Introducing Maya 2011 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The book starts of in a very good manner it introduces the layout, the way things are done and the production process very well. As the book progresses it explains the various use of the tools and helps you build a lot of things. Dariush Derakhshani did a very good job explaining the steps to creating the projects but at certain complex points of the projects ex: modeling a cabin for the train project etc.. the book does not give enough information for a beginner to understand it. Although this happens rarely throughout the book it can get you frustrated enough to give up on it even if you think it is to encourage you to learn it yourself. Its also good to NOTE THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN A LOT THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. Overall if you are willing to learn Maya from the scratch this book is a must have as it will introduce you to most of the basic and advanced concepts.

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A practical, step-by-step guide to Maya 2011
Four previous editions can't be wrong: this book is the perfect introduction to 3D and Maya. Learn to build and animate your own digital models and scenes with step-by-step instruction and fun and practical examples, while you draw inspiration from the striking examples included from talented Maya users. You'll create a simple animation of the planets in the solar system, learn to model a human hand and a decorative box—among other projects—and master all essential tools.

Provides a thorough, step-by-step introduction to Maya 2011
Explains the core concepts of CG and working in 3D
Covers modeling, rigging, HDRI lighting, mental ray rendering, and more
Provides project files on CD and walks you through the creation of several projects; the CD also includes images, movies, and scene files
Includes a color insert with pages of striking examples from talented Maya beginners

Build your Maya and animation skills from the ground up with this practical, thorough guide.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

For Instructors: Teaching supplements are available for this title.

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Essential LightWave v9: The Fastest and Easiest Way to Master LightWave 3D Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I'll keep this pretty short. I can't really recommend this book enough. I'm fairly new to LW and this book has been a tremendous help. Even on areas where I though I was up to speed I keep on learning new things. The book starts off with a general introduction to 3d, and then has main chapters covering topics such as modeling, lighting, animating, texturing, rendering, etc. Then it moves onto more intermediate and advanced chapters and projects.
What I like best is that each mini-area is followed by a simple illustrated example that makes it very easy to understand and see it in use. Also, the way the book is broken up into sections, if you don't really want to read up on animation right that second you can just move on to the next area without feeling too lost (and hopefully go back to that section later).
I will also point out that the book comes with hours and hours (about 14 I think) of tutorial videos that cover a broad range of topics including new 9.2 features. These videos alone are worth the price of the book. (Just as a note, if there are any videos that don't work on your DVD, go to publishers website for info on how to get them) As this book covers so many areas, especially many 9.2 new features, it really is good for all different levels.
Have fun riding the Wave...

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Includes companion DVD with trial versions of LightWave v9.2!Essential LightWave v9 offers an unparalleled guide to LightWave 3D. Written to help users quickly take control of the software, this book is filled with easy-to-understand explanations, time-saving tips and tricks, and detailed tutorials on nearly every aspect of the software, including the new features in LightWave v9.2!Key features:Learn to model, light, surface animate, and render within the first seven chapters! Master the LightWave v9 Node Editor for advanced surfacing, texturing, and deformations. Learn to model with polygons, Catmull-Clark/Subpatch SubDs, and splines. Uncover the secrets of distortion-free UV mapping and high-quality texturing. Learn to seamlessly composite 3D objects with real-world images. Create professional-quality character animation using FK, IK, and IK Booster. Enhance your animations with expressions, particle effects, and dynamics. Set up a render farm to rip through complex rendering tasks.

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Mastering Maya 2009 Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been vigorously studying Motion Graphics related topics for the past few years, and have read literally hundreds of books and taken thousands of hours of online training via Lynda.com. I've managed to get my Adobe certifications in: Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator & Premiere/Encore and currently working on getting certified in After Effects. I am also the author of the Flash exam for examaids. I have been trying to study Maya for the past couple of years and have been extremely frustrated with the level of training anywhere. The best I had found was actually in the help sections of Maya. I realized how complex Maya was, but I was starting to get the feeling no one either could explain it, or understood the depths of it to pass the knowledge on. I found myself unable to get through the "beginners books". That is until I found the "Mastering Maya 2009" book! Finally, someone who understands the product who can share in-depth without skipping steps in the process. I'm so impressed with it, that I'm rating it already as one of the 4 best graphics books of all-time. The other 3 would be the Ben Willmore's Photoshop Studio Techniques, Chris & Trish Meyer's Motion Graphics with After Effects, and Mordy Golding's Real World Illustrator book. Fantastic book! I give it my highest rating and total endorsement!
Jackson Hunt
VP of Marketing
Ser Technology

