3D Studio Max 3 Workshop confidently leads beginning Max users through the dark forest of installation, interface introductions, and core concepts. Illustrating the design, construction, and final rendering of a single project, and introducing new features as needed, it drives toward a final goal and artistic vision that started out as a sketch on paper.

The first noticeable thing about this book is the keyboard/icon tear-out sheet, which is invaluable. Featuring every icon in Max's many toolbars on one side, and the most commonly needed keyboard shortcuts on the other, this two-page sheet printed on heavy paper helps the new user get more proficient in Max through keyboard shortcuts and by making it easier to decipher onscreen icons.

The 10 chapters illustrate the step-by-step process of creating and refining an idea, building the set, applying materials, adding lights and animation, and putting it all together in the final rendering. Each chapter is clear, concise, and designed to build on previous material while introducing new functions. The only downside is that the book has no color images--a few pages of color graphics would have been great for illustrating ideas that were presented in the chapter on lighting or surface materials, for example.

The real-world approach that is taken by 3D Studio Max 3 Workshop is encouraging and realistic. If you are serious about learning how to use Max and working professionally in 3-D computer graphics and animation, this book makes a solid teacher. Starting with an idea on paper and following through to final rendering, it gives an overview not only of how to use Max, but how to use it in the real world. --Mike Caputo

From Book News, Inc.
A step-by-step book/CD-ROM guide for beginning and intermediate 3D Studio MAX users, presenting tutorials built around a single project. Focus is on basic principles, elements, and tools used in MAX to create models, materials, lighting, special effects, and animation. The CD-ROM contains project files for lessons, production utilities, demo software, and collections of textures, motion files, and models. Loose is an industrial designer and science fiction illustrator.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR

Book Description
3D Studio Max 3.0 Workshop takes the approach of "beginning with the end in mind." This book teaches you 3D Studio Max basic design principles, as well as techniques for getting ideas out of your brain onto your computer screen. Chapters include information on backgrounds, set design and modeling, props and secondary scene elements, camera set-up and movement, and lighting. You'll also learn innovative techniques for creating 3D depth, texturing & reflection, specific material development, and dirt, wear and tear, smoke, water and other special effects, and character design and animation. Other topics covered include video post-production, making a demo reel, and getting a job as a CGI artist/animator.

Book Info
Focuses on developing the skills of beginning and intermediate 3D Studio MAX users by teaching them how to take advantage of the first object-oriented animation system designed for Microsoft Windows NT. Uses tutorials to guide the user through a professional project development process. Softcover.

From the Back Cover
3D Studio Max 3.0 Workshop takes the approach of "beginning with the end in mind." This book teaches you 3D Studio Max basic design principles, as well as techniques for getting ideas out of your brain onto your computer screen. Chapters include information on backgrounds, set design and modeling, props and secondary scene elements, camera set-up and movement, and lighting. You'll also learn innovative techniques for creating 3D depth, texturing & reflection, specific material development, and dirt, wear and tear, smoke, water and other special effects, and character design and animation. Other topics covered include video post-production, making a demo reel, and getting a job as a CGI artist/animator.

About the Author
Duane Loose is the Supervising Art Director for Creative Capers Entertainment, a Southern California company that creates and produces original content for film, television and game/interactive companies worldwide. A leader in animation and CGI, the company works with clients such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks/SKG, and Sony Entertainment, billing itself as "the best kept secret in Hollywood".

FROM THE PUBLISHER

3D Studio Max 3.0 Workshop takes the approach of "beginning with the end in mind." This book teaches you 3D Studio Max basic design principles, as well as techniques for getting ideas out of your brain onto your computer screen. Chapters include information on backgrounds, set design and modeling, props and secondary scene elements, camera set-up and movement, and lighting. You'll also learn innovative techniques for creating 3D depth, texturing & reflection, specific material development, and dirt, wear and tear, smoke, water and other special effects, and character design and animation. Other topics covered include video post-production, making a demo reel, and getting a job as a CGI artist/animator.

FROM THE CRITICS

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