The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Isaac V. Kerlow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 047136004X | ISBN-13: 978-0471360049 | Publication Date: May 11, 2000 | Edition: 2

The complete state-of-the-art guide to 3-D computer animation and imaging.

Essential for visual effects production, computer games,online interactive multimedia, and more!

Incorporating the latest computer animation techniques and technology, this outstanding guide offers clear step-by-step coverage of the entire process of creating a fully rendered 3-D computer still image or animation from modeling and rendering to animation and compositing.

Designed to work with any computer platform, the book cuts through the technical jargon and features hundreds of inspiring color images and easy-to-understand instructive diagrams many of them new from visual effects in movies, animated films, TV shows, and computer games.

This edition has been fully revised and updated, including new material on the latest character and facial animation techniques and an overview of the digital production process, plus information on subdivision surfaces, image-based rendering, motion capture, and other current techniques. Whether you are a student, an independent artist or creator, or a production company team member, you'll find countless expert tips on how to improve the artistic and technical level of your 3-D computer animation.
* Non-platform specific
* 500 full-color images
* Newest computer techniques
* Practical, step-by-step approach
* Up-to-date guide to Internet resources.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Many computer animation books focus on one specific program, and if any historical information is referenced, it is merely to put the program into perspective. While this approach is useful for artists who need to learn more about an application, it creates tunnel vision for anyone new to the field who is trying to get oriented. The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging escapes this trap by deftly illuminating the history of computer graphics and animation. It brings the reader up to speed on current trends both in practice and in research.

Lavishly illustrated, this second edition includes color images from such recent films as Blue Sky Studio's Oscar-winning short, Bunny, and from Pixar's short, Geri's Game. The rendering techniques used in Bunny and the animated cloth techniques used in Geri's Game are discussed, as are topics like advanced modeling, lighting, and shading and surface characteristics. Advanced animation concepts such as motion dynamics, procedural animation, crowd animation, and interactive animation are covered in chapter 12.

Software- and hardware-specific issues don't come up much, but they are mentioned since the tools that are available offer specific features that affect the look of the rendered image. For the most part, though, techniques are discussed in general terms. The burden of specific application falls on the reader.

Ideal for both the new and advanced user, this book is thorough and enjoyable to read. Full of ideas and free of platform or software bias, you'll want to read it while sitting in a comfortable chair rather than at a desk or in front of a monitor. --Mike Caputo

Review

"The operative word for this book is art. The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging is one of the most gorgeous publications to be wrapped inside book covers, thanks to the copious, full-color examples of magnificent 3-D graphics. The author, Isaac Victor Kerlow, Director of Digital Talent/New Technology at The Walt Disney Company, packed this book with the experience of a lifetime and chose breathtaking examples to illustrate his text. . . this book is an immensely valuable addition to the libraries of all 3-D artists. The wealth of useful information provided by the figure captions will augment even the most experienced animator's bag of tricks." (Susan Glinert)

From EFX Art & Design magazine "For fundamental understanding of a huge concept like 3D animation, you couldn't find a better reference book than this one!"

"This is a lavishly illustrated book, as well as looking back, discusses current animation techniques with illustrations from the best animated films and CG sequences yet committed to film. This second edition is handled with the skilled touch of an expert, so prepare to learn more than you might expect from a text."(Computer Arts, March 2001)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (May 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 047136004X
• ISBN-13: 978-0471360049
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #473,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Isaac Kerlow is creator that pioneered the use of visual digital technology.

Isaac started his career as an artist in New York City, and freelanced as animator and designer for the early videogame industry. In the late 1990s he was in charge of the art production group at Disney Interactive, and later led the integration of digital technology throughout the art production pipeline at The Walt Disney Company.

Isaac is the author of several books, including the successful "The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects," now in its 4th edition and translated to Mandarin, Russian, Japanese and Korean.

Isaac has been involved with education on-and-off, starting in the 1980s the first BFA/MFA Computer Animation program in the USA at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and in 2006 the first professional art/animation/film school in Singapore, at the Nanyang Technological University. Isaac is chairing the SIGGRAPH 2010 Computer Animation Festival/Electronic Theater.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books to get if you are in the field of CG, November 8, 2000

By 

Andrew Dayton (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

Mr. Kerlow has written an excellent fundamentals book that hits the target for beginners who are trying to get a grasp of the scope of CG and a great reference book for veterans as well. The book takes the big picture view of the field and gives great examples of technique and theory as well as the down and dirty uses in the field. If you are starting out in CG, a seasoned veteran or just curious about the field of digital animation this is the first book to purchase.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wowser, July 17, 2003

By 

"jendabom" (Salt Lake City, Utah United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

This is a Book that will teach you 3d, From origin to cool timelines. basic concepts and goes advanced from there HOWEVER there is a new version coming out. the 3rd edition will be out later this year. Maybe you want to wait for that one since it will be completley updated :) It is Teaching me much, as other's Have said it is not a tutorial book. But I personally think if you want to actually Learn 3d animation you have to know the Concepts not just How to Follow Directions. Also A little Side note learn how to draw if you don't yet. If this is your dream arm yourself with every aspect of it. Traditional and 3d. It Can't possible hurt to know as much as you Can. Good Luck.

Jennifer

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a tutorial book, June 2, 2001

By 

Luciano Werhli (Porto Alegre, Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of 3-D : Computer Animation and Imaging, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

If you are expecting an tutorial book for a day by day work, this book is not for you.
But if you are expecting an overview of techniques developed troughout the time, with a more theoretical approach, this book is your book.