3DS Max 4: From Objects to Animation [Paperback]

B. Kulagin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2001

Designed for both users new to 3D Studio Max and more seasoned professionals, this book helps users improve their skills. It takes readers from modeling a still life scene to animating photorealistic and fantasy characters in a variety of organic and mechanical backgrounds. Step-by step instructions describe the various techniques of modeling and animation and explain how to avoid common mistakes during the creative process. Each lesson allows readers to not only hone their skills using 3D Studio Max, but lets them create a professional level finished project showcasing their talents.

-- Project-based tutorials are independent from each other and can be studied in any sequence

-- Tips, tutorials, and techniques are designed to improve productivity

-- Special sections delineate the most common mistakes made when using 3D Studio Max -- and show how to avoid them

-- Appendices include a complete list of keyboard shortcuts, a comprehensive glossary, and a complete description of the 3D Studio Max interface

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Charles River Media; 1st edition (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198631375
• ISBN-13: 978-0198631378
• ASIN: 1584500824
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,997,627 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New to 3ds max, January 23, 2002

By 

S. Hartman (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 3DS Max 4: From Objects to Animation (Paperback)

This is one of the first books I've bought for MAX. I was impressed that it is essentially a book of 5 long tutorials (projects) that lead the reader from start to finish. This is helpful to us users that want to "get our hands dirty" doing something rather than just reading a reference book that shows all the nifty gizmos but not how to really use them.

As a new user to MAX I found that this book is a perfect way to see how the tools are actually used to create a scene. A couple other books I've purchased had either short tutorials that just showed a tool's application or just an explanation of the various MAX 4 functions.

The projects themselves are fairly detailed and although at a glance the book looks simplistic, it is extreme in depth for a novice. The pictures are sometimes hard to see what's going on. The text sometimes can be a little confusing but with persistance I've been able to figure out most of it. Some steps are missing in areas that to a beginner seem crucial but the fact that just about every step is explained in a simple to follow manner makes this still one of the best learning tools I've found.

I do recommend this book (along with a "reference" type book when you need a bit more explanation about a tool or function) as a way to learn step by step through hands-on for the non-experienced user.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT! 3ds max book, August 25, 2003

By 

W. Isenberger (Springfield, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 3DS Max 4: From Objects to Animation (Paperback)

I have been perusing all the 3ds max books that come through the local Barns & Nobles for years and have purchased several. I must say the majority of them have been a big disappointment. I picked up "Advanced 3ds max 5 Modeling & Animating" on a whim and what a pleasant surprise. I liked this book so much I ordered B. Kulagin's (the author) other max book "3ds max 4 from Objects to Animations". It is also an excellent book and it covers features that are not covered in his max 5 book (the max 5 book actually builds on the max 4 book). These books are with out comparison the best max books I have ever run across. The project base lessons reveal the hidden power of max and are easy to follow and understand. B. Kulagin is a master instructor of max.