Showing posts with label animation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animation. Show all posts

6/12/2012

Character Development in Blender 2.5 Review

Character Development in Blender 2.5
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This book is an invaluable resource. As a long time 3d artist, I have picked up little tricks here and there that really bring pieces together well. Jonathan manages to cover these little tricks and more, assisting even the beginner 3D artist in creating a piece of art that feels well polished. A great book and a great read. Also, their website (blendercookie.com) is another amazing resource. Check it out.
The only con I have is the pictures in the book are kind of dark, but the included dvd remedies that nicely.

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Written for everyone from beginning Blender artists to experienced animators and game developers, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN BLENDER 2.5 shows readers how to model believable characters using Blender, a free, open source 3d animation package. Covering the technical, artistic, and theoretical aspects of character development, the book provides an in-depth look at Blender's modeling tools and includes information on modeling, sculpting, materials, lighting, rendering, and more. Written in a tutorial style with step-by-step instructions the book also includes an accompanying CD-Rom that features the Blender 2.5 software and sample art.

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6/03/2012

Introducing Maya 2011 Review

Introducing Maya 2011
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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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6/01/2012

Animation: Master: A Complete Guide (Charles River Media Graphics) Review

Animation: Master: A Complete Guide (Charles River Media Graphics)
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Animation Master is an excellent and affordable entry into spline modeling. Unlike other, more expensive, animation programs, the Animation Master from Hash is fairly intuitive. This book is an excellent tool as an introduction and snapshot of the continuously refined Animation Master program. The next step is joining the community online, which I have yet to do.

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Animation:Master is an affordable, powerful 3D program easy enough to be used by students, new 3D artists, and hobbyists, yet powerful enough for professional animators. Learning how to use A:M is made easier with the completely updated Animation:Master: A Complete Guide. This is the only book dedicated to A:M and it is the best resource for all levels of users. For those new to 3D graphics or A:M, you'll learn the skills and fundamentals of 3D and discover how to master this incredibly powerful, low-cost program. If you're an experienced user, you'll find insightful tips and explore the newest features.Using the wide variety of hands-on tutorials throughout the book, you'll put 3D concepts into action while learning the ins-and-outs of A;M. Beginning with a review of the interface, you'll progress through modeling basics, character modeling and rigging, to expressions, animation, lighting, and surfacing. From there you'll move into the more advanced topics of special effects, including hair, cloth, and flocks, and finish up with rendering and compositing. So whether you're a new user or an experienced power user, this is the one resource you'll need to go beyond the basics with Animation:Master!

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5/17/2012

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

Essential LightWave v9: The Fastest and Easiest Way to Master LightWave 3D
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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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5/12/2012

Understanding 3D Animation Using Maya Review

Understanding 3D Animation Using Maya
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I HIGHLY recommend this book not only to the novice/intermediate level 3d artist, but to advanced users coming over to Maya from a different software package. There are even gems for the Maya professional ( as an experienced character animator, I found the `toon tire tutorial eye-opening re: hierarchies and transform order ).
I was most impressed by the clarity with which the author covers each topic, and how the knowledge he imparts progressively builds in detail and complexity through each chapter and hands-on tutorial.
If you are new to Maya, or have remained specialized in Maya ( i.e. modeling ) and would like to branch out into other areas, this is THE book to buy.


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Here is both a general guide for understanding 3-D computer graphics as well as a specific guide for learning the fundamentals of Maya: workspace, modeling, animation, shading, lighting, and rendering.Each chapter first presents an initial concept, which details a proven method, before providing hands-on tutorials and projects.This approach details how and why animation techniques work and explains how to use Maya for creating sophisticated, state-of-the-art animations.The author distills real-world experience into helpful hints and step-by-step guides for common tasks.

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4/05/2012

Advanced Maya: Character Modeling Review

Advanced Maya: Character Modeling
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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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3/29/2012

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

More Autodesk Maya Hyper-Realistic Creature Creation (Autodesk Official Training Guide)
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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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Body Language: Advanced 3D Character Rigging Review

Body Language: Advanced 3D Character Rigging
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The book is an excellent resource. I've done my fair share of rigging, and Allen and Murdock have put together a body of information that not only teaches me new tricks, but polishes and streamlines what I already do. Body Language will be the first place I look when I need to dig around for rigging assistance.
Body Language has me excited to rig again, which is perhaps the greatest aspect of the book. There are a lot of little "aha" moments here, and I'm itching to put them to use. It's an essential component of my reference library.
I have only one complaint with this book: It doesn't cover 3DS Max. It's understandable, what with Maya being dominant in the high end of the field, but some of the principles and techniques here are so good, it just seems a shame to not have Max involved. Ironically, then, it's the excellence of the Maya coverage that leaves me wanting the same for Max. Perhaps there's a sequel in the works.
That minor quibble aside, I still rate this at the full five stars. The book stands on its own merits, and that I wish for more merely testifies to the value of the data.

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Whether you're a professional Character TD or just like to create 3D characters, this detailed guide reveals the techniques you need to create sophisticated 3D character rigs that range from basic to breathtaking. Packed with step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations, Body Language walks you through rigging techniques for all the body parts to help you create realistic and believable movements in every character you design. You'll learn advanced rigging concepts that involve MEL scripting and advanced deformation techniques and even how to set up a character pipeline.

