Introducing Character Animation with Blender , 2nd Edition

Introducing Character Animation with Blender, 2^nd Edition is written in a friendly but professional tone, with clear descriptions and numerous illustrative screenshots. Throughout the book, tutorials focus on how to accomplish actual animation goals, while illustrating the necessary technical methods along the way. These are reinforced by clear descriptions of how each specific aspect of Blender works and fits together with the rest of the package. By following all the tutorials, the reader will gain all the skills necessary to build and animate a well-modeled, fully-rigged character of their own. The character built over the course of the tutorials is included as a .blend file on the DVD, for the reader to experiment with and learn from. Introducing Character Animation with Blender, 2^nd Edition is inspiring as well as educational. A color insert includes sample characters and frames from animations by many of the Blender community's most talented artists, which help to illustrate the impressive potential of the software.
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Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition

The exciting new book on the exciting new Blender 2.5!

If you want to design 3D animation, here's your chance to jump in with both feet, free software, and a friendly guide at your side! Blender For Dummies, 2^nd Edition is the perfect introduction to the popular, open-source, Blender 3D animation software, specifically the revolutionary new Blender 2.5. Find out what all the buzz is about with this easy-access guide. Even if you’re just beginning, you'll learn all the Blender 2.5 ropes, get the latest tips, and soon start creating 3D animation that dazzles.

• Walks you through what you need to know to start creating eye-catching 3D animations with Blender 2.5, the latest update to the top open-source 3D animation program
• Shows you how to get the very most out of Blender 2.5's new multi-window unblocking interface, new event system, and other exciting new features
• Covers how to create 3D objects with meshes, curves, surfaces, and 3D text; add color, texture, shades, reflections and transparency; set your objects in motion with animations and rigging; render your objects and animations; and create scenes with lighting and cameras

If you want to start creating your own 3D animations with Blender, Blender For Dummies, 2^nd Edition is where you need to start!

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ZBrush Studio Projects: Realistic Game Characters

Tips and techniques for bringing reality and creativity to your game characters and art

As video games evolve, the bar moves ever higher for realism, one of the most challenging artistic frontiers is creating realistic human characters. In ZBrush Studio Projects: Realistic Game Characters, ZBrush expert Ryan Kingslien zeroes in on specific areas of concern for game creation: human body style, faces, skin texturing, clothing, shoes, weaponry, and putting your character into a game environment. Throughout the book Ryan offers tips and insights that provide readers with the depth and breadth they need to bring reality and creativity to their game characters and art. Projects start from the beginning, just as they do in the studio, with the author to guide you step by step through attributes and tools. Projects encompass multiple disciplines to obtain finished, professional results.Although some step by step explanations are given, projects serve more as a guide for readers to complete their own version of the project. Each project comes with support files to validate results

• Covers one of the most unique challenges for game artists -- sculpting realistic and moveable human characters for a game environment
• Brings you up to speed on ZBrush, the top digital sculpting tool used to create characters and props in such games as Rock Band and World of Warcraft
• Covers body style, faces, skin texturing, clothing, shoes, weaponry, and how to put your character into a game environment
• Provides in-depth techniques and tips for everyone from aspiring digital sculptors to high-level professional ZBrush artists
• Includes a DVD with supporting files from the projects in the book, as well as videos that illustrate concepts

Build the next game-winning action character with ZBrush and this professional guide!

ZBrush Character Creation: Advanced Digital Sculpting, 2nd Edition

A stunning, content-rich update to this top-selling ZBrush guide!

This second edition of ZBrush Character Creation has been fully updated for ZBrush 4, the newest version of this fascinating and popular 3D sculpting software. ZBrush enables users to create detailed organic models using a brush-based toolset and tablet. The startling results look as though they've been painted with real brushes and oils, and ZBrush is increasingly popular for use in film, game, and broadcast pipelines.

Author Scott Spencer is embedded in the ZBrush community and his movie credits include Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix and the upcoming The Hobbit. Learn Spencer's invaluable techniques for texturing, chiseling, posing, costuming, and more with his newest ZBrush guide.


- Explains ZBrush 4, the newest version of the revolutionary software tool for creating 3D organic models in a way that appears to be traditionally painted or sculpted
- Shows you how get the most out of ZBrush, from the fundamentals to new tools for texturing, chiseling, and costuming
- Offers plenty of insights and professional techniques for creating characters for films and games, drawing from the author's own experience on such films as Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix and The Hobbit
- Demonstrates the author's own techniques of using traditional sculpting and painting concepts and applying them to digital art for greater artistry

Discover the beauty of ZBrush with this colorful, in-depth guide.