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The Ultimate Maya 2009 Resource for Intermediate to Advanced Users If you already know the basics of Maya, now you can elevate your skills with Maya 2009 and the advanced coverage in this authoritative new reference and tutorial. From modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects to high-level techniques for film, television, games, and more, this book provides professional-level instruction on Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited.
This fully updated book brings you up to speed on Maya 2009's new features and expands your skills with advanced instruction on cloth, fur, and fluids. You'll learn Dynamics, Maya Muscle, Stereo Cameras, Assets, rendering with mental ray, and more. Filled with challenging tutorials and real-world scenarios from some of the leading professionals in the industry, this one-of-a-kind guide gives you valuable insight into the entire CG production pipeline.

If you've been looking for a complete, professional-quality Maya resource to turn to again and again, this is the book for you.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010 Review

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(More customer reviews)There seem to be two types of Max books. The ones with lots and lots of text that are hard to use as a reference - they are too cryptic to understand and generally the organization of the Bibles still leave me baffled. On the other end there are more tutorial/image based books, some are decent for what they are, but it is usually difficult to find a good blend of information and how to's. This book is more like the 3ds Max 2010 Bible, and although it covers much of Max, the glaring exceptions are the lack of information on rigging and biped - there is very little beyond the basic how to do a simple keyframe of a camera animation in this giant book.
One of the authors of this book wrote a really good reference/tutorial book called Master Visually 3ds Max 8. I still see my students from time to time carrying round a used copy of this book that they got at the school bookstore. It is starting to show its age - mainly because of the changes to the interface - but seemed to be an excellent intro book because the tutorials were limited to one or two pages, and the text was direct and to the point.
Regrettable this book is closer to the 3DS Max Bible on the continuum. It has a good amount of information, but it is really dense with text, which now a days with all the online video tutorials, are being used less and less. I wish McFarland would have gone back and revised his Max 8 book. That is what those learning Max really need. For a general introduction book I refer students to Maestri's 3ds Max at a Glancethe book has lots of pictures, provides a good overview of the entire program, and only suffers from tutorials that I find difficult to complete. The other book I would recommend for those new to Max would be Essential 3ds Max 2008. Although earlier versions of this series were lacking, this one got it right as a good intro book on Max. There aren't any color pictures, but its tutorials and information are more in-depth than Maestri's book.
So if you want an up to date 3DS Max book, you like reading and having a Max book that can be used as a reference, this is the book for you.

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The only comprehensive tutorial/reference exclusively devoted to Autodesk's robust architectural visualization software
3ds Max Design is a powerful real-time 3D design, modeling, and animation tool for architectural visualizations. This book covers all the software's crucial features, including how to simulate and analyze sun, sky, and artificial light-crucial factors for sustainable design-and how to define and assign realistic materials and work with AutoCAD and Revit files.
You'll quickly learn how to get the most from this powerful software's 3D modeling, animation, and rendering capabilities. McFarland is an Autodesk Authorized Author with professional experience in creating complex visualizations for a large property development company. His real-world focus means workflows and instructions are professional and proven, and projects will include those that pros work on every day.
Uses actual examples from the author's experience, including retail spaces, small offices, residential developments, and more
Concise explanations, focused examples, step-by-step instructions, and hands-on tutorials teach the basics and fine points of the software
Covers all the essential features, such as how to simulate and analyze sun, sky, and artificial light
Demonstrates efficient use of the interface; how to work with Revit and AutoCAD files; using data, scene management, and solid modeling tools; rendering real-world surfaces; and setting up animated walkthroughs

Mastering 3ds Max Design 2010 provides a practical education in using this powerful architectural visualization tool.

