The Best of 3D Graphics (Graphic Design) [Hardcover]

Epic Software Group (Author)

Book Description

Series: Graphic Design | Publication Date: March 1, 2003

Advanced, affordable technology has brought 3D graphics to the masses. Eye-popping images jump out at us from film screens and video games, advertisements and books. These images inspire innovative graphic designers to create ever bolder and more spectacular visions. While most books on 3D graphics function as how-to manuals, this full-colour portfolio allows the art to speak for itself. The Best of 3D Graphics presents more than 250 cutting-edge images designed by masters of the craft from around the world. Full-page images help artists focus in and study the winning 3D techniques that grab today's audiences. Informative text reveals details about the artists and the software programs involved in each creation. At the back of the book, images are deconstructed to show how they were formed. Whether showcasing a cartoon character in a children's movie or a landscape in a book, a "virtual person" in a multimedia presentation or a Hollywood special effect, this in-your-face sourcebook will inspire both beginners and seasoned 3D artists alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The Epic Software Group is an 11-year-old multimedia development company. The team of artists, animators and programmers are very active in the 3D graphics community and have authored or contributed to several design books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564969541
• ISBN-13: 978-1564969545
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,149,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Idea, Wish i had thought of it . . ., April 10, 2003

By 

The Illustrious One (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best of 3D Graphics (Graphic Design) (Hardcover)

Someone has printed one of those on-line 3D galleries :-} I love 3D; it is most definitely my favorite genre of art and only about 25 years old. You can really see that the talent of the artist is by far the most important trait by looking at the work of different 3D artists using the same software. Usually most of that credit is attributed to what software or hardware was used. It was interesting to see such good quality work was created with software other than the usual four programs {Maya, LightWave, XSI, 3dsMax}. It was also very nice to have a CD with more content; I can never get enough of that 3D imagery. What a great ice breaker for the office! What a wonderful way to break away from that cartoon/animation mold that 3D often gets thrown into and show the versatility of 3D in a print medium. I liked that there was a list of contributing artists with contact information. I very much prefer hard covers.

A few suggestions for the next book. It would look nicer with glossy pages. The images on the CD are way too small. Some of the pages are of a color not very complementary to the art contained on them. A couple of 3D videos on the CD would be nice. Maybe a video interview or two with the 3D artists. There should be plenty of room on the CD for this extra content, and even more room on a DVD.

Perhaps the publishers could include the option for people to buy poster size prints with a large portion of the royalty going to the artist :-}

I would also like to have seen a page dedicated to the talent and toil of the artist. A good 3D artist has to learn very complex software with menus and concepts 1000 times more complex then any spreadsheet. They must have knowledge of traditional film techniques, of camera and lighting. A good art education helps tremendously with color, composition and theoretical concepts. But most importantly there has to be the raw talent and of course a large investment in expensive hardware, software. Then there is the time invested, years of school and then years of sitting in front of a computer. After developing this talent, some of these images took days, weeks, or even months to create.

Often this talented 3D artist is paid less than a plumber, or in many cases is not paid at all for the work they produce. I think a statement like the one in the paragraph above would do nicely to promote the appreciation for what I believe to be the most gorgeous art on the planet.

People looking at this 3D art may come to realize its true value. I believe this book may eventually contribute to that cause. Hopefully future artists will be justly honored and compensated for their work. The art & video industries are unique as people do not associate the horrors of third world sweatshop labor to the compensation offered for work of this caliber that is produced by these tremendously talented artists.

Buy the book, contact one of these artists in it and ask them to produce some 3D for you !

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Graphics!, March 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Best of 3D Graphics (Graphic Design) (Hardcover)

I just got this book and was amazed at the wonderful digital graphics that were in it.
I noticed that many pictures were made with programs that were reasonably priced and within the reach of most people, thus inspiring even the most amateur digital artist to be able to eventually achieve great works of 3d art!
It was definetly inspiring and I recommend it to all of those who wish to be in the 3d graphic realm.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous and Inspiring!, March 27, 2003

By 

Kort "Art, Music, Book & Movie Enthusiast" (Boca Raton, FL, United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best of 3D Graphics (Graphic Design) (Hardcover)

Wow, what a great book. I just got my copy in the mail yesterday and I can't stop picking it up to browse through the pages. The artwork and presentation are truly first class.

In a time and society saturated with computer graphics, this book is truly a gem. It showcases the best of what the 3D world has to offer from talented artisits around the globe. These are not simple 3D renderings anyone can do with an out-of-the-box 3D modeller, they are true works of art. The people at Rockport Publishers have also done a superb job of printing with quality inks on the finest paper. The images jump out at you with their vibrancy and detail.

My favorite feature is in the back of the book where some of the artists walk you throught the process of creating their images. Working with 3D, this will be an invaluable tool and inspiration.

In summary, if you have an interest in well-done 3D graphics or just want a really cool coffee table book, The Best of 3D Graphics is sure to please!