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Introducing Autodesk 3ds Max 2011

Introducing 3ds Max teaches the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects to familiarize readers with the program as a whole and encourage them to find what aspects of the production pipeline appeal to them. The expository text is reinforced with excellent tutorials, and the companion website includes tutorial files so readers can learn by completing hands-on projects in the book. The tutorials offer realistic, professional challenges for those new to 3D, and to those coming from another 3D application.

Each chapter leads with an introduction to the topic and explains methods, as well why certain methods are used. Each chapter is richly illustrated with workflows and examples to make following the sometimes difficult subject matter much easier and fun. The book evenly covers all aspects a beginner should be familiar with for a solid foundation of 3ds Max, but also caters some sections to Max's strengths, such as game work. For example, extra time is given to low poly modeling techniques and UV texturing for game export. Readers can expect to get a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to the sophisticated software package. Those coming from other 3D software applications will appreciate the book's sophisticated approach.

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Mastering Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011

Turn Your Ideas into High-Impact Architectural Visualizations

This Autodesk Official Training Guide helps you master the essentials of 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and rendering with 3ds Max Design—it has everything you need to create compelling visualizations of your projects with exciting CG filmmaking techniques. The book provides pages of real-world architectural examples that show you how to apply 3D concepts to your own work with striking results.

Whether you're just starting, upgrading, or preparing for the Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 Certified Associate or Certified Professional exams, this book offers the complete instruction you need to master this indispensable design tool.

Coverage includes:

- Understanding the 3ds Max Design 2011 tools, menus, and interface
- Editing meshes and creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools
- Assembling high-impact scenes using the right design data and tools
- Using the Lighting Analysis feature to analyze sustainable design features
- Accessing the Autodesk Materials Library for just the right floor, wall, or finish
- Applying the camera effectively during animated walk-throughs
- Using mental ray® to achieve the most realistic rendering
- Adding cinematic atmosphere and compositing your final designs

Seamlessly Link Data from the Revit Family of Products into 3ds Max Design 2011
Apply Concepts from Game Design to Transform Your Sketches
Work Faster Using the Polygon Modeling and Texturing Toolset
Produce Stunning, Detailed, Photorealistic Presentations for Clients
Prepare for the 3ds Max Design 2011 Certified Associate and Certified Professional Exams

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Mastering Autodesk Maya 2011

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.

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Introducing Mudbox

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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3ds Max 2011 Bible

Updated version of the bestselling 3ds Max book on the market

Used by more than 150,000 people, and the winner of more than 65 industry awards, 3ds Max is the world's most popular animation modeling and rendering software for film, television, video games, and design visualization. 3ds Max Bible is the world’s most popular book for getting the most out of the software. Whether a novice looking to create something immediately using the Quick Start tutorial, or an experienced 3ds Max user who simply wants to check out the software's latest and greatest features, this update to the bestselling 3ds Max book on the market continues to be the most comprehensive reference on this highly complex application.

- Packed with expert advice, timesaving tips, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials
- 16-page color insert highlights the work of some of today’s most cutting-edge 3D artists
- Includes a companion DVD with a searchable, full-color version of the 3ds Max Bible, as well as customizable models and textures

The only comprehensive reference-tutorial on 3ds Max, it's no wonder the 3ds Max Bible is the bestselling 3ds Max book in the world and a favorite of both amateur and professional animators.

Blender Studio Projects: Digital Movie-Making

Learn how to get professional results from Blender

Start from scratch-the way it happens in the studio-and create fully rendered objects with Blender open-source 3D animation software and this real-world, roll-up-your-sleeves guide. No time is wasted-this book plunges straight into step-by-step instruction designed to help you build skills and create solid assets for film, video, and games.

Blender is gaining clout in professional settings, and you can get a running start with this series of hands-on tutorials that encompasses multiple disciplines. The book includes a DVD with starter, intermediate, and final files, as well as movie files to help you every step of the way.


- Helps you harness Blender, the free, open-source alternative to commercial CG packages such as Maya and 3ds Max
- Presents projects that start from scratch and encompass multiple disciplines, thoroughly teaching you the Blender software
- Shows you how to use Blender attributes and tools for professional results
- Allows you to emerge with finished, renderable objects and assets for use in film, video, or games
- Includes a DVD with starter, intermediate, and final files, plus movie files for reference

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Introducing Maya 2011

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.
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Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props

Use Maya to create realistic environments and props for digital games

Weapons, vehicles, tools, buildings, trees, plants, walls, ceilings, and floors-these items may seem secondary to the game environment, but they are integral parts of the game and they all need to be created. Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props is a step-by-step project guide to creating some of the most popular game art.

