18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Misleading title. Even more misleading content., January 29, 2008
This review is from: Edgeloop Character Modeling For 3D Professionals Only (Paperback)
First off, labeling this book "for 3D professionals" is almost insulting to those who actually do CG on a daily basis. This book is clearly just a primer and nothing more. There are no advanced techniques or anything you can take back with you in the professional arena, especially if your models are targeted for animation. If you're looking for an advanced resource, look elsewhere. Maybe a good training DVD.
Second, saying that this book is about edge loop modeling is nearly as misleading as saying that a clothing catalog is about the fashion industry. Sure, the book discusses the concept of an edge loop, but the author clearly tosses the knowledge aside when it comes to actual practice. The model is clean looking, but not at all professionally constructed. Again, the idea of actual edge loops, such as those usually found around the key joints, is nearly a foreign concept here.
The book does NOT give you a strong enough foundation because there is no practical application of actual edge loops philosophy that would be required in a production ready model. If you've ever seen the work of Bay Raitt, Steven Stahlberg, Liam Kemp, or even 95% of game artists, you'll notice how misguided and underwhelming this book's content really is.
Simply put, the concept of proper topology with an eye to deformation (animation), detailing/sculpting, or repurposing is non-existent in this book.
If, like me, you work with CG characters on a daily basis, this book is pretty much a joke. You can find much better information online and on CG industry forums - for free. You can even learn more by simply examining the wireframe screen shots of a good character artist than you can this book.
Again, if you're after "professional" techniques and advice, look elsewhere. The D'Artiste books and the Kurv/Gnomon DVDs spring to mind. They cost a little more than what's being charged here, but you certainly get what you pay for.
Being as objective as possible - putting aside the misleading title and the questionable example model, the book doesn't even stand up as a good character tutorial. It's very basic, full of gaps, and limited in scope.
If you can get this book for a used price... Maybe. You'll have to go to the next level all on your own though. There's nothing professional about this book. Its too amateurish.
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11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Had higher expectations, December 19, 2006
This review is from: Edgeloop Character Modeling For 3D Professionals Only (Paperback)
When I got the book in the mail I was very happy at first, the book is beautifully designed and absolutely gorgeous. I bought this book based on the assumption set forth in the title--edge loop modeling. In the back of my mind I thought the title seemed akin to marketing hype (like in weight loss drug advertisements, where the intended product is for users who ONLY want to loose 20-30lbs), and in retrospect that is indeed what it is. The book is good reference for anatomy, the illustrations are great, the modeling instructions set forth are sound etc, but not what I wanted. I wanted a book that would show diagrams showcasing where to put the edge loops, the value of putting the edge loops in that particular location, and a reference guide showcasing in black and white with outlines where the major edge loop lines should be placed. I would have also settled for some edge loop theory, for a book which title purports "for professionals only", you would think it would be more theory, and less "follow along with me". This book avoids that dilemma by applying smoothes, in which case edge flow is obviously not as important.
A problem I have with this book, is if you use a Mac or Linux, you cannot use the CD less you have a windows machine sitting somewhere, Why an author would alienate it's users like this I do not know. Another disappointing thing is the images used throughout the demonstrations (simple line drawings) are not made available on the CD--though several beautiful reference images are made available on the CD it's not a total loss!
If you want to get started on Character Modeling and really learn a decent amount about edge flow then check out Game Character modeling for Maya or Alias's Hyper Real modeling DVD. If your wanting a quick and easy method to knocking out a character, complete with texturing and rigs, then check out Maya 8 Character modeling with Maya--though I do not advise the method it uses for modeling, the other parts are very well done and overall complete.
If you are new to 3d or a certain package this book is easy to apply to your toolset, whether you use modo or maya. The book is not a total loss, it just fails to live up to the title.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Great buy and helped in character development and rigging., September 24, 2011
This review is from: Edgeloop Character Modeling For 3D Professionals Only (Paperback)
The book was a great help on modeling characters. It was well written and easy to understand. the seller was prompt and the book was good condition. The CD had helpful tutors and example files, that went along with each chapter of the book. If you are a professional or studying animation and working with 3D Max or Maya this is a book that will help you.
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