The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects [Paperback]

Isaac Kerlow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470084901 | ISBN-13: 978-0470084908 | Publication Date: April 13, 2009 | Edition: 4th Revised & enlarged

Master the art of computer animation and visual effects production with the latest edition of this cutting-edge guide

This remarkable edition of The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects offers clear, step-by-step guidelines for the entire process of creating a fully rendered 3D computer animation. With up-to-date coverage of the latest computer animation styles and techniques, this versatile guide provides insightful information for creating animations and visual effects—from creative development and preproduction to finished animation.

Designed to work with any computer platform, this Fourth Edition cuts through technical jargon and presents numerous easy-to-understand instructivediagrams. Full-color examples are presented—including VFX and animated feature movies, games, and TV commercials—by such leading companies as Blue Sky, Blur, BUF, Disney, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts, Framestore, ILM, Imagi, Microsoft, Mac Guff, The Mill, Menfond, Pixar, Polygon, Rhythm & Hues, Sony Imageworks, Tippett, Ubisoft, and Weta, and many other studios and groundbreaking independent artists from around the world.

This fully revised edition features new material on the latest visual effects techniques, a useful update of the traditional principles of animation, practical information on creative development, multiple production pipeline ideas for shorts and visual effects, plus updated information on current production trends and techniques in animation, rendering, modeling, rigging, and compositing.

Whether you are a student, an independent artist or creator, or a production company team member, The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects, Fourth Edition gives you a broad palette of tips and techniques for bringing your visions to life through 3D computer animation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ISAAC KERLOW is a director and animation expert with over ten years of production and executive experience at The Walt Disney Company in Los Angeles, California. He is the Founding Dean of the first professional film and animation school in Singapore at the Nanyang Technological University, and a longtime active member of SIGGRAPH and the Visual Effects Society.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 4th Revised & enlarged edition (April 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470084901
• ISBN-13: 978-0470084908
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #7 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > 3D Graphics
  • #33 in Books > Computers & Technology > Digital Photography & Video > Video Production

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

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In depth course to 3D animation and its industry, March 10, 2010

By 

Parka (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects (Paperback)

Length:: 0:23 Mins

For anyone's who getting into 3D animation and wants to learn about the industry, this is the book for you. It's a introductory course to 3D animation, aiming at provide readers with a general overview of the ever evolving industry, as well as getting close to the action showing the actual processes involved in making in. This is the fourth edition published in 2009.

In essence, this is a textbook with the objective to inspire and inform. It does so with many examples from the real world, and if you're interested in animation, you would have probably seen many of the movies or clips these examples are based on. The book goes on to explain what goes on behind that made these films possible, the people involved, what they do (jobs), what type of software they use and the different stages of development.

This isn't a tutorial style book or a software manual. For example in 3D modeling, it introduces techniques like modeling with curves, polygon, extrusion, etc, but it doesn't actually go telling you where to click and where to find commands from menus. This book isn't tied to any particular software package. The concepts are pretty foundational and universal stuff, which can be applied easily to different areas, like software.

You won't be able to create your own animation instantly after reading this book, but you'll what it takes to create one and where to hone your technical skills.

This book is recommended for students and anyone who wants an in depth introductory course into understanding 3D animation and its industry.

The list of contents:
1. Animation, Visual Effects, and Technology in Context
2. Creative Development and the Digital Process
3. Modeling Concepts
4. Modeling Techniques
5. Advanced Modeling and Rigging Techniques
6. Rendering Concepts
7. The Camera
8. Lighting
9. Shading and Surface Characteristics
10. Principles of Animation
11. Computer Animation Techniques
12. Advanced Computer Animation Techniques
13. Visual Effects Techniques
14. Retouching, Compositing and Color Grading
15. Image Resolution and Output

5.0 out of 5 stars an informative text, September 16, 2011

By 

Christopher M. Franqui "Naval book worm" (UpState NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects (Paperback)

I bought this book for my animation class and I have found it to be very interesting and informative. It is not hard to read for types who may not like reading. It goes from the history of animation and the history of the computer as it relates to computer use in animation and visual effects, to the different methods of animation. It uses references from many films and video games we are all familiar with. A good book for anyone interested in animation or visual effects.

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Fascinating, September 7, 2009

By 

D. P. Williams - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects (Paperback)

This book is absolutely fascinating and chucked full of great pictures. It is not only great for the 3D artist but anybody that is interested in the world of CGI.