Customer Reviews

3D Studio MAX 3(r) Media Animation

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4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Most MAX users quickly discover that they must continuously participate in a learning process, in order to master and remain current with the program and its various upgrades, and one soon realizes that tutorials are an invaluable learning aid. However, one also quickly learns that, for every well-written tutorial you find (e.g. Jon Bell's wonderful books), you must wade through many others that are lacking in detail or content. Well, if you're looking for some really terrific lessons, which exemplify the art of tutorial writing, have I got a book for you! A few weeks ago, just before MAX 3 arrived, I found a collection of tutorials that I can honestly say are some of the best I've seen. They're contained in a book called "3D Studio MAX 3 Media Animation", written by John P. Chismar, and published by New Riders (ISBN 0-7357-0050-8) (Retail $49.99, but $39.99 at Amazon). This book will be of particular interest to those who are interested in learning the best ways to create and use animated logos and splash screens. However, even if you're not, there's still much more in the book that is of value to all users who want to utilize and master the new features of MAX 3 as well as those carried forward from previous versions. For example, for those who think that all there is to importing and using Adobe Illustrator files is to learn where the Import 'button' is located, you will quickly discover there's a lot more to learn. How many of us employ Motion capture in our animations or even know how useful a tool it is, even if we only have a mouse and a keyboard? Want to learn more about correctly lighting that new creation, or applying complex materials? The techniques covered are extensive, and are really too numerous to mention here. But I certainly must pass on some comments concerning the overall quality of these tutorials. In my opinion, the writing is exemplary, the tutorials are extremely well devised and laid out, instructions are clear, concise and detailed, and illustrations are plentiful. The author also offers additional information on why you should probably use one particular technique over another, or he suggests alternative approaches that will also work. All necessary files are supplied, including examples of alternative techniques, and all that I've used so far have worked flawlessly. In the past, the quality of the tutorials in some of the New Riders books has been questioned, but they've produced a winner with this one. And I know this testimonial may suggest that I have a stake in the profits or know the author personally, but I assure you that I do not. I just wanted to share my discovery with you, and say "well done, John". You've set the standard for others to follow. Buy this book; you'll enjoy it....................................Frank E. Lancaster

I've read several MAX books before, but few of them compared with the content found here. Although creating port side fly bye's of space ships is a lot of fun and a great way to impress your friends, Mr. Chismar has finally delivered a MAX reference for what most of us will actulaly be using 3D Studio Max for. The quality of writing is excellent, and I can't speak highly enough about the content. Media graphics are an area of 3d Design that most of us think we know hot to do, but this book inspired and reminded me of what being a 3D artist is all about. Getting a job (and paid)for doing something you love. I'm looking forward to seeing Mr. Chismar release more material of this type.

Wow, that's by far the best book I ever read about 3D Studio MAX. It gives so much help, and it is very well written. You forget the time when you read it and when you are at the end, you wish there would be more, more, more of that well explained animations! This is the book I waited for: one that shows you step by step how you do a GREAT looking animation. I big pleeeease to the author: could we have more of that? :-)

Finally a book that merges great tutorial writing and impressive content. Going through this book, I was intrigued with every sentence. Not only did I want to read what Chismar had to say but I would learn things at random times. New techniques and tricks sprawl throughout this book, were at times I even felt a little guilty getting all this info for just a few bucks. Don't keep us waiting too long for the next one, John.

Ok, enough said on this amazing book full with clear explanations and samples. Compared with other 3D Max books I bought (7-8 books so far) this is a well organized and planned book from the real master. I wish other books on character modeling and animation would be this clear and useful. Mr. John P. Chismar really sets new standard on tutorial book. Now I am waiting for more books by Mr. Chismar........hm...still waiting......waiting... Give me more~

You will learn secrets behind tools in this Book. So having a Basical knowledge Of MAX is Important.

The author is a very generous person for creating this wonderful book. I have improved my skills 100-fold from the excellent, clear and concise tutorials. This book is a must for those who want to go into the Motion Graphics Industry.

The projects are top quality and lots of fun to do. I can't stop raving about this book! I have nothing bad to say about it!

I have read several books about 3D Max but I consider this book one of the best books ! and I have learnt a lot from it ...If you want to make professional media animations logos you have to own one !

I have read several books about 3D Max but I consider this book one of the best books ! and I have learnt a lot from it ...If you want to make professional media animations logos you have to own one !

Hands down the best MAX R3 book available easy to follow,you actually learn cool stuff you can apply to your own work,I would pay double for VOL_2 THANK YOU JOHN P CHISMAR