Mastering 3ds max 4

Book Description

Make the Most of Today's Leading Animation Package

With release 4, max further establishes itself as today's dominant modeling, animation, and rendering package. And with its fully revised and updated coverage, Mastering 3ds max 4 further establishes itself as the definitive max resource--just the book you need to master all the techniques supported by this powerful product. Inside, you'll learn all about sculpting and texturing your characters, setting them in motion, lighting the scene, and producing the final animation--for movies, games, television, and the Web. You also get in-depth instruction in MAXScript, including detailed explanations of all that's new to this release. Coverage includes:
* Understanding basic 3D concepts
* Modeling in polygons, patches, and NURBS
* Creating detailed models
* Optimizing models for low-poly environments
* Applying textures for real-time and pre-rendered output
* Animating using parametric animation, forward kinematics, inverse kinematics, and character studio
* Fine-tuning animation by editing keys and transitions
* Creating drama with lighting
* Applying post-process effects
* Cutting and cross-fading between shots
* Compositing in Video Post and combustion
* Exporting to Web 3D with Pulse
* Getting started with MAXScript
* Using scripting for scene manipulation
* Using scripting for animation
* Customizing the user interface
* Defining autostart scripts
* Creating your own plug-ins using MAXScript

Customer Reviews:

Truly Exceptional! The only book which makes it, well, easy.......2003-04-24

I thought I'd never learn to use this program. It's HARD. Not impossible... but not easy, either. I'd almost given up when a friend told me he'd found this one book which made Max4 seem pretty tame; I was, frankly, skeptical. But, I've gone through the *entire* book (with the exception of small parts of the final chapters), and feel I have the measure of the program.

It seems that some others who've used the book claim to have had certain problems with it. All I can say is that this is the clearest documentation I've seen and, as for problems: zero. Although no MAX book is going to make the program trivial, this comes as close as possible, with no stumbling blocks.

Mistakes Mistakes and More Mistakes........2002-10-25

That's what this book should be called.
Trust me , you don't wanna own this book, you'll just be
wasting your money.
I'm well beyond disappointed w/ this book.
But hey, what do you expect when you're writing a book
about a version of software that you're obviously not even
using. How else could I be getting errors about obsolete files?
If the files that come w/ the book are obsolete, then the software that made them was an earlier version of max.
Thus the reason for the mistakes, max 4 is slightly different.
What do all these mistakes mean to the person trying to learn
max 4 ? It means you'll be misguided most of the time and you'll
end up pulling out all your hair.
I highly recommend not even going near this book! You'll only
be sorry , like I am. I should've bought the max bible.
Shame on me. :(

Teacher's Highest Recommendation.......2002-08-13

As a college instructor of MAX modeling, texturing, and animation, I both recommend this book to my students and use it myself as a resource. I had the pleasure of contributing to this work in a few sections, and so had the opportunity to examine this work closely as it was written. In addition to providing comprehensive instruction on all areas of MAX, Cat Woods discusses the principles of 3D space and the creation of 3D art with greater elegance and clarity than any book I have encountered on the subject. Those struggling with the tools will find help here. A must-have for beginners, and a strong resource for experienced users.

Challenging for Beginners, but Great Overall.......2002-08-11

Unlike a lot of people using MAX, I was close to a beginner, and was trying to learn it along with a graduate course in animation and design. A friend recommended this book to me, after I had trouble with another...book which was our course text. I can't say whether "Mastering 3ds max 4" is the best MAX book on the market, but it's light years ahead of what our instructor chose.

If you were to open the book, you might get the impression -- the wrong impression -- that it was 'dumbed down', because there are so many illustrations. In fact, I almost didn't buy it for that reason. Only later it hit me that this is a book *about* graphics, so of course it would be graphical, and not like some book teaching you about, say, databases. Once I got used to the way the material was presented, I found the book really easy to follow, and was able to create real animations, from scratch, on my own. I think almost anyone can learn to do it from this book, if they stick with it.

The writing is (for a book like this) almost entirely free of jargon and always clear, even if sometimes, due to my lack of experience, I had to go over things a few times to get the knack of them. I can't say whether this would be the optimal guide for a professional animator, but it seems ideal for people with a good general background in using graphics software, and for 'advanced beginners' like me (and a bunch of other people in the class who borrowed it from me... and didn't want to give it back).