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3/20/2012

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

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

Click Here to see more reviews about: Autodesk Maya 2010: The Modeling and Animation Handbook (Autodesk Maya Techniques: Offical Autodesk Training Guides)

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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3/17/2012

Essence: The Face: Modeling and Texturing Review

Essence: The Face: Modeling and Texturing
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For anyone looking to learn how to model and texture a human face from the pros this is an excellent book. There are a few techniques described in the book that are not particularly helpful IMHO but, overall it is a great resource. The first chapter on modeling was not well executed because it really did not give a clear idea about how to go about modeling a human head from scratch. Instead it described how to begin modeling from a pre-existing head the modeler had already created using some proprietary tools written by the modeler to assist him so it is of no use whatsoever if you are just starting out. The rest of the book is quite good and there are some gems later on. I also purchased the DVD with the book which includes all of the models, photography and textures. Overall, I was not tremendously impressed with the DVD. The photography is well done, as are the textures (though there are some areas above the eye and in the ears that could be improved but I can forgive these as they are minor). The modeling however is not well executed IMHO. The mesh topology left a lot to be desired in some key areas around the mouth, chin, eyes, ears and nose. Also there is considerable geometry in the ears but, it is not used particularly well. I don't feel like the modeling was very accurate or faithful to the photography either, specifically around the eyes (they are much too large for a real human; I assume some creative license was taken here). TO be fair, the modeler in question (Hong Suck Suh) is a tremendously talented person and I am I awe of most of his other work but, I don't think this is one of his more successful creative ventures. I highly recommend purchasing the book but, save your money on the DVD unless you are looking for some great photography and DX tools to use for texturing.

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Designed for artists with a mid- to advanced understanding of 3-D character creation, Essence: The Face teaches the skills of a professional character modeling team encompassing reference photography, modeling, UV mapping, texturing, and rendering to create a digital double that would be at home in a next-gen game or HD movie.

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3/13/2012

Mastering Blender Review

Mastering Blender
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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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3/08/2012

Mastering Autodesk Maya 2011 Review

Mastering Autodesk Maya 2011
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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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2/25/2012

Introducing ZBrush 4 Review

Introducing ZBrush 4
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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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2/23/2012

3-D Human Modeling and Animation, First Edition Review

3-D Human Modeling and Animation, First Edition
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Our Computer Animation students use this book to create stunning character animations. As a result, our alumni have been very successful in finding jobs at major studios such as PIXAR, MetroLight Studios, ABC Interactive, Encore Productions, etc.
Peter Ratner's book outlines the process of modeling and animating male and female human models in easy to follow steps. His illustrative directions guide one through every aspect of the human anatomy; all the way down to minute details such as modeling the fingernails. The author assumes nothing of the reader and therefore goes to great lengths to explain everything as clearly as possible. There are hundreds of illustrations that show each step in the modeling and animation process. In fact, there isn't one page in the book that doesn't have at least one illustration in it.
Professor Ratner's exquisite 3D illustrations are his own and exemplify the fact that he is an accomplished artist as well as author. As a 3D artist he understands the problems that face 3D modelers and animators. Unlike other authors who depend on outside artists to supply illustrations and techniques for their books, Professor Ratner is able to create his own. The numerous color illustrations from his former students are a significant testimonial to the effectiveness of his teaching methodology.
Our department has found it very easy to adapt this book to the various software packages that we are using. For example, even though the book is geared toward spline and NURBS based software, the students who are using LightWave have successfully adapted it for polygon modeling, boning and animating. The book is geared toward mid-level to high-end modeling software packages. Animators using low-end modeling and animation packages that do not have deformation tools might find it difficult to work with this book due to the limitations of their software. In any event, this type of software most likely lacks the tools for any kind of character modeling and animation.
This book's descriptive instructions, brilliant color and black and white illustrations and easy to follow layout practically guarantee improved results for the 3D artist. It has played an important role in our computer animation curriculum. I highly recommend this book to any student or professional interested in learning more about the exciting field of 3D character modeling and animation.
Professor Gary Chatelain, Design Department, James Madison University

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12/12/2011

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

Complete Maya Programming Volume II, Volume 2: An In-depth Guide to 3D Fundamentals, Geometry, and Modeling (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics)
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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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12/08/2011

Numerical Simulation in Fluid Dynamics: A Practical Introduction (Monographs on Mathematical Modeling and Computation) Review

Numerical Simulation in Fluid Dynamics: A Practical Introduction (Monographs on Mathematical Modeling and Computation)
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I found this book to be a a very good reference for the development of my first simple finite difference code for the solutions of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations.
It is not extremely detailed in terms of all the methods exsisting in computational fluid dynamics, but it gives you those information that for a beginner might be hard to find. Good practical examples and a detail explanation on the development of a N-S solver also for FREE SURFACE problems.
Practical things as writing a makefile or how to set your code environment are explained aside of the mathematical analysis of the numerical methods involved.
I highly reccommend this book to those who study the subject but never put into practice that knowledge.
The practical examples are written in C.

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In this translation of the German edition, the authors provide insight into the numerical simulation of fluid flow. Using a simple numerical method as an expository example, the individual steps of scientific computing are presented: the derivation of the mathematical model; the discretization of the model equations; the development of algorithms; parallelization; and visualization of the computed data. In addition to the treatment of the basic equations for modeling laminar, transient flow of viscous, incompressible fluids - the Navier-Stokes equations - the authors look at the simulation of free surface flows; energy and chemical transport; and turbulence. Readers are enabled to write their own flow simulation program from scratch. The variety of applications is shown in several simulation results, including 92 black-and-white and 18 color illustrations. After reading this book, readers should be able to understand more enhanced algorithms of computational fluid dynamics and apply their new knowledge to other scientific fields.

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11/28/2011

Maya 2008 Character Modeling & Animation: Principles and Practices Review

Maya 2008 Character Modeling and Animation: Principles and Practices
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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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