Bill, my friend, lets be patient for a moment.
Answer the following questions, and just be honest so we can help( believe it or not, we are a nice bunch!
)...
1) Have you ANY programming experience whatsoever?
2) How much math skill do you have?
3) Have you done any 3D stuff in packages like Maya, Max, Blender etc?
4) Do you have any education in the field of computing or IT?
...its a bit vague what your current situation is, and so I apologise in advance if those questions are in any way degrading to you. But just answer each question for me. And I will reply...
Regards. Steve.
Yes
I plan to refesh my memory on everything from algebra up to the stuff needed for 3D math.
No, but I am working towards learning Blender3D.
No, I am self teaching, I plan to go to college here soon though. Until then I am self teaching.
Okay, so you know a bit about programming(I will assume a beginner in C++ and use it as an example from here on), you don't know the maths involved or have forgotten it, and you have not loaded up any 3D program whatsoever...
1) Lets talk C++ and upcoming education. This should be your main priority and you need to learn programming like the back of your hand. Enrol in a course at College that teaches a computing language and the basics of computing. Does not matter if its teaching C++ or not - just do it. Now, in your own time, learn C++ from SAM's Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days. So long as you've installed Visual C++ Express, you can work through it. If you really want to be able to program games then just see this advice through. Being self-taught is important, but if you can complement it with some formal education then you will learn it much quicker.
2) Maths. Second most important thing you need to learn. Definitely look at trigonometry first(find out what SohCahToa is!), and then basic substitution in Algebra. You might be able to mix in Maths with your college education, which would be a bonus. Start small and just keep at it, but don't avoid it.
3) Blender, Max, Maya and all things 3D modelling & animation. This is not an easy thing to do, although it has become much easier in recent years. If you can, learn either Max or Maya. They are the top dogs of that industry and a worthy addition to your CV. On the other hand, you can do the same stuff in other packages, and like programming, its 90% what you know about 3D in general rather than what tool you use. Which ever tool you use(I use Silo, Blender & Paintshop Pro), learn your skills in this order: polygon modelling, texture creation & mapping, rigging & animation, rendering. If you can only learn one of these, learn polygon modelling(I recommend Silo if you are a beginner). Like I say, learning this is time consuming(a task as great as learning programming) so only worry about it after you sort out your programming and math skills.
...so, you are a professional programmer first, a swanky mathematician second, and then a tree-hugging-hippy-3D-artist third. Bill, this is going to take some time, so accept you are in the learning stage for the next two years and keep in mind what I have said here as to what you need to do. If you look after your skill as a programmer, then it will look after you in turn.
That's really all I have to say. Well, there is more but I doubt you'd find it interesting...
( a load of GameDev subscribers now put pistols to there heads and fire away! o_O )
I appreciate some of the advice I guess.
I won't use Sams Teach yourself in 21 days because I've heard by a LOT of people it's a horrible resource.
I know what SOHCAHTOA is. Seriously, I'm not that stupid.
As for modeling, I understand, but aside from the things you listed, there are a million concepts I need to learn about involving it, (I already know about topology, to an extent, theres more, but I just woke up and can't remember the ons I know). Other than the ones I know, idk how many 3D concepts there are exactly
