Meet 3D Buzz Team Member Steve Twist
A movie buff from a young age, Steve has always been mesmerized by film. Wanting to tell stories of his own, he turned his hand to any medium available, from scriptwriting to live action films recorded on camcorders, and even stop-motion animation with Legos. However, it was not until Steve went through 3D Buzz's Maya Fundamentals course that he discovered the power of computer animation with Autodesk Maya, and in turn became obsessed with CGI, particularly with visual effects for film.
This passion for visual effects led him to Bournemouth University, where, in 2009, he graduated with First Class Honours. While seeking his degree, Steve jumped at the opportunity to share his knowledge with a much wider audience by producing professional-level training videos for 3DBuzz, Inc.
Today, Steve is the Director of Houdini Education for 3D Buzz. He continues his education at Bournemouth University where he is now in the process of completing his Master of Science in Computer Animation and Visual Effects.
First and foremost, how would you describe your job at 3D Buzz. In your own words, what do you do?
I'd describe myself as a "content developer". I research and develop training products, determining what projects I will teach, and how those projects will work. I then decide how best to teach a given project, writing extensive lesson plans. Finally, I take on the role of an instructor, teaching those lessons through video training, and sharing as much of my knowledge as possible, in the process.
As Director of Houdini Education, I primarily focus on Houdini related training products. However, being well versed in Python scripting and, and having a strong background in Maya, I sometimes produce Maya projects as well, if they are needed.
What is it you like the most about your job? The least?
I love the research and development stage of a training product. This is my chance to continually educate myself, whilst getting to problem solve, program, and use mathematics! I consider myself lucky to get paid for something I enjoy so thoroughly.
I also like that I'm giving back something to the 3D community, the same 3D community that first got me completely addicted to CGI!
If I had to pick something I like least, it would be the difficulty I have to not share every piece of knowledge I have rattling around in my head! Keeping training videos concise and on topic is quite challenging for me, because I could happily talk for hours on any given subject.
Describe a typical day at 3D Buzz from your perspective.
A typical day really depends on how far through a project I am when you ask me that question! At the start of the project, I mostly focus on research and development. As a project progresses, more of my time is spent on lesson planning, and eventually video recording.
If there's one thing that's consistent with a day at 3D Buzz, however, it's that I'll be working with passionate and creative individuals. It's both an honour and a pleasure to know each and every member of the 3D Buzz team!
Outside of work, do you have any other hobbies or ambitions? Tell us about them.
It goes without saying that I love films! I'm also a huge fan of comedy and drama television shows: 24, Big Bang Theory, BSG, Chuck, Californication, Scrubs.... too numerous a list to mention them all!
I'm a musician, and have loved music from a very young age. I play the drums, keyboard, and more recently the guitar. One of my favourite pass-times is to compose orchestral film-score inspired music, using my MIDI keyboard, and synthesising software on the computer.
I very much enjoy board games... especially chess! They give me a chance for a mental workout that's very different from the challenges of 3D or programming. I also enjoy the occasional video game.
Where are you from? Where’d you grow up?
I was born and raised in East Sussex, a county in the South East of England - a fact that I'll never live down with the 3DBuzz team! I'm very proud of my English heritage, and my British accent! When I started university I moved away from home to Bournemouth (a town in the South West of England), where I live currently.
How did you find yourself doing what you do today?
I've always had a thirst for knowledge. At the same time as completing my school work, in order to get into University and begin my Undergraduate study, I was learning CGI and programming in my own time, thanks to 3DBuzz's training library.
At the end of the first year of my Undergraduate degree I was left facing a 3 month break with no immediate plans - a painful prospect for someone who thrives on continually learning, thinking, and developing. It was at this time that I contacted my mentor, Jason Busby, and enquired about the possibility of helping out 3DBuzz (what better place to quench my thirst for education!).
It was at this time that Jason introduced me to Houdini. He knew, what with my passion for maths, programming and logical thinking, that I'd fall in love with the application. By the end of the summer, I'd gone from never touching Houdini, to working in Houdini at every possible opportunity. I'd also gone from an intern, to the Director of Houdini Education for 3D Buzz, Inc. - quite a promotion!
I've been producing training videos for 3D Buzz, alongside my University studies, ever since.
