A comprehensive and understandable look at discreet?s massively popular computer animation system, 3ds max Illuminated is a perfect companion for working animators, students, and teachers alike.

3ds max Illuminated: Foundation is the first step in a complete 3D animation curriculum designed by the masters at Mesmer Animation Labs. Scene files used in the book, additional tutorials, and sample course outlines for instructors are all available online at Mesmer.com. Intensive classroom training for professionals is available at the Mesmer facilities in Washington and California, and people from all around the world use the web-based Mesmer eLearning system to learn more about 3d animation.

Complete coverage of:
? Basic 3d concepts
? How to work with files
? User interface issues
? How to use transformations
? Workflow: Modeling, Animating, Rendering
? Surfaces and splines
? Modifiers and the modifier stack
? Low-polygon modeling
? The basics of animation
? Keyframing and editing animation curves
? Creating an animation cycle
? How to create and apply materials
? Lights and cameras
? Rendering and file output
? Deformations: Warps, Morphs, and more
? Using links to build hierarchies
? Forward and Inverse Kinematics
? Track View and Schematic View

A comprehensive and understandable look at discreet’s massively popular computer animation system, 3ds max Illuminated is a perfect companion for working animators, students, and teachers alike.

3ds max Illuminated: Foundation is the first step in a complete 3D animation curriculum designed by the masters at Mesmer Animation Labs. Scene files used in the book, additional tutorials, and sample course outlines for instructors are all available online at Mesmer.com. Intensive classroom training for professionals is available at the Mesmer facilities in Washington and California, and people from all around the world use the web-based Mesmer eLearning system to learn more about 3d animation.

Complete coverage of:
• Basic 3d concepts
• How to work with files
• User interface issues
• How to use transformations
• Workflow: Modeling, Animating, Rendering
• Surfaces and splines
• Modifiers and the modifier stack
• Low-polygon modeling
• The basics of animation
• Keyframing and editing animation curves
• Creating an animation cycle
• How to create and apply materials
• Lights and cameras
• Rendering and file output
• Deformations: Warps, Morphs, and more
• Using links to build hierarchies
• Forward and Inverse Kinematics
• Track View and Schematic View

A comprehensive and understandable look at discreet’s massively popular computer animation system, 3ds max Illuminated is a perfect companion for working animators, students, and teachers alike.

3ds max Illuminated: Foundation is the first step in a complete 3D animation curriculum designed by the masters at Mesmer Animation Labs. Scene files used in the book, additional tutorials, and sample course outlines for instructors are all available online at Mesmer.com. Intensive classroom training for professionals is available at the Mesmer facilities in Washington and California, and people from all around the world use the web-based Mesmer eLearning system to learn more about 3d animation.

Complete coverage of:
• Basic 3d concepts
• How to work with files
• User interface issues
• How to use transformations
• Workflow: Modeling, Animating, Rendering
• Surfaces and splines
• Modifiers and the modifier stack
• Low-polygon modeling
• The basics of animation
• Keyframing and editing animation curves
• Creating an animation cycle
• How to create and apply materials
• Lights and cameras
• Rendering and file output
• Deformations: Warps, Morphs, and more
• Using links to build hierarchies
• Forward and Inverse Kinematics
• Track View and Schematic View

A very solid overall book

As a member of Discreet Training Specialist team I have reviewed many books that deal with 3ds max through the years. Although I do not teach "from" a book, I do use this book as a reference in a few of my classes.

In my opinion I find this book to be a very good learning source for the entry-level artist. I think it touches on every basic aspect of the program and give the new artist a solid understanding of the different areas of the program.

As an educator it is one of the few books that actually has quizzes and homework assignments that are avalible. This can be used as quick guide in learning environment to gauge the pace of your class.

I would recommend this book to an intro level artist as well as an instructor to be used in a classroom setting.

Good Book!

This is a very good book, that covers a lot of different stuff. It really does cover most topics quite well, and has lots of good tips.

dont buy this book

well this book, dont like me, is very short, and dont have nothing new, if you want a good book for learn 3ds (beginer) buy 3d bible or something like that, becaus this book dont help you... is better read tutorials online than buy this kind of books..

ciao