How To Learn Cinema 4D / Ultimate Beginners Guide to Resources & Tutorials

How I learnt Cinema 4D in 30 days and how you can too! This video documents my learning experience with Cinema 4D from absolute beginner to getting my first job in the motion graphics industry (thanks Behance!).
The hardest part about learning Cinema 4D was where to start. I had no idea where to turn for advice and what resources were worth looking at - let alone worth paying for.
Skillshare, Greyscale Gorilla, School of Motion, Cineversity.... What KZbinrs should I follow, what render engine to use - Redshift, Arnold, Corona, Octane?
This is a complete aggregation of all of the resources I found useful over the course of my learning.
Blog post for those who prefer reading - www.mattkander.com/post/how-i...
-----------------------------------
Start here (It's free):
-----------------------------------
www.cineversity.com/
-----------------------------------
Recommended Skillshare classes (and some discounts):
-----------------------------------
Get 1 month free trial of Skillshare Premium!! :D
skillshare.eqcm.net/c/2088800...
30% off yearly membership with Skillshare! :D
skillshare.eqcm.net/c/2088800...
Artists:
Visual Don (looping city animation) : skillshare.eqcm.net/PDVyN
Patrick Fowley (awesome sci fi stills) : skillshare.eqcm.net/kj0Dj3
CG Shortcuts (looping and concepts) : skillshare.eqcm.net/AoWxoN
Visual Don has an 8 HOUR beginner class for Cinema4D. Definitely start here if you're looking at Skillshare! He's probably my favourite creator on the platform, super friendly and his content is incredibly thorough.
Visual Don 8 hour intro class: www.skillshare.eqcm.net/n1X2B9
School of Motion (for those who want structure):
www.schoolofmotion.com/
Greyscale Guerilla (for those who want the works - textures, lighting plugins, advanced tutorials):
greyscalegorilla.com/
-----------------------------------
Cinema 4D KZbinrs:
-----------------------------------
Andrey Lebrov (my personal favorite): / @andreylebrov
Don Mupasi (beyond legit, super cool sci fi animations) : / @visualdon
Theo Kerr (new kid on the block, very thorough and informative): / @theoexr
CG Shortcuts (concepts and short projects, 10/10): / @cgshortcuts
Eyedesyn (really cool mid size projects) : / eyedesyn
Greyscale Gorilla (some super useful tutorials and A++ paid services): / greyscalegorilla
-----------------------------------
Recommended book
-----------------------------------
The Freelancers Manifesto: amzn.to/3udjp3h
This was written specifically for motion designers, it's only 10-15 dollars on Kindle and was one of the most enlightening reads on how to operate and survive as a freelancer. Even if you're not doing motion design, the concepts are relevant for all types of freelancers.
HP Omen Laptop I used for all of the above renders: www8.hp.com/us/en/campaigns/o...
Some of the above links may be affiliate links which offer me a small kickback should you choose to use those services. It really helps out the channel so thank you for your support! I am a member of the Skillshare and Amazon affiliate programs.
-----------------
My socials
-----------------
Instagram: / mattkander
Behance: www.behance.net/matthewkiernan
Website: www.mattkander.com
intro:(0:00)
motion graphics reel:(0:19)
what this video is about:(0:56)
Blender vs Cinema 4D(1:35)
Cinema 4D Learning Experience(3:30)
My First Renders(6:19)
Common beginner problems(9:08)
Render Engines(11:56)
Hardware(15:11)
Recommended Learning Resources(18:29)
How You Should Learn Cinema 4D(22:27)

[@MattKander]

ONE MONTH FREE of Skillshare premium(affiliate)

[@wakamiti]

Thank you good sir. This was everything

[@TwitchTamilan]

We will watch your career with great interest :)

[@CGShortcuts]

Thanks heaps for the shout-out Matt, glad to hear we were able to help you learn C4D! Brillint video btw, great to hear about your journey, all the best mate!

[@acabtitano4631]

honestly the best soft tutorial ive ever seen. short and straight to the point ! i love it

[@charlottefoster5848]

This video is the greatest, two weeks into learning C4D and I've already come back to it four times for the recommendations. Thank you!

[@collinvelarde7473]

excellent video , Matt. Just started looking into C4d and it looks like something I want to start learning. Appreciate the time you put into making this video. Thanks again.

