Digital 3D Design: The Use of 3D Applications in Digital Graphic Design (Paperback)

by Simon Danaher (Author) "Just as a traditional fine artist learns to see rather than merely look, so must the 3D artist..." (more)
Key Phrases: Mental Ray, Studio Max, Surface Normal (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Digital 3D Design: The Use of 3D Applications in Digital Graphic Design is a compact and visually loaded introduction to 3-D design. With 3-D graphics and animations popping up all over, in movies, computer games, and retail Web sites, many are looking for an entry into this exciting career. But all of the terms, jargon, and applications can be daunting. Author Simon Danaher, an expert in 3-D computer graphics, lays out an accessible and colorfully illustrated guide to it all. His approach will be especially welcome to those already experienced with 2-D paint or vector applications since there are some common themes.

A better subtitle might have been Beyond Shiny Chrome Balls and Neon Skies, because the book quickly takes readers past those fairly basic fantasy-style images and on to more sophisticated modeling. It begins with a bit of history and a brief profile of the major 3-D applications such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, Poser, and many others. The next 60 pages cover core concepts like modeling, spline patches, NURBS, and raytracing. In later sections, "lessons" cover more concepts in detail, for example, tessellation, keyframe animation, and UV texture mapping. Although these aren't quite step-by-step lessons, there are plenty of screenshots and Danaher clearly outlines what goes into each process. The book finishes by showing different uses of 3-D computer graphics, for example, on the Web (including VRML and Java 3D), in architecture, and in product design. And there's a nice glossary of terms.

This is not a how-to focusing on any specific software, but rather a look at the big picture of 3-D design. Digital 3D Design will be a welcome introduction for those wanting to dip their toes in but not knowing where to begin, or for artists looking to branch out into another dimension. --Angelynn Grant

From Library Journal

Rather than focus on one piece of 3-D creation software, Danaher briefly describes major packages and their strengths. He then devotes the bulk of the book to outlining 3-D concepts, creation, and terminology, concluding with a discussion of 3-D on the web and a showcase of real-world usage. This clear overview provides aspiring 3-D artists with a solid foundation that can then inform work with specific design software. An essential (and affordable) reference for public and academic libraries.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823012964
• ISBN-13: 978-0823012961
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #822,165 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Introduction to 3D Terms and Concepts, October 19, 2001

By	John A Selvia (Dayton, OH United States) - See all my reviews

Digital 3D Design is like a visual dictionary for the 3D design world. Out of all the 3D books I own, this is the one I recommend the most in teaching 3D and animation classes (with Bill Fleming's Photorealistic Toolkit a close second!).

It covers concepts and terms (introductory and advanced) in very clear and concise ways, fully illustrated.

It discusses all the major 3D packages, including Maya, LightWave, Cinema 4DXL, ElectricImage, SoftImage and others, discussing advantages of each.

It covers views, 3D space, lighting, shading, textures, resolution, UV mapping, splines, curves, polygons, points, advanced modeling concepts, raytracing, rendering, radiosity, setting up skeletons, animation, inverse kinematics--everything you'd expect if you were looking for the ideal textbook for a 3D class (I'm using it for my modeling and animation classes).

All this for around less than $30. A book every 3D designer, and instructor, should own! Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive for beginner, January 19, 2004

By	James Preston "Jim Preston" (Santa Clara, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Over the past couple of months I've read a small pile of computer graphics books from the "Inspired" and New Riders [digital] series and others. I would put 3D design in the position of being one of the first practial how-to books a beginner should work with. Each section is clearly laid out, doesn't confuse with too much detail, and helps you gently step into CG. This book will get you oriented and everything after this will just be deeper studies in specific areas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars lush and beautiful, February 11, 2002

By	Bruce Hart (Salem, OR USA) - See all my reviews

A lush, beautiful introduction to the world of 3D. Perfect for newbies and those just wondering what 3D is all about. Plus it includes a Cinema 4D tutorial (building a photo-realistic pool cue).

This book left me wanting more from this publisher and this author.