Customer Reviews

3ds Max: Character Modeling (DVD-ROM)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was a very in depth tutorial, I enjoyed it very much. Jim Lammers and Kenny Cooper did a very good job going through all the steps of modeling a character. The tutorial is very in depth, they went over the steps in taking pictures for guides for the model, went through the steps in photoshop as well unlike most of the tutorials I have seen. Once in 3d max they did a great job of actually going through all of the modeling with you unlike most tutorials where they give you directions for parts and skip them actually doing it. If you are looking for a great, easy to follow, in depth human modeling tutorial then this is the product you want.

I bought this DVD and have been walking through the tutorials in 3DS Max 2008, and it is still fully applicable, since the UI has not changed much in 3DS Max since this DVD was made (3Ds Max 6 i think)

It is great that you get to see the person work, and follow along. As the movie segments go on, you develop more and more comfort, and therefore get to apply some of your own creativity in where you would want to put the vertices, etc. I do not like tutorials where if a single one of your vertices is out of place, then following the rest of the tutorial is impossible -- this DVD is definitely not like that -- what you end up with is truly your own creation.

One thing to mention is that this is an overall tutorial for the whole body - and you do each part in detail, so it takes an investment of time and patience if you want to see it through. Think of it more like attending a class on character modelling, not just a quick walkthrough. I worked on it each night until I felt I was tired, and then would continue next night or even a few nights later.

Overall, I found this DVD great.

This video is EXCELLENT if you want to know how to model a character. Heck, I even learned things about Paintshop Pro (they use photoshop, but PSP has a lot of the same features) that I never knew existed. The only reason they didn't get a 5 is that I was hoping that they would cover Rigging, Skinning and Animation. Since the title is Modeling, I guess that's all it is. Don't get me wrong, if you want to create a character model, there's no better resource-- the videos are thorough and complete, but Rigging and (especially) skinning a high-polygon model are pretty tough undertakings and it would be nice to have a video course on that. I checked out the home page of the folks who did this disk and they didn't have anything on Rigging and Skinning (sigh). Great disk, though.

I am extremely impressed! This is my very first experience with any 3D modeling and software. The program is easy to follow and the instructor is very down to earth. The program explains the modeling process in laymans terms and when 3D terminology is used it is followed by an explanation. I could watch another 50 CD's like this by the same artists.

All in all from start to finish this dvd will bring you along every step of the way in your goal to model the human figure. It is detailing at its best, from the tear ducts in the eyes to the toe nails, this book does not miss a thing. The first time you scim through the various movies in this dvd it can seem quite over whelming, quite slow and monotinous at times. But stick with it, you'll become faster as you take in this brilliant wealth of knowledge from the professionals. It is worth the slog because polygonal sub-divisional modelling has since become industry standered..a must buy if you want to chase a career in this field.

The perfect way to start this review is to say that this DVD is the best of its kind ever!!! Untill I bought this DVD I was struggling to model a character using the online tutorials available.Well... I cant's say they weren't of any help, but if you really want to be able to model realistic charcaters in 3ds max, you got to have this DVD.The 48 quick time movies available on the DVD contain every bit of information that you need to posses in order to be able to model your own charcaters(with a few exceptions, like the author could have given some more details as to why a certain modelling technique was used in some areas of the "virtual girl",like the ear, for example, which is really complex and it might take you some time to get it right) and nothig is ommited,like in other instructional videos, where the author simply skips some steps. No, that doesn't happen here.No change is made without letting you know.
Of course, you probably already realise that it may become a little boring sometimes to just watch somebody pull vertices around, but I strongly encourage you to follow all the steps shown on the DVD.
The final character look really nice,and is practicly ready for use.ATTENTION!!!!!!!!!(When I say "use" I mean texturing, rigging, animation etc...)THIS IS NOT A TEXTURING,RIGGING,OR ANIMATION TUTORIAL DVD. IT TEACHES YOU HOW TO MODEL A CHARACTER.But this is actually allright because the authors can concentrate on one aspect only and this way they can do their job better.Having multiple aspects of 3D encapsulated in one DVD makes it confusing and harder for the instructors to teach us what we want to know.So basicly, this is the right DVD if you want to know how to model realistic characters.
To cut a long story short, I just want to end this review by saying:BUY IT!!!!! IT'S WORTH BOTH YOUR TIME AND MONEY!!

When I bought this tutorial, I was a beginner with no real experience in organic modeling. The idea of modeling a human head was something I didn't think I would ever be able to do. However, I followed the tutorial, which is a complete guide to modeling an entire human body, and managed to create a self-portrait that even my professor was impressed with.

This DVD is for beginners through advanced modeler looking to improve their skills in modeling the human form.

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!

With very detailed explaination and guidance.
Recommended to the beginner who has basic knowledge of 3ds Max.

1. Model is nothing special, but it's ok.
2. IT'S VERY BORING, he model an eye for 45+ min.
3. Cost to much for something like this (boring...)

So I will give it 3 stars, I want to give it 4 but... 45+ min. for modeling eye etc. I will give it 3 Stars