[@lillianshih1057]

Thank you so much for this kind sharing. I'm a self-taught beginner and this video helps me a lot. Thank you!!! 💙

[@JoshMcGeechan]

Really thorough and useful video. I'm just considering embarking on the learning process. Thanks Matt!

[@mmrzkva]

Thank you for quick guidance and motivation to kick start C4D. I think I should thank my 7y.o laptop as well for going through all hardships with me through out other graphic programs throughout these years

[@kirstcurrie]

Thanks for your suggestions, Matt!

[@MegWayne]

Thank you so much for making this video! Funnily enough, I work at Webflow and worked on the Lottie launch (I'm more of an After Effects animator but learning C4D to expand my skillset) so absolutely love that you're leveraging 3D for websites! Again, thank you for this, I had such a hard time finding a general advice video in the huge pool of tutorials here on KZbin.

[@MattKander]

Omg that’s so so cool!! Thank you for your work on that it’s such an incredible feature! Feel free to dm me on Insta / LinkedIn for any cinema 4D chats (made my day)

[@james1327]

Really like your videos. Im also from Auckland, worked in silicon valley, got burnt out and now live in Europe and am trying to find my mojo again. Did not expect a video to pop up from you about c4d. Thanks for your content, it´s really great.

[@nifty127]

Thank you!! I'm just starting to learn more of motion graphics. I'll be sure to check out tutorials and resources you listed.

[@davidmilsome3275]

Hey Matt, just wanted to say like a bunch of others on here, this video was great mate. I'm also more of an After Effects animator but want to add 3D to my skills. This video was so helpful dude so appreciate it!

[@ArthurBizkit]

Came here not expecting much as I thought it would be just one of "those" videos. But Damn, this was extremely helpful! Thanks for taking us on your journey.

[@nicksquires3099]

Thank you so much for putting all of this great help and advice out here. It's been really helpful! Appreciate it!

[@justinashlye]

This was extraordinary bro! So many creatives in search of answers but really falling short on finding a quick summary of how to begin. Really well done! Sub’d

[@pranavi.s]

Loved this video! So helpful - gives me a good idea of where to start with this whole journey!

[@MattKander]

Thanks Pranavi!! If you’ve got any more questions, happy to help :-)

[@LiveInFocus999]

i have no idea why, but hearing your voice just makes feel soothed.

[@JohnSmith-jm4dw]

Just thank you! Great advice and speech! I’ll be watching all your videos) Cheers!

[@daphnewang7724]

Thanks a lot for making this video, I am planning to start learning cinema 4D and I wasn't so sure how to start so I'm really glad I've found your video!

[@MattKander]

So am I! Enjoy the process and good luck!

[@mickey5073]

This channel is gonna grow big! So much value u shared. Thank u so mcuh

[@MattKander]

Thanks for the faith! Haha

[@KabeeshS]

So beautiful Matt, Loved it thoroughly.. gonna start my journey in cinema 4d and gonna keep you posted.

[@MattKander]

Please do!

[@alanbenic7773]

Great video! Thank you Matt👍

[@3dartstudent973]

Thank u so much for sharing ur journey with cinema 4d, it helped me to decide on the software, best of luck in ur work

[@KztrinAlejandro]

Man I have been trying to learn the program for a while, this video is gonna be super helpful, thanks a lot!

[@MattKander]

Enjoy and have fun!

[@luqin5890]

Thanks for this nice sharing and get me some direction. Thanks!

[@gabrielnormandroy1018]

This is a really helpful video Matt. I'm trying to learn Cinema 4D because I'm leaning towards motion design work and these are some great ressources. Eyedesyn in particular I have followed for a bit and he does fantastic stuff. I have been going through Don Mupasi Skillshare class for a month or so and it's probably the best introduction to C4D for next to nothing spent. Cheers!

[@MattKander]

100%, Don has made some absolutely killer content. He's my fav cinema4D teacher by far.

[@densitysf2]

Thanks for putting this out!! Loved it

[@MattKander]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@standardcgi]

Dude, amazing content ! i was strugling here thinking where to start so huge thank u !

[@MattKander]

No sweat Ivan :)

[@asterixace2076]

Learned the basics of C4D at university while studying photography but never went into real detail while using it, trying to find my niche for C4D and stuck on where to begin but this video helped alot!

