Learning to better understand effects in general

[jons]

Hi, Wasn't sure where to post this but I'm looking for some advice in regards to learning how to understand effects work in general as opposed to software knowledge, I try and use video reference a lot but was wondering how some of you in the industry analyze the reference to gain a better understanding and if they'res any book or documentation I could maybe read in order to better understand and improve my approach to handling an effects shot. I'm reading the art of special effects animation atm which is more based around classic animation drawing from joseph Gilland of disney and i'm also trying to improve my understanding of physics and math but thought I might as well post here and see what sort of approach some of you much more experienced artists take. Just would love to not sit and prod around with buttons and settings but actually have a clear direction of what i'm trying to achieve and to better understand the look i'm going for and why.

Thanks!

[nomad]

I beleive you can find a lot of useful thoughts, directions and links here at odforce.

Besides, there are many good news , articles, at SESI site.

And of course, don't forget FXPHD.

(http://www.fxguide.com/featured/art-of-destruction-or-art-of-blowing-crap-up/

http://www.fxguide.com/featured/the-science-of-fluid-sims/)

Try to find articles or PDF papers in area you are most interested. Many theoretical knowledge you can take out of there.

(for example, if you are interested in volumes:

http://nccastaff.bournemouth.ac.uk/jmacey/MastersProjects/MSc09/Claes/index.html

http://magnuswrenninge.com/content/pubs/ProductionVolumeRenderingSystems2011.pdf)

Take a look at makingoffs video and try to analyse them. For example, digital domain have really detailed makingoffs.

Hope that hepls.

[jons]

Yeah that does thanks, just realised that I have a lot to learn to be a better artist rather than prodding at buttons on the software as for example wanted to do a pirate ship on fire and I would of tried to make it look like an oil fire when it's a wood fire for example, just want a better understanding of why the smoke/fire would behave as it would in certain situations

many thanks again!