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Advanced Maya: Character Modeling Review

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(More customer reviews)As a trained, certified Maya user I have never fully explored modeling human characters as my work never required it. But like most 3D artists I am always hoping to expand my abilities, and as a result I have completed just about every single tutorial online and none seemed to really get me where I wanted to be. This DVD, however, will get you there. The Author's technique is easy to follow, produces a clean and polished result, and just makes sense where other tutorials simply fall apart if you don't understand one step. I would definitely recommend this DVD to current Maya users, though new users might be lost early on since the Author assumes a working knowledge of the Maya interface and settings.
The only reason I give it a 4 instead of 5 is that the Author spends a lot of time moving points around and spinning around his model. While you too will be doing this in the course of building your character, you probably don't need to see him do it for 15 minute stretches to get the idea. There seems to have been no editing of the material, so there are one or two times where he makes a mistake and has to back up several steps, which if you were following along too closely means you too will have to back up and unlearn a step or two. Editing, fellas, editing.
They probably could have used this wasted time more wisely, perhaps giving a better overview of WHY you are doing this particular step, how it fits into the big picture, and less with the "how."
That said, the Author really does know his stuff and is a good teacher, so I still highly recommend this for anyone looking to learn character modeling.

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Advanced Maya: Character Modeling will take you through each step of modeling a character from head to toe. Starting with photographs of a human female model, every step from the first polygon to the final tweak is illustrated and explained. Also, learn how to create a custom shelf to be used throughout the modeling process that will speed up your workflow.The 16 page book is a handy guide to the included DVD disc. The DVD disc (data format) includes over 16 hours of high-resolution (1024x768) video in Quicktime™ MOV format, designed for crystal clear viewing on a computer monitor. Voice narraration on these movies by artist Kenny Cooper will guide you through each movie. A Maya scene file is saved on the disc for the start and end of each movie segment - 50 segments in all.Designed for the intermediate level Maya user, this training video will help you learn how to use polygonal and sub-divisional modeling tools to create a fully articulated human 3D model. Follow along as each body part is created, matched, attached and refined. - Includes printed guide to all 50 movies - 16 hours of Quicktime™ Movies with audio - Suitable for all Maya platforms - Suitable for intermediate Maya users (advise that you have a basic understanding of Maya before beginning) - High resolution 1024x768 captures - Movies created using Maya 5.0 - Works with the free Personal Learning Edition of Maya - Produced by Jim Lammers, co-author of the best-selling Maya Fundamentals books.

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More Autodesk Maya Hyper-Realistic Creature Creation (Autodesk Official Training Guide) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is fairly expensive for it's size (154 pages), although it is packed with very useful rigging techniques. As other reviewers have mentioned, this is not a modeling book -- it's more about rigging and muscle deformations. This book is designed to work with Autodesk Maya 2009. It heavily relies on their plug-ins included on the DVD, which do NOT work in any other version of Maya. You can download a free trial of Maya 2009 from the Internet, although it would be nice if it were included on the DVD itself. There are some cool bonus videos on the DVD for modeling a realistic hand, using both Maya and Mudbox. The book is written by very impressive individuals in the industry, who really know their stuff. This is definitely a book for intermediate to advanced users. For beginners, they suggest that you begin with the "Learning Autodesk Maya 2009/Foundation" or the "Learning Autodesk Maya 2009/Modeling & Animation Handbook" as a prerequesite to this book.

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More Autodesk Maya Hyper-Realistic Creature Creation is a continuation of the tools and techniques presented in Maya Hyper-Realistic Creature Creation, Second Edition. This book is your solution for creating convincing characters in Autodesk Maya. Learn core industry knowledge by gaining hands-on experience with innovative tools and powerful industry-recognized techniques as you learn to model like a professional; set up your skeleton in a fast and easy way; and create realistic facial controls. Get the inside scoop on high end production techniques from industry pros Erick Miller, Paul Thuriot, Jeff Unay and Rudy Grossman. Through project-based lessons, follow Jeff and Rudy's process for modeling the beast and its facial blend shapes, Paul's workflow for rigging the beast's body, and Erick's tips and techniques on complex facial rigging for maximum flexibility. This book carefully delineates the entire production process for the beast's creation, so that you can both understand the individual techniques and how they relate to each other in a pipeline. By examining the entire process, you will learn strategies for creating characters with an emphasis on anatomy and realism. Lessons are designed to cover effective workflows for devising models that can be easily manipulated and animated. The methods discussed in this book can be applied to any setup needs that you may have because you will learn the rigging process from the concept stage through to pipeline integration.
Create a facial topology that will deform realistically