[@reneseib6532]

thankyou for breaking down this video into easy to understand info, super helpful

[@hongchen3287]

Thanks a lot for sharing your perspective on the C4D tour. I am just become a newbie here. Can't wait to discover more !!! Appreciate for this VID so much (cryyy) I luv you ,Matt mate. >

[@ALEXAWRIGHT]

This is super helpful! I’ve recently started learning Cinema 4D and will refer back to this video. Thank you.

[@MattKander]

Most welcome! The exact reason I made the video haha best of luck!

[@MdArif-gw1vy]

Thank you so much for this kind sharing. This was extraordinary bro!......

[@lucienbishop3776]

Thank you sire this video has been a great help to me!

[@IsaacAOV1997]

Thank you so much for this material. It was really useful, I don't usually write in the comments, but you deserve it. Congrats for this achivement!

[@MattKander]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post, comment was much appreciated!

[@JMatthewJohnson]

Thanks for sharing Matt

[@matataliu3596]

I love this bgm and your works.

[@codersvenue9337]

What a great video, helps A LOT in the beginning.

[@ChagaThunder]

I'm buying it and starting now, thanks for the info , great video 👍😎

[@SetInTheWestDoc]

I'm getting into 4D, need this video, appreciate it

[@MattKander]

Welcome! Happy it helped!

[@caduprimola]

Thank you mate! Great tips... I will start my first month just now!

[@MattKander]

Well done mate! Enjoy

[@JustChillingSon]

Great video man! Really appreciate it :)

[@MrluisV3000]

Awesome video bro. I know I’m late but thank you. I’m just starting with C4D.

[@BigDataLogin]

Thanks Matt very precise presentation 👍

[@christopherpoterson2244]

Thanks Buddy! Great information...

[@milesfabishak2354]

Matt, this was such a helpful video for me. I’ve been putting off learning cinema for years! I mean I know a little bit as a motion graphics artist but nothing to the extent of what you’re producing. I received some grant money that I’d like to use to invest in a custom PC. I’m an original Mac fanboy but need the extra power for third party renders. Anyways thanks for the tips! Def bookmarking this video.

[@MattKander]

Hey Miles, thank you so much for the comment! This video took a tonne of effort to put together over a few months so positive feedback like this really makes it worthwhile. Thank you!

[@flumurat5632]

Thank you! That was a great tutorial!

[@joyusagi]

this is SO helpful. thank you!

[@andreicirnat5111]

Thank you Matt! Very useful for a beginner in Cinema 4D!

[@MattKander]

Most welcome! Hope you got value out of it.

[@orkunkusvuran6036]

Thank you Matt :) So helpful

[@maxpro3688]

Great job ❤️ Big thanks!

[@winchesterplayz9179]

great thanks for that! Very clear and articulate!

[@boriskuznetsov9900]

Great Video, thanks a lot!

[@mostafaabdelaziz2316]

I am in high school 17 years old and just wanted to learn cinema 4D as its the way I can model and animate what I imagine in my mind and its pretty fun to do so I started learning adobe's Softwares and spent 3 years on them and element 3D in AE but I learnt alot about cameras ,keyframes and animation and then I told my self to try cinema 4D...still beginner and trying to learn it this summer and I hope to have atleast a good experience in it

[@Bobothedoggy124]

Thank you for sharing this tutorial

[@ransikadane6474]

Super duper content Matt, very informative!

[@MattKander]

Thanks boo

[@user-nt5cd5jy3l]

bro u really a kind person!keep going!subscribed!

[@ewsplat]

!!! Awesome job with this dude

[@meyed7375]

thank you for sharing this you are amazing this is all what i need , thank you thank you thank you

[@HeapsMad]

Awesome video! You were really clear and concise with the information. I've been working with AfterEffects for years and only recently started getting into Cinema4D. I can definitely relate to a lot of the things you were saying! Done the whole cineversity + skillshare thing and have had fun with the standard/physical renderer. It's time for me to take the next step and just pick a renderer - it's been a huge roadblock. I know you say just pick one and go, but i'm still unsure with the hardware i have? I'm running a 2019 MacBook Pro, Intel Core i7, AMD Radeon Pro 5300M. Does Octane X or Redshift work on this particular laptop? I would love to hear your advice on this :) Keep up the great work!!!