As close to perfect as a 3dsMax book is likely to get.......2002-07-29

Because I needed to learn the program thoroughly for my dissertation work, this is the fifth 3dsMax book I've bought, and it's the first that's not been overtly disappointing. If someone wants to have every little feature laid out in boring detail, there are the official materials and release notes for that. This book is the literal opposite (others suggesting otherwise have clearly not read the book in much detail).

What is most impressive here is that the book is NOT a systematic, unstructured tour of the program, dutifully covering each minor feature. Rather, it is results-oriented: if you want to accomplish X, here is how you go about it. Although it is graphically-rich and amazingly clear, it is most certainly not a comic book version of a Max book, and is clearly targeted to the sophisticated user. Even though a beginner would find the book quite useful, it should probably be bought in conjunction with a primer or a book "introducing" 3dsMax.

The writing is sprightly and, although there are spots where the editing might have been tightened, it is well above average even in that regard. In fact, if anything, the book has a crisp literary feel to it that will appeal to most readers, but may not be the style of choice for really hard-core users. Still, this is preferable to the studied dessication of nearly all the other books I've seen on the topic.

Finally, the graphical illustrations are uniformly excellent, leaving little to the imagination. I'm hoping that this team sees fit to write such a guide for the next, inevitable incarnation of the program. I for one will be advance ordering it.

Average customer rating:

Don't be Misled by the Hype!

Modeling A Character in 3DS Max, 2nd Edition

not great, but not the worst either

Awesome book teaching real use not technical crap

Entry level modeling on Max

Modeling a Character in 3DS Max
Paul Steed
Manufacturer: Wordware Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1556228155

Book Description

Provides groundbreaking coverage in using 3D Studio Max for would-be computer game modelers and animators, as well as professionals already experienced with the software. Also features previously undocumented tips and tricks targeted specifically for advanced character creation.

Customer Reviews:

Don't be Misled by the Hype!.......2006-04-20

I purchased this book a couple of months ago. Needless to say, I am deeply disappointed with Steed's approach. I found his methods of modeling to be cumbersome to say the least. It seems as if the book has not been updated since the first edition to reflect the many changes now available in 3ds Max 6 or 7 (I don't mention 8 because the book was written BEFORE 8).

When I initially dived into the modeling portion I thought everything was fine. Then -- and this is why I rated it so low -- Steed begins to divide/turn edges in Part II / Chapter 4 / Step 5, which is titled "Step 5: Add Vertices by Dividing Edges." I suppose this would not have been so bad if Steed had thought to include COLOR screen shots on the books CD-ROM, but since he neglected to do so it becomes frustrating -- to say the least -- to use Steed's method of refining one's mesh.

Considering the fact that the CD-ROM is a whopping 19.5MB, it would have been prudent to include full color reference images. Let me give you some specifics on why I found this book such a bitter waste of TIME and MONEY:

* Firstly, let me tell you friends -- it is most frustrating to try to refine one's mesh based on the author's direction when one can hardly see the edges/vertices that are being discussed.

* Secondly, there are easier methods to refine a mesh than dividing or turning edges if you have 3ds 5 AT LEAST!

* Thirdly, Steed falls flat on his face when explaining the reason for turning edges and which SPECIFIC edges to turn. Suffice it to say, grayscale pictures in a book DO NOT work!

* Fourthly, if one cannot get the edge dividing/turning method down, then you'll get stuck because the rest of the modeling tutorials are so heavily based on this method. The only reason I was able to finish the model is because of my familiarity with 3ds Max, Lightwave, and on a more limited basis, Maya.

* Fifthly, and lastly (I hope), when one is able to look at tutorials for Lightwave or Maya, as I have done, and model more quickly and effectively in 3ds Max than Steed's method, then the book leaves quite a lot to be desired...

I think that's all I will say for now, but let me warn you all -- there are far, far better tutorials available online for free. Don't waste your money on this book unless you plan on using it as fuel for a fire.

Modeling A Character in 3DS Max, 2nd Edition.......2006-03-23

I was expected more model of the book but the whole book only teached one model

not great, but not the worst either.......2006-02-19

I got this book 2 years ago when it was hyped as being top notch for learning 3D modeling. On the postive side it is easy to understand and gives you a good idea of the entire process of making a character rather than just jumping around and trying to explain a hundred different unrelated things like other 3D modeling books. The bad part is that the modeling technics are a bit dated and backwards. A person who posted a previous review mentioned that he uses wierd modeling techniques like booleans and splines instead of regular box modeling, and that is the truth. He also wastes A LOT of time turning edges. If you model in quads (4 sided polys) to begin with, and then teselate (triangulate) then its all done for you automatically. And as mentioned previously not much time was spent on the concepts of uv unwrapping and creating the image map.