Author Michael McKinley shares techniques for getting the most out of Maya to create realistic, vivid, and compelling worlds and otherworldly props. Along the way, he provides notes and FYIs that give readers depth and breadth for bringing both reality and creativity to their game art. A bonus DVD features step-by-step videos to help drive home concepts.


- The Studio Projects series offers projects that start from nothing, just as they do in the studio; these books provide you with a step-by-step guide to software attributes and tools that encompass multiple disciplines so that you can create a finished, renderable object
- Many games have only a few characters, and multiple levels and environments, and hundreds of props-this book focuses on projects and techniques for creating everything but the character
- Maya is the top 3D app for creating console and computer games such as: Rock Band, Gears of War, James Bond: Quantum of Solace, Fallout 3, and Far Cry 2

Learn effective Maya studio techniques with this handy, step-by-step, full-color book.

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Architectural Rendering with 3ds Max and V-Ray

Vray is a popular add-on rendering application that is available for many popular 3D modeling software packages. The application is noted for creating professional and clean renders in record time which makes it attractive to modelers on tight budgets or tight schedules. This book teaches readers how to create high-quality photorealistic renders of architectural visualizations using 3ds Max and Vray with project-based tutorials. Readers will learn how to combine lighting and rendering options to end-up with the most realistic final renders possible at a professional level. The tutorials in this book are filled with beautiful full-color images.. The companion CD includes all of the necessary project files to recreate each of the projects presented within the book.

*Create photorealistic renders of your visualizations and projects - including interior and exterior shots, as well as shots illuminated with artificial and natural light sources

*Project-based tutorials teach you how to use lighting and rendering options most effectively to create professional level final renders of your visualizations and models - the companion CD includes all of the project files you need

*Learn how to save time without sacrificing the quality of your final renders with tips and tricks on rendering with Vray - the most accurate rendering application for 3ds Max

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How to Cheat in 3ds Max 2011

Need to get results with 3ds max fast? Why take months to learn every button in 3ds max when you can create great visuals with just a few key tools? Learn to create quick yet stunning special effects, and animated characters with the fastest techniques possible. Need convincing grass, trees, water, shadows? You can use the memory-hogging methods that choke your display and take forever to render, or you can get it done bing-bang with this book. When you need an animated character you can spend days fiddling with polygons, or you can use this book to put it together in minutes and get the entire project done in a day. How to Cheat in 3ds max includes a host of time-saving techniques as well as little-known tools that will make you look like an expert in no time flat. This book is for busy professionals who need to get it done right, but also need it done fast.

This rev of the book will have higher-end cheats (for Intermediate users) and ALL NEW or UPDATED content on: new modelling and material tools, mental ray, special effects, particle systems, and scripting.Theweb siteoffers scene files and bitmaps used to illustrate the cheats, also music files, organizational samples, and instructional Camtasia movies of Michele where Michele showing some of the trickier techniques.

* 3ds Max luminary, Bousquet, shares 3ds Max secrets and little-known tips and tricks that save users bundles of time.
* Concise, step-by-step, focused, examples with everything on the accompanyingweb sitesoanimators and modelerscan start toying right away: NEW camtasia MOVIES with Michele demonstrating the trickiest cheats.
* Proven "How to Cheat" series - Learn to create quick yet stunning special effects, animations, realistic textures, and game elements - the fastest techniques possible.

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Drawing Shortcuts: Developing Quick Drawing Skills Using Today's Technology, 2nd Edition

The updated edition of a contemporary approach to merging traditional hand drawing methods with 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional digital visualization tools.

Jim Leggitt s Drawing Shortcuts shows how communicating with hand drawings combined with digital technology can be ingeniously simple, and this new edition makes an already popular technique even better. Completely expanded with new chapters and a wealth of supporting images, this Second Edition presents practical techniques for improving drawing efficiency and effectiveness by combining traditional hand drawing methods with the latest digital technology, including 3-D modeling with SketchUp. This book s step-by-step approach will sharpen and streamline your techniques whether you draw for pleasure, school or your design profession.