Use custom tools to control the morph timing of a blend shape

Learn valuable modeling workflows for creating facial blend shapes

Accommodate changes within a character pipeline

Use the Full Body IK solver to create a control rig

Create internal muscle structures for body deformations

Use tools and Python plug-ins for higher level deformations

Build and rig a face shape library with directional sliders and compensation shapes

Learn about controls for the eyes, ears, mouth and teeth

Attach models or rigs of different resolutions

Learn and use several custom written Hyper-Real facial rigging MEL tools

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Introducing Mudbox Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great book designed to get you working in Mudbox fast. Not only does it teach you the most important aspects of the program but also has extensive information on working with scan data and integration into 3D pipelines using maya and other software. Ara is a great teacher and gets the concepts across clearly. The projects are engaging and fun. Ara has examples of both organic sculpting (female figure) and hard surface modeling (robot character). If you need to get up and running fast this is the place to start!

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One of the first books on Autodesk's new Mudbox 3D modeling and sculpting tool!
Autodesk's Mudbox was used to create photorealistic creatures for The Dark Knight, The Mist, and others films. Now you can join the crowd interested in learning this exciting new digital modeling and sculpting tool with this complete guide. Get up to speed on all of Mudbox's features and functions, learn how sculpt and paint, and master the art of using effective workflows to make it all go easier.
Introduces Autodesk's Mudbox, an exciting 3D modeling and sculpting tool that enables you to create photorealistic creatures for film or games; it is interoperable with Autodesk's 3ds Max and Maya products
Explains what digital sculpting is—and what it isn't—and how to fit it into the pipeline when creating assets for film, television, games, and advertising
Shows you how sculpt and paint a model in Mudbox; breaks down the complexities and gets you started right away with interesting projects
Helps you set up workflows to cut the time you spend on the technology, freeing you to focus on the creative aspects
Includes case studies and examples from industry leaders as well as a DVD with movies, sample project files, MELscripts, and more

Develop skills as a digital content creator or visual effects or CG artist with a good understanding of Mudbox and this valuable guide.

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Autodesk Maya 2010: The Modeling and Animation Handbook (Autodesk Maya Techniques: Offical Autodesk Training Guides) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book was required by one of my 3d animation classes. after doing several of the tutorials my class mates and i realized that the authors frequently skip steps, have poor image examples, and are hard to learn from. i do not recommend this book to anyone.

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Maya is the industry-leading 3D animation and effects software used in movies, special effects, games, cartoons, short films, commercials, etc. Complex and difficult to learn, the new Maya 2010 features updates to modeling, animation, dynamics, and rendering modules. This invaluable book offers hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques of this fascinating software.
This extraordinary, full-color book presents you with clear step-by-step instructions to projects that enhance your understanding of the modeling and animation stages of production using files from the Yash Raj Films and Walt Disney Pictures feature film Roadside Romeo. You'll learn how to build models with a variety of surface types and then make them move with a range of animation techniques. Instructor-led tutorials are featured on the DVD that will help you grasp best practices from the beginning with the intent of avoiding unnecessary challenges further along in the process.
Serves as the next step after you have gained a solid understanding of Maya and you're ready for 3D modeling and animation

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d'artiste Character Modeling 2: Digital Artists Master Class Review

