of the software do you focus on more specifically?

We focus on modeling as the students need to know how to model and use the basic elements of animation. Also, once the students learn how to use the tools, they have the essentials for developing their skills further.

What do you like the most about teaching LightWave 3D to your students?

I find it exciting to deliver this subject. Because I am passionate about it, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and showing students the great things that LightWave can do. I enjoy it when my excitement becomes infectious and they want to develop their skills. I like to watch their new skills emerging and the imaginative designs they create.

What do you find the most difficult?

I think it’s how vast the possibilities are in LightWave. There are so many functions and tools – there’s so much to learn – it’s never ending and there’s the temptation to want to know it all at once! I am constantly learning new things with it and I am no way near where I want to be in terms of my knowledge on the subject. However, I do recognise just how far I have come in four years. I always aim to be better, so I can pass on this knowledge to students. I would love more time to dedicate to it. I have to remind myself that LightWave is only part of our multi-media courses and there’s not a course dedicated yet to just LightWave.

What aspects do your students enjoy the most about LightWave 3D they can’t find in other software?

When students come to West Notts, they generally haven’t had any experience with 3D design so it’s all brand new to them. Any students who have come to us who have a little experience have only used LightWave. I always think it’s best to have a bit of knowledge of a couple of 3D software packages, just to be able to compare and contrast.

Do students express an interest in continuing to use LightWave 3D after the course?

Absolutely yes. I find it inspires them to do more and more 3D and animation either at university or further college courses. Last year, out of ten students on the HND, half of them went on to study the last year of a 3D/animation or games design degree at university.

What do your students usually do after they finish college? Do they keep using LightWave 3D as part of their jobs or studies?

Most of our students carry on in education. We have found that many of our BTEC National Diploma students go on to study the HND. I genuinely think that the students who want to pursue design really get the ‘bug’ and don’t want to let go of the skills.

You also offer business training to companies on using LightWave 3D®. What is the main difference between teaching LightWave 3D to college students and companies?

We have delivered training to a company and it was very successful. They really enjoyed their two-day training that we tailored to suit their needs. This is something we should continue to market to companies as the feedback we had was very encouraging. The main difference in the training we offer to companies is that we ask them what they want from their training – which is often only a day or so long. We create a training agenda based on these needs and deliver in a rather informal yet professional business environment. For our students, they are receiving their training via tutorials over a much longer time frame and we cover all aspects of 3D with them.

What’s next? Any future projects involving LightWave 3D?

We’re in the early stages of creating a 3D course which incorporates LightWave 3D and concept drawing as well as storyboarding. It will focus entirely on 3D creation and will be linked to a qualification. For me, I am committed to continually updating my skills on LightWave 3D and I am proud to be part of the development group for the new LightWave Core and am involved in contributing to feedback for this future package.

Any other comments or messages you would like to share with our readers?

I am really looking forward to the future progress of multi-media and 3D design at the college. We certainly have the scope to move forward with technology and our students definitely show the signs of wanting to learn this fascinating side of design. I shall continue to research and improve my skills so that I can deliver the best to our learners.
An interview by Swingcom
Contact : Murielle Misrachi - mmisrachi@swingcom.fr
   
Anthony Hall  
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