Product Description

Learn how to create professional models for advertising on TV and the web. Blending real-world experience and the technical aspects of poly-modeling, this book shows how to ultimately create content in a dynamic, efficient manner.

This collection of tips, tricks and techniques will give you the freedom to determine the edge flow and overall mass of your models through this free-form digital sculpting method. The accompanying website offers instructional files that show the models in progressive stages of development. In addition there is a free user forum for interactive feedback and information.

* Official Autodesk technique series book includes a collection of tips, tricks and techniques on how to create models for advertising, TV and the web.

*Unique focus on poly-modeling over box modeling and quick workflow tricks for the production deadline crunch

*Detailed exercises to take you step-by-step through the process of creating high-quality models with speed and ease.

*Extensive tutorials on the functionality of PolyBoost within 3dsMax 2009 and current, applicable, adaptable information on the use of Graphite Modeling Tools with 3ds Max 2010 (Polyboost has been implemented into 3ds Max 2010 and renamed Graphite Modeling Tools)

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #107374 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780240810928
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review

"I consider myself a seasoned 3ds Max user, but I have always struggled with poly-modeling organic shapes inside 3ds Max.  Todd Daniele explained several of the "missing links" for me. Without any hesitation I would highly recommend this book to anyone using 3ds Max that wants to immediately improve their modeling techniques." --Jeff Patton, Freelance Digital Artist

"While I personally feel like Todd may be giving a little bit too much away, his new book is the perfect companion for both intermediate and über-advanced modelers.  Whether you're looking for a refresher on the basics or trying to take it to the next level, Todd's book is a must-read!" --Jesse Holmes, Freelance TD & VFX Supervisor

About the Author
Todd Daniele has worked for several major N.Y. based studios, including GuerillaFx. Daniele's work for GuerillaFx has been featured on TV, the Internet and even the Jumbo-trons in Times Square (NYC). He has contributed work to several high-profile clients including: Coke Zero, MTV, Old Navy, Procter and Gamble, Nike, Cingular/ATT and BMW.

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Customer Reviews

Good Poly-modeling!
Poly-Modeling with 3ds Max has something for everyone be it a new person using Max or a more seasoned modeler. What I like most about this is the number of interesting and solid modeling exercises Todd presents. He starts off slow allowing you to build basic objects to get the feel for his technique. Please understand, this isn't a typical, out of the technical documentation tutorial. It is a lesson on how to maximize the modeling tools. It is Todd sharing his special insights into the process. I have been using Max for years, but never used some the tools he recommended. When I did, I was delighted and surprised how good the tools were. For tools I knew about, Todd shows you new and effective ways to get the best out of them.

The key projects include making a motorcycle housing. This exercise provides a technical example of modeling. He then moves to a more natural, organic type by having you model an entire lizard. These were fun and effective tutorials. He provides a lot of pictures of each step in full color. The motorcycle was my least favorite because he doesn't complete the entire bike or provide reference materials so you can. The lizard is a different story. He provides reference materials and the tutorial provides enough info for you to complete the entire lizard.

An added bonus, is the tutorials on ZBrush, Mudbox and Polyboost. I have used Mudbox and Polyboost before, but I learned something new when I tried the tutorials. I wanted more on Polyboost. I have never used ZBrush but found it a breeze to learn the basics after following Todd's tutorial. To me, the Zbrush tutorial was the best of these.

This is a very good book about a specific, yet important, skill set. I do have some suggestions on what would make this book better. If Todd added videos on the modeling techniques, it would greatly enhance an already good book. The still pictures are really good, but sometimes seeing someone use the technique in an animated video just helps clarify how it would be done.

I highly recommend this book however. I think anyone will learn something new and improve their modeling skills. Also, there is something here for everyone.

Poly-Modeling
Modeling and animating are two of the most challenging tasks for users of 3D Studio MAX. I have used the program since its DOS inception, but one thing I never really learned well was modeling. Production companies like Industrial Light and Magic and Pixar employ specialists in areas of animation, modeling, lighting, and materials because these components of the 3D pipeline are each so vast and complex that few have managed to become experts in all areas. Most of the rest of us, however, need to be relatively proficient in all areas. Poly-Modeling is a relatively new modeling process in MAX and I had hoped to get a leg up on the learning process by reading this book. But I found that Daniele has a habit of skipping some key steps, apparently assuming that the reader either already knows how to manage the missing instruction, or else will consult with the MAX Help files--which I found myself doing on nearly every other page of his book. The language of the book is also not as clear and descriptive as it could be and I found myself re-reading paragraphs several times. Eventually, although there are some interesting tutorials and good information in the book, I decided I wasn't really saving any time and I was better off just going through the MAX Help file, which is a more step-by-step process.