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(More customer reviews)Character Modeling 2 is an art book at heart with an in depth look at the 3D production process of 3 different artists. It's part of the d'artiste series where artists are featured with their tutorials.
The featured artists in this issue are Kevin Lanning, Timur "Taron" Baysal and Zack Petroc. Each of them comes with a short biography on their life and career in computer graphics.
This is not strictly a tutorial book even though it might look that way. It's a "making of" book that provides multiple screenshots of work in progress. The accompanying captions describes the workflow and techniques used. Different 3D software packages are used, such as Lightwave, 3ds Max, Maya, ZBrush, Mudbox, etc. The workflow and techniques presented are universal and can be applied easily to other software, even if the controls are different. That being said, the book provides very useful information and look into different workflows of professional 3D artists.
These guys have been in the computer graphics industry for a long time. Each artist has a gallery included, which showcase the 3D models and projects they have worked on. Each artwork is captioned. It's nothing less than impressive.
Here's the list of "tutorials":
High-poly workflow
Low-poly workflow
Rip and process workflow
Box modeling
ZBrush and texturing
Character creation
Workarounds
(More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

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d'artiste: Character Modeling 2 presents the techniques of leading character modelers Kevin Lanning, Zack Petroc, and Timur "Taron" Baysal.

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Blender For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)I officially fell in love with Blender 6 months ago after years of picking it up, staring at the screen for a few days, and putting it back down. Blender takes a certain amount of dedication, I wasn't willing to devote until recently. I consider myself still in the noob stage, but I have spent a fair amount of time doing online tutorials and familiarizing myself with the program.
This book attempts the daunting task of reigning in as much information about Blender for the beginner as possible. This is an exceptional presentation of reference material collected in one book. The title is a bit misleading, but if you are already familiar with "Dummies" books, it's no surprise. Jason runs pretty fast right out of the starting gate, and doesn't waste any time getting right into it. The order in which the book takes, is a logical one, and is similar to other methods of learning Blender. You start out learning the interface, then modeling, materials and textures, lighting, animating, etc.
What I liked about this book is that it explains certain functions and concepts, that I had never really fully understood through my adventures online trying to cherry pick bits of info here and there. There were a few Eureka! moments as I read through.
One of my gripes though is that some of the images in the book of the interface are too small and dark to see clearly, so it definitely helps to have Blender open.
If you are seriously interested in learning Blender, do not hesitate to get this. I have a couple of other Blender books like "Introducing Character Animation" and "Bounce Tumble and Splash". These are great in their own right, but they are a little more advanced and specific than I had expected. Blender for Dummies is kind of a bridge to these books.
I recommend to anyone starting out in Blender to use this book in conjunction with various online tutorials. It gives you the chance to just work with the program, and will help you to visualize the concepts explained in the book. Jason does not present the info through a bunch of tutorials, and I like that. There are tutorials coming out of the digital woodwork online, and it's great to see a book just explain why something happens the way it does. Since I have worked with Blender some, I was comfortable sitting back on the couch and reading through it. I didn't necessarily feel that I had to be tethered to the computer through a tutorial.
I will have to say, that Blender is no joke. It takes time to wrap your head around it. This book is for those who are serious about learning Blender. You may have to go over a few things many times before before your synapse screams out "I got it!". Blender for Dummies will meet you half way.
Blender to me is why I like using a computer. It really has to be one of the greatest contributions to the digital world I've ever seen, and it's free. I am completely hooked. Blender For Dummies takes a comprehensive approach to a very in depth and challenging piece of software and succeeds.

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3ds Max: Character Modeling (DVD-ROM) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This was a very in depth tutorial, I enjoyed it very much. Jim Lammers and Kenny Cooper did a very good job going through all the steps of modeling a character. The tutorial is very in depth, they went over the steps in taking pictures for guides for the model, went through the steps in photoshop as well unlike most of the tutorials I have seen. Once in 3d max they did a great job of actually going through all of the modeling with you unlike most tutorials where they give you directions for parts and skip them actually doing it. If you are looking for a great, easy to follow, in depth human modeling tutorial then this is the product you want.

