3d Graphics & Animations is the book to help readers break into the 3D marketplace. Learn from the experiences of working professionals as shared through insightful interviews. As a second edition, this book builds on the well-received segments of the first edition to cover the basics of 3D in general terms starting with "What is 3D?" and progressing step-by-step through modeling, texturing, lighting and animation. The book also offers coverage of such related topics as developing a story concept, storyboarding, and putting together a demo real and portfolio. It even provides interview tips! New elements in this second edition include interviews from industry leaders as well as application specific tutorials for 3ds max 4, Maya 4, and LightWave 7 that are included on the CD.

3d Graphics & Animations is the book to help readers break into the 3D marketplace. Learn from the experiences of working professionals as shared through insightful interviews.As a second edition, this book builds on the well-received segments of the first edition to cover the basics of 3D in general terms starting with "What is 3D?" and progressing step-by-step through modeling, texturing, lighting and animation. The book also offers coverage of such related topics as developing a story concept, storyboarding, and putting together a demo real and portfolio. It even provides interview tips! New elements in this second edition include interviews from industry leaders as well as application specific tutorials for 3ds max 4, Maya 4, and LightWave 7 that are included on the CD.

very informative, answers alot of questions about industry

A great book that not only gives general info about the industry but offers an extensive multi-platform tutorial to get you on your way. Definitely for begginers, but it does what it is supposed to do well.

The best desision -- it’s simple

The book "3D Graphics and Animation" is like some one way ticket to the world of 3D graphics. Since I’ve bought the russian version of it - my life has changed. Finally I desided to connect my future life with CG.
Whether you are experienced graphist or you’re beginner this book is for you. Here you can find all concepts of 3D modelling(polygonal-, spline-, patch-, NURBS-modelling, etc); although it contains chapters about different types of animation, texturing, lighting and special effects.
This book does not refer to some specific software and, I think, this is it’s advantage(for better understanding). And what is more - the book builds on lessons, during which you’re studying how to deal with 3D.
The most peculiarity of this book is chapter "Finding the Job in 3D Industry "-which I haven’t yet found in other books. It was really cool to find it, when I have not any idea about the job in 3D. The other big surprise was to find in detail notices about software and hardware used in 3D.
I think this book is perfect for the peoples who has some experience in working with 3D and doesn’t know how to "convent it into cash". Book comes with a lot of helpful information (advicements, internet links, lessons on applied CD)
Thanks to Mark Giambruno - the book is realy nice.

Do you need this book? Do a car need a steering wheel?

It amazes me how Mark aims sooo wide but hits so precise! He treats every aspect within 3D art without missing a step. I couldn’t imagine a better guide for climbing the sometimes steep and treacherous paths of "Mount 3D".

It’s hard to specify who this book is "for". In such cases it might be easier to define the negation: This book is NOT for those who DON’T want to LEARN 3D, because they inevitably will :)

Apart from being a superb 3D artist Mark Giambruno is an excellent writer as well. As if that wasn’t enough he’s also a great teacher!

What’s really cool is that the book has a generic approach. It’s not specific for any software but applicable to all. So instead of just learning to master 3DS Max or Maya or any other 3D package, you’ll learn to master the art of 3D modelling! Isn’t that great? I mean, software are just tools (pretty fancy friggin’ tools if you ask me, but still tools) the real stuff is what you got inside you’re head, right? On the other hand one can’t dismiss tools just like that, it’s not like you can blow 3D models out your nose (or acctually... nah I won’t go there) so you’re still depending on them. Mr. Giambruno is well aware of this and includes versions of the tutorials in the book for 3 different packages on the companion CD.

I use Softimage XSI myself which has no corresponding version on the CD. I have no problems following the tutorials, and I’m a newbie to both 3D modelling and Softimage XSI.

This book won’t spend to much time on the shelf if any. If you want to learn 3D you will waste valuable time by not buying this book. If it’s not the standard for teaching 3D in schools it sure as heck should be! There’s no point that I tell you what areas the book cover since it’s better specified elsewhere but I’ll do it anyway: EVERYTHING :)

BUY IT!

check it out

Great 3d resource. A positive aspect about this book is that it’s not based on any particular software. There is a fair amount of reference to 3DSMax but it is not exclusive to that package. This is especially useful to the uninitiated in that it gives an excellent overview of 3d in general independant of the any particular software.
There’s good stuff here for anyone from the merely curious to the professional.

Draws upon the experiences of working professionals

Computer graphics and animation expert Mark Giambruno draws upon the experiences of working professionals about the technology shared through insightful interviews in 3D Graphics & Animation. Offering the novice strong and "user friendly" presentation of information needed by those just learning the 3D area and those who are trying to enter the 3D market, this updated and expanded second edition of 3D Graphics & Animation builds on the well-received segments of the first edition to cover the basics of 3D in general terms. 3D Graphics & Animation also offers excellent and comprehenstive coverage of such related topics as developing a story concept, storyboarding, and putting together a demo real and portfolio. New elements showcased in this second edition include interviews from industry leaders as well as application specific tutorials for 3ds max 4, Maya 4, and LightWave 7 that are included on the CD. If you have a project involving graphics and animation, then give a careful reading to Mark Giambruno’s 3D Graphics & Animation!