Awesome book teaching real use not technical crap.......2005-10-19

I haven't read the second edition yet but the first edition was KICK ASS. Paul Steed takes you through modeling a charater and teaches you all kinds of tricks that hours of reading technical books never taught me. Basically the diference with this book is that it was written by an artist and not some computer nerd with a math degree.

Entry level modeling on Max.......2005-10-06

I found this book to be very well written and easy to understand, for the most part the book will take you by the hand in modeling a character (using 3Ds Max 3). If you are a total newbie you will find this book easy to comprehend and follow wish in my opinion will set some foundation for you if you wish to buy and read more advanced books on the subject. On the downsize the book does a little attempt to explain texturing a character and doesn't go in deep in the process of designing the textures of the characters. But all in all a pretty nice book for entry level character design.

Average customer rating:

A guide for use 3DSMax in film and game productions
best max book till date
More bad than good
Horrid.
Not as bad as everyone says

Inside 3ds max 4
Kim Lee
Manufacturer: New Riders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0735710945

Amazon.com

3ds max 4 has much to offer, and learning to use all of its features can be a daunting task. Inside 3ds max 4 describes in detail all of the new features as well as existing ones, making this book a powerful ally for the new and old Max user.

Out of nearly 900 pages, the first 150 are dedicated to describing what's new in the interface, modeling, materials, animation, and rendering. These sections are designed to bring the experienced 3D Studio Max 3.x user up to speed on what's new in version 4.

The remaining seven parts are project-oriented tutorials designed to teach new and old users how to make the most of 3ds max 4. Beginning with an introduction to project workflow and progressing through modeling, rigging, materials and texture mapping, animation, lighting, and rendering, the book covers practically every feature of 3ds max 4.

The author writes in a clear, confident style, and each chapter is well illustrated with screenshots and sidebars. One change the book could use is a spiral binding so that it could lie flat on a desk. This is arguably one of the best volumes available for learning and using Max 4, so it is likely never to be relegated to the bookshelf. --Mike Caputo

Book Description

Inside 3ds max 4 focuses on the information needs of intermediate to advanced professional users of the technology. It is NOT a book for beginners. As such, it does not cover basic functionalities. Rather, it explores changes in the program as well as more advanced functionalities and how they can assist the professional user in enhancing efficiency or output.

Inside 3ds max 4 is organized into units that mirror and actually step through the workflow of a 3D project. Moreover, where differences exist in the application of techniques between the broadcast/film and game/interactive applications, the authors present careful analysis to assist readers in making the right choices for their technical work.

Customer Reviews:

A guide for use 3DSMax in film and game productions.......2005-10-24

As a beginner of both film and game developer, I found this book very useful. In fact, in all this book, I found a good comparison between film/broadcast and gate/interactive production design. Not only the technical aspects are considered, but also the workflows and management aspects. Based on author real experiences, this book is very useful as a 3DSMax advanced course covering important aspects of real productions, but a base knowledge 3DSMax is needed. I think the title of book is not the better: people think it is an entry level manual. Why not "A guide for use 3DSMax in film and game productions"?! The new "Inside 3DS Max 7", in fact, is not the same.

best max book till date.......2003-10-11

hi,
been using max for 5 years now and although i'm a little late in writing this review(read the book a year and a half back) credit has to be given.

this is by far the BEST max book around and the basic premise of the book is... if the authors havent used the tools in real world situations they wont blab about them and waste our time.This is meant to be an intermidiate to advanced level book(which is rare) and it really goes all the way.

it's sad the author hasent had a follow up...these are the people who should be writing more books.

any way thanks for the book kim...i recommend it to most other maxers till date inspite of there being books on max 5.

thanks

More bad than good.......2003-04-18

I picked up this book to get up to speed in modeling in Max 4. I've done production work with Max 4 in animation, lighting and rendering, so I can't speak to those chapters, but the modeling is frustrating at best. reference images they use for back plane images are not on the CD and entire steps are skipped over with either the assumption you already have the knowlege (in the FIRST chapter on box modeling?) or just blatent neglict. I have to mirror "reader from New Jersey"'s feelings...did New Riders edit this, or just shove it out to be the first on the shelf?