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3ds max Character Modeling will take you through each step of modeling a character from head to toe. Starting with photographs of a human female model, source photography is prepared for modeling. Then, every step from the first polygon to the final tweak is illustrated and explained. Not only do you learn to build a human in general, but you'll build a specific human that matches the person in the photographs.The 16 page book is a handy guide to the included DVD disc. The DVD disc (data format) includes over 16 hours of high-resolution (1024x768) video in Quicktime™ MOV format, designed for crystal clear viewing on a computer monitor. Voice narraration on these movies by artists Kenny Cooper and Jim Lammers will guide you through each movie. A 3ds max scene file is saved on the disc for the start and end of each movie segment - 48 segments in all. DVD includes 48 Quicktime movies, plus source photography, all images used, and scene files that are compatible with both max 5 and 6. Tutorials were created in max 6 but the techniques and methodology are totally max 5-compatible. Designed for the intermediate level 3ds max user, this training video will help you learn how to use polygonal and sub-divisional modeling tools to create a fully articulated human 3D model. Follow along as each body part is created, matched, attached and refined. - Includes printed guide to all 48 movies - 16 hours of Quicktime™ Movies with audio - Suitable for intermediate 3ds max users (advise that you have a basic understanding of 3ds max before beginning) - High resolution 1024x768 captures - Movies created using 3ds max 6- Produced by Jim Lammers, co-author of the best-selling Maya Fundamentals books.

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Mastering Blender Review

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(More customer reviews)
I am a Blender wannabe. I know I'll never be anything more than a tinkerer with it and I certainly don't have the artistic ability to do anything serious with it. Blender is an open source, free 3D program with an impressive list of capabilities. In fact, Blender rivals commercial programs costing thousands of dollars.
"Mastering Blender" is the third Tony Mullen book I've read and it is as impressive as the first two. But Mullen's books are aimed at people who are actually quite proficient with Blender. As Mullen puts it, he is writing for "intermediate and advanced" Blender users. If you've attempted to use Blender, you'll immediately recognize that even achieving the intermediate stage of proficiency requires many hours of learning and doing.
That said, there is nothing that prevents the patient novice Blender user from reading, looking at the pictures and, in my case, gasping both at what Blender can do and at the people like Mullen who can do it.
The first chapter is actually helpful to inexperienced users, as it describes how you can gain control of the Blender interface.
After that, it is strictly for the more advanced and capable user. Sculpting and Retopo Workflow explores sculpting; Creating Realistic Images with UV Textures and Node-Based Materials covers texturing snd then Mullen moves into Video Compositing, which is a Blender feature I didn't know existed.
The next six chapters cover scripting Blender with Python, another revelation, and mastering the Blender Game Engine.
Mullen appears to be one of the most knowledgeable Blender users on the planet. His writing style tends to be matter of fact and very straight-forward. His coverage of each of his subject areas is very thorough. There are many large and clear illustrations.
Overall, though it is highly doubtful that I will personally ever be able to use these Blender capabilities, I really enjoyed learning about them through Mullen's ably crafted book.
Jerry


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Blender, the free alternative for professional-quality 3D animation is a complex program to learn, but once users become familiar with its power, they begin to seek more from it. This book is the first of its kind to explore the more advanced features of Blender so that you can get the most out of the software. You'll take your Blender skills to a whole new level with the featured in-depth coverage of intricate uses for Blender's modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects tools in a professional environment.
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Mastering Autodesk Maya 2011 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're purchasing the Kindle Edition of this book, keep in mind it doesn't have a companion DVD. I was, however, able to contact the publisher's TECHNICAL support at sybex.com and provide my purchase confirmation in order to have a copy of the DVD mailed to me.
(I haven't actually read the book yet so my star rating can be ignored).

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A beautifully-packaged, advanced reference on the very latest version of Maya
If you already know the basics of Maya, the latest version of this authoritative book takes you to the next level. From modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects to high-level techniques for film, television, games, and more, this book provides professional-level Maya instruction. With pages of scenarios and examples from some of the leading professionals in the industry, this book will help you master the entire CG production pipeline.

Provides professional-level instruction on Maya, the industry-leading 3D animation and effects software
Covers the very latest Maya tools and features, including Dynamics, Maya Muscle, Stereo Cameras, rendering with mental ray, and more
Offers complete coverage of advanced topics such as cloth, fur, and fluids
Showcases the techniques of professionals through numerous examples and real-world scenarios, showing you how to set up and manage 3D animation and visual effects pipelines
Includes a CD with all support files from the book, along with movies to illustrate concepts

If you're looking for an in-depth, professional Maya resource to turn to again and again, Mastering Maya is the book you need.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

For Instructors: Teaching supplements are available for this title.

