Need some help with learning stuff (Please)

[KoGy 187]

Hello everypony!

 

I would like to ask for some advice.
I'm not sure if is this the good place to ask this.
 

I would like to learn a couple of things.

You know to do something with my life but I don't know where to start.

 

The things I am interested in are:

• Programming (both making programms and webdesign stuff)
• Music in general ie. theory
• Drawing
• Creative writing

(I would add mathematics too but I know I wasn't born smart enough for science stuff.)

 

I know that one can't learn all the things listed here but at least I would like to try.

But I can't find any good starting material and feel so lost without knowing what to do.

 

Sorry if this is spamming the forum or something but I don't have any place to ask this.

The worst part of ignorance when you realize you are ignorant but don't know what to do to fix it.

 

Thank you for the answer in advance.

Edited June 26, 2014 by KoGy

[Astral Blitzen 469]

Hm, for music, I would explore myriads of genres, unknown genres too such as jazz metal, so you can get a feel for how different genres work, what instruments they use etc.. and while you do that explore different instruments i.e going to a music store and sampling some of the different instruments they have available, find ones you like and then learn how to play them and as you learn to play an instrument you will most likely pick up on the fundamentals in music theory as well.

And I'm always willing to help someone with musc, just pm me.

[KoGy 187]

@@Astral Blitzen,

Thank you!
I will certainly work on making my musical experiences more diverse.

 

I currently have a guitar at home. (Classical 6 string one with vinyl strings)

Of course I can't really play it.

 

I'll send you a PM.

Thank you for the offer.

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,302]

Drawing and creative writing are, in my opinion, two things you can "learn" simply by doing them.

 

Drawing ability improves with practice.  Drawing style develops with practice.  Muscle memory plays a part.  Of course, it doesn't hurt to look at other people's drawings or irl objects.  You can learn things about types of shading / light sources, perspective, or what have you by doing that last thing.  This is a good way to become an at least mediocre draw-er. xD  And I know a thing or two 'bout mediocrity!

 

And creative writing?  Let your imagination be your guide!  Figure out what genre you're shooting for and what perspective you want to write from (e.g. "science fiction" and "third person").  But don't linger too long in just one genre, lest it become a creative crutch.  And consider your audience when you write.  And READ.  Read literature you love by authors you admire.  Diligently assemble, in your brain, a growing, living database of synonyms and expressions and literary experiences that will avail you once your pen touches paper!  Or...  Fingers touch keyboard. xD  And write bad poetry.  Write bad poetry until it becomes sort-of okay poetry.  Until it becomes good poetry.  Poems can be short-short stories, wherein you can fit an entire adventure.

 

^ Just some crazy, late-night / early morning advice from a weirdo. xD

[KoGy 187]

@,

Thank you.

I'll do that.
Read a lot more and write a lot more.

Sounds logical actually!

 

And I'll draw a lot more too.

[boiteporte 591]

Well, for programming. I would suggest to start with C. Now, C is much more complicated than C+ or C++.  However, if you really want to learn programming, you should start with C. This is because, if you know C, C++ becomes very easy. The reverse is not true.

 

There are many good books on the topic for beginners. You should look on Amazon.

The C reference guide is a very good place to start.

[KoGy 187]

 

 

should

Thanks.

I'll look into good old C then. I heard many current languages are based on it.

 

Any ide or compiler are you recommending?

[boiteporte 591]

The best compiler is Microsoft Visual Studio. There are many versions of it and there are all aimed at professional uses and thus are very expensive.

 

The basic version is enough to compile your programs, though and it is free. It is called Microsoft Visual Studio Express.

If you are a student, you may want to check with your school/University. They may have a subscription with Dreamspark Premium which would allow you to get access to much more advanced versions for free..

 

At your level, you probably would not need any of the advanced versions, though.

[KoGy 187]

@@boiteporte,

Sadly I'll be self taught.

 

I'll check Visual Studio.

Thank you everypony.

 

Knowing the nature of the problems I'll have to solve sure helps with getting a solution.

Edited June 26, 2014 by KoGy

[Dead account67902568 119]

Keep practicing drawing,i used to be an artist in school till i stop practicing and now all i do is science and my drawings are really bad now...

[KoGy 187]

@,

Yeah. Working on it helps a lot.