Horrid........2003-01-19

In a word this book is ... This book is nothing more than a waste of both your time and trees, if you are thinking of buying this book don't. What this book is chock full of is errors and don't plan on following the tutorials because you will soon find that you can't as complete steps are missing, not explained or just plain wrong. I really regret having wasted my money on this poor title -- didn't anyone at New Riders bother to edit it?
My copy is now being used as a door stop in my office, don't make the same mistake. Avoid buying this book at all costs.

Not as bad as everyone says.......2002-10-25

I looked at all of the reviews and they all made it seem like this book is the worst thing ever. I'll admit, if you've never used this program before, you're going to be scratching your head. But if you're at that "I'm three-quarters of the way there and just need that extra boost" stage, I could not imagine a better book. And I've read quite a few. I read the Max 4 Bible and found that it tried to cover so much that it didn't REALLY cover anything. This book goes pretty in depth into the advanced essentials. It'll tell you the pros and cons of patch modelling, poly modelling, and mesh modelling, but it's going to assume that you know how to activate point-edit mode or hold down the shift key to extrude. Don't bash the book if you didn't know these these before you bought it, just do better pre-purchase research next time. Anyway, as I said before, incredible book and well worth the money.

Average customer rating:

Still the Best 3ds Max tutorial on the market
best so far - waiting for any new Chismar release
Best I have seen
Good book
The Benchmark for All Tutorial-Style Computer Text Books

3ds max 4 Media Animation
John Chismar
Manufacturer: New Riders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0735710597

Amazon.com

Unlike many books trying to cover all things Max, 3ds max 4 Media Animation focuses on a specific use of the popular animation system from Discreet: creating opening graphics and logo animation for video.

The book assumes the reader has some experience using Max, and in creating animation for video. It focuses on the design and production of six different animated openings, and three of those are real-world on-the-air clips from networks like MSNBC and NBC News.

Four main sections of the book cover the projects step by step. No sections take the user on a tour of the interface, and there is no history of computer graphics. Instead, each chapter methodically describes only the steps involved in creating each particular project. If you've used Max and know the difference between a viewport and a roll-out, this book is for you.

There are plenty of details to absorb, since each project is fairly complex. The "Funhouse" tutorial is more about lighting and texturing, with some emphasis on modeling. The "Voting Machine" project is mostly about modeling, while the "News Open" project is a combination of lighting and effects. Each chapter is liberally illustrated and clearly written.

While many animators despise the idea of having to create yet another flying logo, many more have already embraced this genre and have realized that a comfortable living can be made as a talented motion graphics designer, as long as your work stands out from the crowd. It is far more difficult to design and execute an attractive motion graphics opening than you think, and if you haven't yet done it, 3ds max 4 Media Animation is a good place to start. --Mike Caputo

Book Description

In 3ds max 4 Media Animation, John Chismar has done it again <196> only better! Following the lead of his highly acclaimed book 3D Studio Max 3 Media Animation, John uses three professionally designed projects to show readers the ins and outs of animation media for broadcast. The clarity of John¿s instructions, the efficiency of his processes, and the quality of his projects are sure to make this book a success with animators and educators alike. The book concludes with the deconstruction of three projects John created this year as the Senior 3D animator for MSNBC.

Customer Reviews:

Still the Best 3ds Max tutorial on the market.......2007-08-25

This book is the best tutorial for learning 3ds Max that I've read. It is not for novices, in that it assumes you know the 3ds Max interface. However, it is a step-by-step guide for creating professional quality animations for broadcast media. The author works for MSNBC. He breaks down 3 real-world projects in an easy-to-understand way, from storyboards to final output. This single book jump-started my understanding of complex modeling and animation techniques using 3ds Max. Although this book was made for version 4 of the program (the program is currently in version 9), the interface has not changed significantly in that it would make this book obsolete. I used it using version 6 and returned to it in version 8 with no difficulties. Well worth your time.

best so far - waiting for any new Chismar release.......2003-10-31

I am a beginner user of Viz and Max and will be using it for architectural 3D rendering. What I look for in a text book are lengthy tutorial exercises. I want to know step by step everything that I have to do to reproduce what the author is showing. This book is great for that. There are three main excercises that go the full length of the 550 pages of this book. As an example the 2002 voting machine tutorial goes from pages 182 to 315, covering each step of the construction. Chismar even includes alternate means of construction to show why one method works better than other methods.

I am looking forward to an updated book by Chismar on the lastest release of Max. I have not heard if one is being made.