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Introducing ZBrush 4 Review

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(More customer reviews)So I'm currently enrolled at Gnomon School of VFX. and I can not put enough emphasis on how important zbrush is to the pipeline in much of visual / video games today. This book is exactly what you need to get up and get going on the latest version of zbrush. With all the upgrades bells and whistles this program has now, this should easily be an important book in you library. If you are interested and intimidated by computer graphics programs and such, you couldn't pick up a better intro book to one of the most important programs in visual graphics today. Eric Keller has a way of introducing a very complex program in the most understandable way. Can't tell you how awesome it is to have a guide to zbrush 4 on my desk and not scouring the internet for answers. A must buy for anyone interested in learning this program a must have for anyone who is zbrush user.

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Design remarkably realistic creatures, people, and objects using ZBrush and the new edition of this top-selling book. Professional Hollywood animator and ZBrush artist Eric Keller combines his firsthand experience with detailed, step-by-step explanations to make you feel right at home with the interface and tools. The book reinforces the core concepts of ZBrush through fun, hands-on tutorials that will help you achieve amazing results.
Understand ZBrush's unique sculpting and painting technology

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Enhancing Architectural Drawings and Models with Photoshop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was so happily surprised by how good this book was as I went through the projects. It is concise, thorough and never boring.
My only nit picky complaint is with the publisher: they used very poor quality paper on this. Why they did that, I can't imagine
as it is the best I've read on enhancing one's CAD programs. And it is up to speed with the latest CS5.

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Transform your CAD drawings into powerful presentation
This one-of-a-kind book shows you how to use Photoshop to turn CAD drawings and BIM models into artistic presentations with captivating animations, videos, and dynamic 3D imagery. The techniques apply to all leading architectural design software including AutoCAD, Revit, and 3ds Max Design. Video tutorials on the DVD improve your learning curve and let you compare your work with the author's.
Turn CAD drawings and BIM models into powerful presentations featuring animation, videos, and 3D imagery for enhanced client appeal
Craft interactive panoramas for your Web site, add people and objects to your models, and integrate 3D object models inside architectural interiors
Build 3D models from photos and turn them into videos with AfterEffects, add depth of field and atmospheric effects to 3D models, create stereographic images, and much more
See how it's done with the video tutorials on the DVD

Take full advantage of Photoshop's power to present your architectural drawings in a new and exciting way.

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Complete Maya Programming Volume II, Volume 2: An In-depth Guide to 3D Fundamentals, Geometry, and Modeling (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)great book on programming maya mel and api. It is the only references on this material. However my biggest complaint is that the proof reading on these sorts of manuals is just as bad as I have seen. Double negitives, typos galour, confusing examples rule the content here. I sometimes wonder if David Gould speaks english. It is as if he is explaining it to himself and not the reader. Changing emphasis in mid thought really makes for some guesswork on the readers part. A necessary evil, I guess as, I recommend his series whenever someone is asking about mel or the api.

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Maya 2008 Character Modeling & Animation: Principles and Practices Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a great introductory book. I started it knowing little about Maya and it was easy to follow and engaging, giving a clear, detailed explanation of how to use the software while still challenging. I recommend it to any beginners and intermediate students.

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Are you ready to take on the challenge of animating realistic and compelling characters using the latest version of Maya, the powerful 3D graphics and modeling software? "Maya 2008 Character Modeling and Animation: Principles and Practices" shows beginner to intermediate animation students and enthusiasts how to create professional-quality characters, explaining the full character animation process from pre-production to final full body and facial animation. Each chapter begins by exploring the "why" behind the techniques being presented, followed by step-by-step tutorials to apply your new knowledge. Following a series of hands-on projects you'll learn how to model, rig, and animate, building a comprehensive skill-set as you move progressively through each chapter.You'll learn to master Maya's capabilities on both a technical and artistic level as you create incredible animated characters full of emotion and expression.

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