Customer Reviews

Photoshop 5 3D Textures f/x and design: The Premier Resource for Creating 3D Digital Realities by Producing Photorealistic Image Maps

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

 

 

I am a Photoshop user who thought this book would be good for use solely within Photoshop, the truth is that this book is for use in conjunction with a 3D program - if you don't own such a program, then think twice before ordering this title. I am in the process of learning Strata Studio Pro, so eventually I will be able to put this book to some good use. The reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that the ad./title for this book can be a little misleading, it should read: Photoshop 5 3D Textures f/x and design FOR USE WITH A 3D PROGRAM. Having said that, the book is well written, and I learned much from it. The tutorials are easy to follow, the results of which I will only be able to fully appreciate when I have finished learning my 3D program. The book covers creating the different texture maps within Photoshop to be used on your 3D models. Do not hesitate to purchase this book if you own both Photoshop and a 3D program.

If you are looking to add more realism to the look of your 3-D, or to get oriented toward creating realistic 3-D, this book is a good start. If you are already familiar with the Photoshop tool set and want to enhance your knowledge, this book isn't going to help you because there are no tips or tricks that are beyond the basics. What the book demonstrates is how to use standard PS tools to make different kinds of image maps, though not always in the best and/or quickest ways. Some very useful concepts are presented in the book, however -- that is the important thing. If you already know how to implement various maps (diffusion, specular, transparency/opacity, clip, bump, etc.) in a surface material, know a thing or two about mapping coordinates/texture placement, and have used 3-D software for a while, I don't recommend buying this book. The book/author is also seemingly Macintosh and Lightwave-centric, leaving out terminology, or incorrectly stating things about other software and even PC Photoshop conventions.

Nice tips and tricks for someone that dosen't want to go that deep into Photoshop but still be able to produce decent textures for 3D. Being the only book on the subject I have to say it's the best =), but if you are seriuos about Photoshop as a 3D artist (which you should) you'll be better off getting one of those "in depth" Photoshop books. Like that you should be able to figure out what this book has to say by yourself.

I found this book quite educative, and it is a great introduction for newcomers. These are the pros and cons as I see it:

pros: Easy to follow step by step tutorials. Lots of hints and tips. Each chapter has a background and theory section. Great intro on the different mapping techniques, especially why you always should use diffusion. cons: Some of the photoshop files were missing on the CD. The whole book should be in colour. Having the "colour studio" in the middle of the book results in turning pages back and forth. Some of the actions in the 3D application isn't explained. For example how to save a selection in the 3D app, and how to texturize the selection only.

I don't go anywhere without my Photoshop 5 3D Textures F/X and Design Book. Great Techniques, Well written, and well planned out.

Though I haven't finished the book, I am particularly impressed with the down-to-earth writing style of the author. I especially appreciate that he explains the roles the different tools you will be using have in the creative process. I also like the variety of texture creation he explores. He gives the reader the knowledge to create a wide range of texture maps.

Mr. Smith's book is a great way for the intermediate 3D artist, striving for answers on how to put the final touches on his 3D models to make the most out of Photoshop5 in doing so. Congratulations Mr. Smith on producing a tutorial-type book that is truly universal(the first I've seen)...that is completely not software specific along the lines of which 3D application you are using! Great job sir!

I bought this book hoping to learn more about the specifics of making 3D textures. Instead, I was confused and misled. There are glaring errors in this book that, if you didn't know any better, would lead you astray. Take the chapter one tutorial on layers--the file that comes on the cd-rom is the wrong one. There is a replacement on Coriolis' web site, but this too does not match with the book at all. Sort of misses the point--and now I can't return the book! The author writes in a train-of-thought style that is difficult to follow, and his examples are often poorly documented in b&w, when color would have been a better choice (despite what Coriolis says, this book is *not* entirely in full color). There is probably alot of useful info in this book, but because I had to wade through so much poor writing/editing, it was hard to extract. I learned a few unique tips, but not $40+ worth.

For any 3D artist, Photoshop is invaluable. It's great to see a book like this finally come along.

Wether you create 3D imagery for games, film, print or the world wide web, this book belongs on your X-Mas list. By following the wealth of easy to understand tutorials you'll learn how to make your 3D imagery sing with realism. Definitely the best book I've ever seen on the art of texture mapping and surfacing 3D models. Highly recommended!