One slight drawback...Chismar does not deal with the possiblities of drawing and rendering for architecture. If the new release of Max does include the architectural functions of Viz, then there will be a need for tutorials on those items. None the less the command structure of the software for Viz and Max is virtually the same, so learning that part from Chismar's book is still very important.

Best I have seen.......2003-05-24

The most important feature of this book is the lengthy step by step tutorials. This is the first thing I look for in a computer book - to see that the tutorials are long. to me this indicates that the writer is very thorough with all steps in the project and does not leave out important steps along the way.

If you buy used make sure the disk is included.

Good book.......2002-07-02

Overall, it is a good book with clear instruction for intermediate user.

I give it 4 stars since it doesn't tell you the detailed procedures to reproduce the cool special effect described in the Part 4 (Real World Case Stuides).

The Benchmark for All Tutorial-Style Computer Text Books.......2002-06-14

This book is a fantastic example of how all computer text books should be structured - Step-by-step tutorials that demonstrate experienced solutions to real-world projects. I know I speak for many people when I say that I learn by DOING, not by reading paragraphs upon paragraphs of text and lengthy descriptions of "what this app can do for you". No one likes to attempt to digest a "features description" manual and try to piece together the various complexities of a high-end application like 3DS MAX from various disjointed sources. I need a seasoned, talented professional, with years of industry experience, to step me through exactly how an application performs various industry tasks, e.g. how to make a 30-second TV spot from scratch, how to make a highly-professional News program opener, or how to make robotic-looking voting machines animated together in a 3-camera shoot. John Chrismar performs this tasks with a detail and finesse that is extremely hard to find in the computer textbook industry. I look for this style in every computer book I pick up, but don't often find it, if at all. The industry giants on the programming side of the industry, like Wrox Press, should use John's book as an example of how to write an effective computer textbook. Don't waste my time with information overload, stuffed together losely by a quasi-team of 6 geeks. SHOW ME how you solved a problem with the application or programming language, from start to finish, while I follow along, bit by bit, line by line, click by click. Show me how to build a genuine and valuable creation using the tool you are teaching me to use. This is exactly what John does.

I started with the last of three tutorials and worked backward through the book, because the News Program Opener tutorial looked the most intriguing. I learned more about 3DS MAX after that one tutorial then I had by reading the documentation or from any of the other three 3DS MAX books I own. I saw someone else mention that there were some small mistakes and missed "figure" numbers on the screenshots here and there, but this did not detract from completing the tutorials in the slightest. Two extra seconds of thought got me passed these minor editing oversights very easily, and they were very minor in comparison to most computer textbooks.

It was beyond refreshing to witness and practice along with a professional at work from beginning to end: from importing your vectors from Illustrator, to cleaning up the splines, to extruding, modelling each piece, assembling, naming conventions, creating materials, shortcuts, to animating, adding a soundtrack, right down to post-production and final render. I absolutely can not stand books where Step 1 is "Import our half-finished Design #643.2 from our accompanying CD-ROM". Not the case with this book. You are stepped through the process, end to end. When you are done with each tutorial, you have a finished work of media art THAT YOU CREATED and a head full of usable, retainable 3DS MAX knowledge that can be carried into any job or hobby.

Excellent job, John. You have gained a new fan. I will purchase your other books, regardless of topic. :D

Book Description

Committed to covering all the basics of the 3D Studio MAX™ program, this fun, interactive book allows the user to produce realistic renderings of still images and animations. It combines a theoretical approach with practical “hands-on” applications. The accompanying CD-ROM includes a materials library, bitmap images, scenes (3D models), still renderings, and animations. Topics covered in this book are: introduction to computer animation, exploring 3D Studio MAX, preparing for 3D modeling, presentation, and practical applications of 3D Studio MAX. For architects, engineers, mechanical engineers, artists, graphic artists, animators, or anyone who needs to present effective still images and animation using a computer.

Customer Reviews:

Good.......2003-10-09

This book is very helpful for animation but you need also a hernashing max5 this is also a good one

Average customer rating:

GOOD book
Excellent book, a sigh of relief!
Almost perfect ...for beginners that is...
Great! Must have it!
Literally, Step-By-Step

3ds max 4 Bible
Kelly L. Murdock
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764535846

Book Description

More than 100 step-by-step tutorials give you valuable hands-on experience under the expert guidance of 3D master, Kelly Murdock. Increasingly complex scenes will prove useful to all 3D MAX users, from beginners to advanced. 3ds max 4 Bible will help you learn and master the most popular 3D modeling and animation software.

