Customer Reviews

Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds Max, Second Edition: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a student currently studying Digital Animation and Game Design. I first heard of Pete Draper's book from a fellow classmate who currently owns a first edition copy. Just thumbing through the tutorials my jaw dropped.

Deconstructing the Elements has fast become the keystone to many students personal 3ds Max libraries. (We have even been recommending it to our teachers) The tutorials are laid out fantastically and teach you as much about the concepts as well as `how to.'

Deconstructing the Elements is the best resource for anyone who wants to learn elemental effects and particle systems within 3ds Max. I can't wait for this book...

I have only recently started working with 3ds max, yet i could follow along with every single tutorial in this great book, simply because the book takes you through every single detail of the scene creation process. One of the best 3ds Max books I have come across yet.

Deconstructing the Elements, 2nd edition is basically what you wish every reference book could be. The binding is strong even though it's a soft-cover and the pages are all color matte finish. Almost every step of every walk-through in this text contains an image of what you should be seeing in 3dsMax.

I was personally surprised to see that every technique is grounded in real-world observation. The cigarette smoke tutorial takes a full page to investigate how a real smoke trail acts before attempting to replicate it in 3d. Draper moves quickly but guides you along the way making for a very intuitive yet fast approach.

I believe Pete still has his web-site up and running at Xenomorphic.co.uk

If you're looking to create realistic effects and scenes in 3dsMax, you will not be sorry when you purchase this book.

I'm 3 tutorials in and very impressed so far, especially with the methodology behind the use of materials to simulate phenomena. The included screenshots on the DVD Rom have been very useful when I miss something, and the reference material is outstanding. This is definitely for users with some experience, and is refreshingly lacking in redundant instructions, but should add a level of sophistication to any 3D artist's toolbox.

I just wish I knew they were going to drop $20 off the price before I preordered...

This book is great for creating scenes. It saved me some cash because I could develop the scene myself, instead of buying a scene online.

The one criticism is that it gives very specific tutorials for generating several scenes. But it doesn't have a general discussion of techniques.

very advanced, had to compare my files with his files to make sure my materials were set up right. 1 little mistake and the effect will not work correctly. buy this book though if your looking for a challenge. only did the first two lessons so far and then school got me a little off track, i will finish this and my other training...eventually.

This book is really informative, loads of pictures and real fun. My only problem is the online content is not available...maybe it's just me but I cant find it. Does anyone else know where it is?

I've been using Max for 9 yrs and this book showed me ways of using procedural textures that I would have never thought of. I could get close, but this book takes it those few steps closer to realism that I was looking for.

There are a million expensive plugins out there, and each does only one thing. You can buy each of them, or you can invest in your ability to learn Max's subtleties. This guy has apparently been doing great work since before there was a big plugin market, so buy his book, and you'll save all kinds of money. Plus you'll have a FAR better understanding of the various methods that can be used to perform relatively complex and difficult tasks. It's an exciting read for the right kind of 3D geek. You will probably find yourself thinking "I didn't know you could do THAT with THIS!"

Pete Draper knows his stuff! The tutorials are in color and quite easy to follow, except for the complex materials, but Pete explains what each one does in detail.

The author makes use of the Particles Systems a lot which you will be very good at by the end of the book. I own a bunch of books on Max, and this is by far, hands down, bar none the best book currently available.

Be warned this book does not cover everything in Max(such as Mental Ray), but after you finish this book you will have an arsenal of things you can do.

I recommend this book to beginners and experts alike, both will walk away with a lot of new ideas and knowledge about 3DS Max.