Summer Goals!

Since I will not be taking any classes over the Summer I've decided to learn some new skills and hone all those other ones while I'm at it.

Some of my goals for the Summer are:

Unreal Development Kit:
    -learn the basics of the development environment
    -learn to import my own models to create a fully lit and rendered environment
    -learn the basics of Unreal Script

3Ds Max
    -Model a fully built scene to import the objects into UDK (some ideas - am abandoned gas station is what I've got in mind right now)
     -start modeling high poly objects and learn to build Normal Maps from them.
     -Practice UVunwraps for textures. (Texturing is my weakest link at the moment)
     -model a car and a pick-up truck.

Programming
     -Learn Unreal Scripting
     -Continue lessons that were not assigned in my Game Programming class using DarkBasic GDK
     -Review my C++ book from previous semester for programming class in the fall.

This may seem like a lot, and I assure you it is, but I'm ambitious and want to know as much going into some classes and personal projects as I can. When I get this out of the way by Summer's end I'll be that much closer to getting some great designs, objects, and skills developed for my Portfolio and whatever jobs lie beyond.

My main driving focus is that in a year I'll be leaving an industry I've worked in for 12 years and (hopefully) start in another that I can find something I enjoy doing and that personally challenges me to better my skill set.


In 3 1/2 months I'll be just that much closer to my goal.