This is the second of two volumes explaining proven methods of creating 3D cartoon characters for animation. These books are the most complete, in-depth, and accurate resource available for character creation and animation using LightWave 3D. The book includes both general theory and comprehensive tutorials for every aspect of rigging and animating 3D characters. This book describes multiple rigging techniques, advanced and alternate animation controls, and dynamics, and includes a comprehensive explanation of facial animation, overlooked in other books. Topics include: Rigging - weight mapping, bone creation, IK, and deformations; Advanced rigging techniques - expressions, FK/IK blending, and more; Quadruped rigging; Creating morphs for facial animation and lip-sync; Animation - using the animation controls, animating with IK, and more; Facial animation - expressions, lip-sync, and advanced morph controls; Dynamics for secondary body motion and clothes. Also included are descriptions of useful third-party plug-ins, many of which are used in the tutorials.

The companion CD includes all the featured third-party plug-ins, example files for the tutorials, and all the illustrations in full colour.

The second of two volumes explaining proven methods of creating 3D cartoon characters for animation.

The Best Lightwave Resource on Rigging, Bar None

This is far and away the best book available on Lightwave rigging. Gorden is the only author to thoroughly address the relationship between weight maps, bones and the polygonal structure of the model and how they must be combined to create a working 3D character. I consider this book absolutely essential for anyone looking to do any kind of character animation in Lightwave.

You have got to get this book...

I’m a Lightwave user for about 3 years now, I did a lot of 3D stuff but never any boned character animation. Just had trouble getting trough the process of rigging ( like every other beginning 3D artist ).

I bought the Volume 1 and 2 en really took the time of reading it word by word. Underlining the most important things so i’ll be able to use these books as a quick reference guide. Sometimes I just forget things and then I like to quickly return to my books for help ;-)

I know that a lot of you prefer some training DVD’s above reading because it takes some time to get trough these books... But believe me, they are worth it. They get you trough the basics and then take you up to the next level. The CD that comes with this book also helps a great deal. You can go and analyse the settings of the examples.

I recommend this book to anyone who’s thinking about character animation, even if you haven’t got any knowledge of rigging. You have got to get this book...

Fantastic resource!

This book has proved invaluable resource for dealing with Ligthwave’s rigging. Filled with great tips and examples, this book shows you clearly how to build efficient rigs.

Hands Down...The Character Rigging Book

Until I read this book Rigging was always a challenge and something I avoided. This book clearly explains not only the buttons to click but the basic concepts needed for anyone that wants to rig. Then when you have mastered the basics he walks you thru complex, power, but easy to setup rigging setups.

As an Instructor I recommend this book not only to my students but also to high end studios. Jonny has written the "Rigging Bible" in my honest opinion.

I hope we see more from this talented artist!

Excellent

This is an excellent book for detailed instruction on using Lightwave for character rigging and texturing.