3 Review(s)

Introducing 3ds Max: 3D for Beginners teaches the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects to familiarize readers with the program as a whole and encourage them to find what aspects of the production pipeline appeal to them. The expository text is reinforced with excellent tutorials, and the CD includes tutorial files so readers can learn by completing hands-on projects in the book. The tutorials offer realistic, professional challenges for those new to 3D, and to those coming from another 3D application. Each chapter leads with an introduction to the topic and explains methods, as well why certain methods are used. Each chapter is richly illustrated with workflows and examples to make following the sometimes difficult subject matter much easier and fun. The book evenly covers all aspects a beginner should be familiar with for a solid foundation of 3ds Max, but also caters some sections to Max’s strengths, such as game work. For example, extra time is given to low poly modeling techniques and UV texturing for game export. Readers can expect to get a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to the sophisticated software package. Key Features Complex Made Doable: Following the model of the successful Introducing Maya books, 3D pros Dariush and Randi Derakhshani break down the complexities of learning 3D software and get readers started right away with interesting projects. Tutorials For Success: The tutorials offer realistic challenges for those new to 3D with clear explanations along the way. Aspiration: Teaches the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects to familiarize readers with the program as a whole and encourage them to find what aspects of the production pipeline appeal to them. Inspiration: Color insert provides real-world examples from talented beginning 3ds max users to attract readers who aspire to learn the software. Targeted Content: Because 3ds Max is used extensively in game creation, the book offers readers extra information for 3D creation in a game pipeline, as well as traditional film and TV production environments. CD-ROM: The CD includes all the files and support materials needed to create the tutorials in the book. About the Author Dariush Derakhshani is an award-winning 3D animator, author, and educator. He has worked on The Fantastic Four and The Visitation movies; the South Park TV series; and numerous commercials and music videos. He teaches 3D animation and is the author of Introducing Maya 7: 3D for Beginners, and a contributing author to Mastering Maya 7. Randi L. Munn teaches 3D animation at The Art Institute of California, Los Angeles and has worked as a digital artist and technical director for games and movie projects with Gizmo Games, RJB Enterprises, and Sony. Table Of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Basic Concepts Chapter 2: Your First Max Animation Chapter 3: The 3ds Max Interface Chapter 4: Modeling in 3ds Max: Part I Chapter 5: Modeling in 3ds Max: Part II Chapter 6: Organic Poly Modeling Chapter 7: Materials and Mapping Chapter 8: Introduction to Animation Chapter 9: Character Studio and IK Animation Chapter 10: 3ds Max Lighting Chapter 11: 3ds Max Rendering Chapter 12: Particles and Dynamics Summary Index