Customer Reviews:

GOOD book.......2002-07-24

i just got this book today and i have read the first few chapters..This book is exceedingly good for n00b(me)...they explain all the tools in detail. if you just look at the size of this book, it has more than 1000 pages,this is a good deal for sure. However, the tuts are really simple and short, so if u already know the basic aspects of 3ds, then get a diff book..otherwise, AN AWESOME BOOK FOR NOOBS!!!

Excellent book, a sigh of relief!.......2002-04-11

I'd just like to say that i am extreamly pleased to have bought this book. I am a begginer to 3d Max, and i have bought books on max's previous release (3) and have not understood much of what i was being "tought"... with this book, it has set me on the way and has made me more than competant, while making me understand most of what i have read. Im no professional, but this book has made me feel at ease, and like i am starting to know the program now, and how it all works....

i reccomend this book to anybody who is new to the program and who could use a reference book.

Almost perfect ...for beginners that is..........2002-02-04

I based this book on the reviews from the users here on AMAZON, and I must say that they were accurate.

Here is what I've found after flipping through this book for about a week now:
It is an indispensible reference when it comes to things like "hey, what is this little button here?" or "how do I get to that particular rollout again?" You will not find insight into WHY you would use certain functions, you will only find WHAT they do. To reach the enlightened level of a 3D PROFESSIONAL, you are going to have to go to other books.
This book has a tutorial on nearly EVERY page, but these tutorials are JUST for the section you find them in, and do not go anywhere beyond the basics. THIS IS NOT A BAD THING! You just need to realize that this is a REFERENCE book, nothing more.

If you are one of those people who don't know what all the menus and buttons are for and want to learn THE BASICS of MAX 4 while sipping Scotch on your couch and not staring at a computer screen reading the help file, by all means, get this book.

Great! Must have it!.......2002-01-27

This book is a hands on training. It covers every aspect of the software. Excelent source for those who want to learn 3D Studio Max.

Literally, Step-By-Step.......2001-12-28

First, let me give you a brief description of my background. I'm a experienced 2D artist with applications like Photoshop and Illustrator. I've been doing 2D art for a few years, I figured its about time I transitioned to 3D. I purchased 4 books on 3D Studio Max. "Inside 3D Studio Max 4" , "3D Studio Max 4 Bible", "Modeling a Character in 3DS Max" and last, and least "3D Studio Max 4 Indepth". I recommend all these books except the last mentioned, its some kind of mix of intermeidate information at a begginers level. Nevermind that though.

3D Studio Max 4 Bible has been a excellent book, I've only read about half of it but so far its proved to be a excellent reference and tutorial based book. Some of the tutorials are a little to simple, but the author is trying to make sure you know exactly what hes talking about, and that you fully understand it. So simple isn't bad. At times its flow is a little disorianted meaning its hard to read a chapter and then say "Oh!, I want to try that" because its a little different then that. It goes into each aspect of 3Ds Max and lays out what each button and tool does. If your BRAND NEW to 3D Studio max and 3D Modeling in general this book is unmatched. I think my mom, having no computer knowledge what so ever, could sit down and follow the tutorials and create a spinning couch in a mater of a few hours, and understand exactly how she did it. Its a great book. At times you'll find your self yawning because it goes so into detail, but months from now, when your doing your first big scene your going to be happy you read that chapter on viewport configuring, because if you didn't your not going to realize "Hey!, theres a easier way to do this" and so on and so on. Plus if you skim the book because your so excited to make your 3D logo/character and you get lost while doing so, you can flip to the chapter that pertains to your question and it will start right from the beggining on that topic. Through out the whole book it rarely references back to something you previously read to make the writing easier, it always uses the menu standards so you don't get lost, ie File->Views->so on and so on. I'm in love, I haven't put the book down yet, but I will admit sometimes I find my self getting itchy fingers and paging ahead to the more advanced chapters on editing mesh's etc.

Anyways, I suggest this book to Absolute Begginers or people looking for an Excellent Reference book for all the commands/buttons/options that 3Ds Max has. If you really want to master 3Ds Max your going to need to purchase other books like Inside 3Ds Max 4 by New Riders publishing, books like those skip the "how to use the interface" type chapters and tutorials and move into the more advanced methods of doing things.