- Easy-to-follow instructions cover every aspect from the basics of drawing such as composition, color, shading, hatching, and perspective up to the most current technologies
- Incorporates Google SketchUp, Google Earth, computer generated renderings, digital scanners and printers
- Features new visuals from accomplished drawing experts
- Special new Gallery section highlights the creative process with step-by-step examples of drawings
- Complete coverage of the Overlay and Trace Method, Simple Composite Method, Advanced Composite Method, and Digital Hybrid Drawings
- New matrices show alternative drawing techniques for specific visual effects such as Linework and Shading, Selecting the Right Views, Perspectives and Paraline Drawings, Drawing Detail, Camera Lenses, and Drawing Tools

Generously enriched with detailed process drawings, examples, and more than 500 full-color images, Drawing Shortcuts, Second Edition will have you creating top-quality drawings faster and more effectively.

Google SketchUp and SketchUp Pro 7 Bible

Google SketchUp & SketchUp Pro Bible will target design professionals who are increasingly turning to SketchUp and SketchUp Pro to easily create professional quality designs and design presentations. This book will cover creating 2D and 3D designs, exporting models to Google Earth, and using LayOut to create professional quality design presentations. Offering everything that a professional or hobbyist needs to know, Google SketchUp and SketchUp Pro Bible will include tips and tricks to make using this software easy and efficient.

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

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Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies

Google SketchUp is the exciting free software package that makes 3D available to everybody. Whether you need to build 3D models for work, or you’ve just always wanted to explore 3D modeling, Google SketchUp was made for you. Still, it does take a bit of understanding to get started, so turn to Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies.

In classic For Dummies tradition, Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies gets right to the point so you can start creating 3D models right away. You’ll learn to:


- Set up SketchUp, learn about edges and faces, use inferences and guides, and build your first model
- Establish a basic end-to-end workflow for creating and sharing models
- Model non-boxy objects like terrain, characters, bottles, and spheres
- Add details like stairs, gutters, and eaves
- Spruce up your models with styles and shadows to add effects, make objects pop, and enhance realism
- Use the LayOut function to draw with vector tools, add text and callouts, and print your work
- Design buildings and objects, export your models to other design programs or to Google Earth, and explore 3D animation

On the book’s companion Web site, you’ll also find a bonus chapter and videos demonstrating more about what you can do with Google SketchUp. Google SketchUp 7 For Dummies also shows you what SketchUp can and can’t do, and offers tips for solving common problems. Add a new dimension to your work today!

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Wiley Pathways Introduction to Google SketchUp

Considerably easier to use than other 3D software, Google SketchUp has found a niche in architecture, landscape design, real estate development, furniture building, and other design professions. This book provides an accessible approach that assumes no previous 3D modeling experience and explains the basic concepts involved in 3D modeling. Wiley Pathways SketchUp shows you how to build a 3D model, print it, share it, export it to another professional design package, export it to Google Earth, and create a 3D animated tour. The book will also help you harness the power of Google SketchUp so you can populate Google Earth with 3D buildings, monuments, and other sculptures.

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Google SketchUp For Dummies

- Considerably easier to use than other 3D software, Google SketchUp has found a niche in architecture, landscaping, real estate development, furniture building, and other design professions
- The fun and friendly approach assumes no previous 3D modeling experience and explains the basic concepts involved in 3D modeling
- Shows readers how to build a 3D model, print it, share it, export it to another professional design package, export it to Google Earth, and create a 3D animated tour
- Helps readers harness the power of Google SketchUp so that they can populate Google Earth with 3D buildings, monuments, and other sculptures

AutoCAD "X" For Dummies

A great way to get up and running fast with AutoCAD "X"!

If you're just learning AutoCAD, this friendly, For Dummies guide is perfect for you. You’ll get up to speed on all the basics and start creating 2D and 3D technical drawings sooner than you might imagine. Learn how to create a basic drawing, use AutoCAD Design Center, edit your drawings, work with dimensions, add text, and much more. The book is straightforward, easy to follow, and includes practical tips and notes that demystify this complex software even further.

- Gets you quickly up to speed on AutoCAD "X," the leading technical drawing software from Autodesk
- Covers how to create a basic drawing, use AutoCAD Design Center, edit your drawings, use blocks, work with dimensions, add text, and draw on the Internet
- Includes updates on the latest features in AutoCAD “X” focusing on those that matter most to beginners
- Uses the popular For Dummies approach, which breaks down this intimidating topic into helpful, practical advice and how-tos for real people

AutoCAD "X" For Dummies is what you need to get up to speed and start designing with this market-leading software!