[@RezaXus]

Thank You For Super Helpful Video.

[@thegamingexec]

This is a Prometheus level contribution

[@analuiza2677]

Thanks so much! I'm also a software developer and I am looking for something to expand my knowledge and make my jobs look more creative.

[@camilorueda798]

Love Your advices, thank you so much! excelent video.

[@MattKander]

Thank you! And you’re welcome :-)

[@Edarbin]

Really helpful, thanks.

[@samuelgiwa8034]

Wow I just wanna start learning and I really like you wow well done abd thanks alot

[@simosof]

I will follow your activities, Good content

[@fabianw2k]

Im Running octane on the M2 Apple silicon and it works perfect!

[@phillipgoat00]

Dude I found you watching your burnout programmer video. Hope you keep posting videos. big fan of your work.

[@MattKander]

Thanks Jose! Will keep on posting ;-)

[@Monad.x]

This is amazing! You just pointed out every thing that I wanted to know and not one single video has explained that! Thank you. Would you be able to recommend a PC rig thats not too expensive just to do the renders?

[@neonn8876]

i5 - GTX 1650 - 8GB RAM and SSD/HDD

[@thecakeisapie5148]

I’d go for 16gb of ram minimum, typically you have at least a few programs you need to work in out side of c4d and 8gb will NOT hold up for that kind of work

[@Ninan_9]

Welcome back Matt!

[@MattKander]

Thanks Ninan 😁

[@kamil7423]

Thank you for information

[@BooneLovesVideo]

I'm only 5 minutes into the video and I love it.

[@marvelanimation9569]

Thanks so much for this

[@ahmedsuleiman1130]

Thanks greatly for this amazing and well packaged tutorial on learning Cinema 4D. It is well worth the time and I hope to make great contents link yours someday as I work rigorously and vigorously towards it. P.S: We missed your contents by the way and I hope you are as fit as a fiddle? Keep up the good!

[@muhammedpurathayil7041]

Great video mate

[@markmurphy5486]

Amazing thanks so much!!

[@brunodepaulak]

Great video!!!

[@minhtoon3127]

Great vid mate! It’ll be nice to hear your recommendation for a desktop rig? Or at least where to look;-)

[@nightsdaydream8042]

Good advice Thanks

[@darowcqb1344]

Thanks you verry much for all this informations dude !

[@MattKander]

Most welcome! Hope it helps!

[@hyeongchoi1324]

Thank you Matt for sharing the journey! I started learning Cinema 4d based on your guide. I am amazed about your work particularly on 0:31 (the one that looks like dark space), do you mind share where you learned that style of art?

[@thinhvo255]

Thank you for sharing your experience ! Such a lovely and quality content. I initially started with those popular photo editor software and moved on to 3D world with C4D. Would you mind recommending some sources for creating abstract art? something random and spontaneous. Thank you once again !

[@enzoreda2249]

really helpful thanks !!

[@tommyvo9354]

great video thanks!

[@syedmehdiabbas4651]

Man i was so lost this has motivated me to do c4d i will give my 100% from now on

[@MattKander]

You got this!

[@lexdesign7371]

Thank you so much

[@azddines4077]

keep going, champ!

[@ndorojuragan4105]

unbelievably well explained...to the point, no wafsofte wafsofte chat...you´re the dude ..thanks!

[@NicolasLucaYuri]

great video!

[@RonaldvallejoA]

Amazing information man really love I recently did a few a animation on after effect / lottie am really curious on how that workflow for cinema 4d would work

[@KALUVADADA]

you record with hardware outside of the program. Great tutorial btw it was very detailed but still just right for beginners.

[@clearperspective1]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@rebeccathompson3511]

Thank you so muchhh! We are laptop twins😊😊

[@abdullahsayedrabie7091]

Thanks a lot!!

[@eyedesyn]

Appreciate the shout!!!!

[@MattKander]

Most welcome!! You do amazing work!!

[@mohamedsaid320]

Lots of love bro

[@gaga169]

just a reminder to myself that I subscribed you at 6.4K subscribers. Wish you get 6.4M soon

[@MattKander]

Hahahh thanks! If I get to 6.4m I’ll send you a cookie

[@gaga169]

@@MattKander thats what the websites offer me