But remember, this will only teach you how to use the pencil, no book will ever teach you how to be a good artist, thats what imagination and patentice is for.

Average customer rating:

Not Ready for Prime Time

EXCELLENT BOOK!! WROTE FOR THE NEWBIES.

EXCELLENT BOOK!! WROTE FOR THE NEWBIES.

Awesome book!

Great book - covers modeling and rigging in detail

Mastering the Art of Production with 3ds max 4 (One-Off)
Jason Busby , and Michele Bousquet
Manufacturer: Thomson Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0766834700

Book Description

Model and animate an alien, a remote control, and a rover vehicle! Through hands-on, step-by-step tutorials and directly relevant discussions, Mastering the Art of Production with 3ds max 4 entices readers to participate in the process of taking a full 30-second animated commercial for a realistic model company - Ion Z Batteries - from concept through to completion. Developing project requirements by reviewing storyboards and planning a live video shoot for 3D element integration is just the beginning! As they progress through this thoroughly engaging and fast-paced book, readers will also experiment with various styles of modeling and skinning techniques; gain expertise using IK controllers; develop user interfaces to simplify complicated animation techniques and implement MaxScript for further animation control; create and apply global illumination; use procedure maps and PhotoShop to generate textures for objects in the scene; apply proper rendering techniques; and complete post-production editing with Discreet's Combustion. Ideal for anyone with an interest in digital art, 3D modeling, or animation, this all-inclusive introduction to contemporary industry techniques is centered on producing a professional product for a client, takes optimal advantage of leading-edge 3ds max 4 tools and options to develop a seamless character setup, and is perfect for users of all abilities.

Customer Reviews:

Not Ready for Prime Time.......2006-07-22

I have been working with this book for several years. I have never been able to anything more than the modeling tutorials. The scripts do not function, therefore the UI's do not work and you are unable to finish the book! Additionally, you are unable to contact the authors to obtain corrections. I have purchased every book that Michele Bousquet has published since 3D Studio Dos 1. This book is not her best effort. Great idea to take a student from start to finish on a project but there-in lies the rub, a student nor could most instructors use this book for a reference must less a book to use for classroom instruction. Wasted time and wasted money..............

EXCELLENT BOOK!! WROTE FOR THE NEWBIES........2003-07-03

I was a total newbie when I bought this book, and it have really made me improve in almost every aspect that must be known in 3ds max. Of course if you already know advanced techniques you'll probably get bored with the book. In the animation aspect I think is a bit short (talking about teaching you how to simulate motion like the walking cicle for the alien and so.)But the tutorials in modeling are excellent and very easy to understand.
I really don't know if this is useful but I must say that I completed this tutorials with 3ds max 5 and there was no problem.

EXCELLENT BOOK!! WROTE FOR THE NEWBIES........2003-07-03

Awesome book!.......2003-04-24

Mastering the Art of Production with 3ds max 4 is definatly worth every penny! The instructions are clearly written and easy to follow (not to mention pictures of basically every step). The entire book is about creating a 30 second commercial for a company. It even explains working with clients! Anyone who wants to sharpen their skills with 3dsmax, this is the book to get. Also, the book has a section on Combustion for post-production.

Great book - covers modeling and rigging in detail.......2003-01-07

Finally a book that doesn't skip parts or refer you to user's manual. Every step is presented in detail. I was surprised how much I learned about modeling from reading this book. This is the best max book I have read so far. Would love to see the authors do a advanced character modeling book.

Average customer rating:

Mid Level Tutorials
An excellent guide to advance your skills.
a great how-to book for certain features
13 fun projects to take the experienced user further
Unsatisfied

3ds max 4 Magic
Sean Bonney , Laurent Abecassis , and Marcus Richards
Manufacturer: New Riders Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0735710937

Amazon.com

Diving into 3ds max 4 Magic is like immersing yourself in a pool of experience. Written by a montage of professional 3ds max users, 13 chapters cover everything from flowing water to asteroid impacts to using inverse kinematics for complex machinery, and more.

Spanning five sections, the tutorials are grouped according to effect. "Special Effects" includes two chapters illustrating particle systems. For example, "Impact" describes a technique for creating explosive surface impacts (an asteroid collision), while "Flowing Water" demonstrates how to create water pouring from a faucet.

"Lighting" is the next section, also with two chapters, followed by "Modeling and Animation" (four chapters, including one on setting up Max 4's Inverse Kinematics), "Materials," and "Expanding Max," which includes chapters on nonphotorealistic rendering (think sketchbook illustrations), camera matching, and setting up a scene and animating objects using displacement effects and MAXScript.

In addition to the tutorials in the book, the enclosed CD-ROM contains five more projects (two of which build on chapters in the book) that explore and teach things like facial expressions, lip-synch, and modeling and mapping a photorealistic head. The CD-ROM also includes the files needed for each of the book and CD-ROM projects, and a collection of shareware and commercial plug-ins for creating things like forests of plants and trees, hair, and more.

There are some fine tutorials here. Project 8, "Mechanical Machine," is a great example of solid writing mixed with an exciting project, and deftly explains a number of new key features in Max 4. Each chapter strives to illustrate a particular technique or new feature, and the book is worthwhile for users new to Max 4 as well as users new to Max. --Mike Caputo

Book Description

3ds max Magic will follow the same project-based pedagogy that has made previous Magic titles a success. The primary goals are to present changes in functionality, best practices, and inspirational effects. Each project will be 10-15 pages in length and provide instruction as well as suggestions for enhancing or modifying the project/effect. Each page will be designed in a 3-column format with step-by-step instructions on the left and corresponding graphics (or code) in the middle. The third column will be used to provide additional tips and tricks. Any effect, technique, or tip can easily be customized to fit the readers¿ own design needs.

Customer Reviews:

Mid Level Tutorials.......2002-04-11

Some good tutorials, some really bad. Just like the first book its not written by designers but more by those techie guys who do beta testing :) But I got something out of it anyway.

An excellent guide to advance your skills........2002-02-21

If you are an intermediate level Max user, 3ds max 4 Magic, is a great resource. With concise and to the point directions, full color illustrations and tutorials that cover a wide range of Max's capabilities, this book can guide you to the next level. This book is not for a beginner. The authors assume that the reader is familiar with all of the tool sets available, at least to the extent of knowing where to look. Although the time that I have invested in this book's tutorials has been technically demanding the wow factor has made it well worthwhile.

a great how-to book for certain features.......2002-01-14

This book concentrates on about 10 different features of 3ds Max and does a step-by-step explanation of them. The value in this approach was that it guides you through an unknown area of max very methodically. On the down side, the extra verbiage might be unappealing for someone that's more fluent with the program. As a student using the program for the first time, it allowed me to very quickly expand my capabilities. This should be a companion to another more comprehensive book. Includes final movies of the projects covered so you can compair your work.

13 fun projects to take the experienced user further.......2001-12-14

3ds max 4 magic is full-colour, glossy and packed with 13 projects covering a variety of common tasks, individually written by professional 3D artists. There are detailed chapters on for example simulating flowing water (without expensive plugins), creating realistic underwater scenes, using the new max 4 IK, churning out textures for games, and even a bit of camera matching. And as usual, they are detailed enough to be usefull but advanced enough not to be patronising and time-wasting for the experienced reader, for whom the book is intended.

The small critisism I may have centers around the lighting effects in certain chapters. They seem somewhat basic, explaining much to very little effect. In general though, the tutorials do expand on many of max 4's new features - and the accompanying CD features bonus materials and projects from those authors that got a little carried away. Good stuff!

Unsatisfied.......2001-10-17

I recently purchased this box and have been extremely disappointed. The projects are extremely interesting and detailed, if you can complete them. Out of the 6 projects I have tried, I have not been able to complete any of the them. Problems range from not getting the correct colors and textures to appear after following the steps listed to "intuitive" steps that are not listed that I evidently don't know. There is "help" available from the book's authors, if you can get a response, and they don't always know what is wrong. Overall, I have not found this to be a helpful book.

Morphing & Animation: Release 3 and 4 (3d Studio Tips & Tricks Series/Book and Disk)

Average customer rating:

Morphing & Animation: Release 3 and 4 (3d Studio Tips & Tricks Series/Book and Disk)
Michele Bousquet , and Glenn Melenhorst
Manufacturer: Delmar Thomson Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0827370172

Book Description

3D Studio software is a comprehensive environment for creating professional-quality aminations and high-resolution still images. Virtually anything you and your client can envision can be modeled and photorealistically rendered.

Glass & Reflection: Release 3 and 4/Book and Disk (3d Studio Tips & Tricks)

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Glass & Reflection: Release 3 and 4/Book and Disk (3d Studio Tips & Tricks)
Michele Bousquet , and Glenn Melenhorst
Manufacturer: Delmar Thomson Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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