Poly-Modeling with 3ds Max: Thinking Outside of the Box (Paperback)

by Todd Daniele (Author)
Key Phrases: edge constraints, patch topology, modeling types, Editable Poly, Hard-Edge Modeling, Soft-Edge Modeling (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I consider myself a seasoned 3ds Max user, but I have always struggled with poly-modeling organic shapes inside 3ds Max.  Todd Daniele explained several of the "missing links" for me. Without any hesitation I would highly recommend this book to anyone using 3ds Max that wants to immediately improve their modeling techniques." --Jeff Patton, Freelance Digital Artist

"While I personally feel like Todd may be giving a little bit too much away, his new book is the perfect companion for both intermediate and über-advanced modelers.  Whether you're looking for a refresher on the basics or trying to take it to the next level, Todd's book is a must-read!" --Jesse Holmes, Freelance TD & VFX Supervisor

Book Description
Official Autodesk Techniques book on poly-modeling with 3ds Max (200,000+ users). The author is a Max expert on web, TV, and film graphics and shares his secrets with us!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (October 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240810929
• ISBN-13: 978-0240810928
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #67,227 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Poly-modeling!, November 6, 2008

By	N. B. Moore "Dr. Moore" (chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Poly-Modeling with 3ds Max has something for everyone be it a new person using Max or a more seasoned modeler. What I like most about this is the number of interesting and solid modeling exercises Todd presents. He starts off slow allowing you to build basic objects to get the feel for his technique. Please understand, this isn't a typical, out of the technical documentation tutorial. It is a lesson on how to maximize the modeling tools. It is Todd sharing his special insights into the process. I have been using Max for years, but never used some the tools he recommended. When I did, I was delighted and surprised how good the tools were. For tools I knew about, Todd shows you new and effective ways to get the best out of them.

The key projects include making a motorcycle housing. This exercise provides a technical example of modeling. He then moves to a more natural, organic type by having you model an entire lizard. These were fun and effective tutorials. He provides a lot of pictures of each step in full color. The motorcycle was my least favorite because he doesn't complete the entire bike or provide reference materials so you can. The lizard is a different story. He provides reference materials and the tutorial provides enough info for you to complete the entire lizard.

An added bonus, is the tutorials on ZBrush, Mudbox and Polyboost. I have used Mudbox and Polyboost before, but I learned something new when I tried the tutorials. I wanted more on Polyboost. I have never used ZBrush but found it a breeze to learn the basics after following Todd's tutorial. To me, the Zbrush tutorial was the best of these.

This is a very good book about a specific, yet important, skill set. I do have some suggestions on what would make this book better. If Todd added videos on the modeling techniques, it would greatly enhance an already good book. The still pictures are really good, but sometimes seeing someone use the technique in an animated video just helps clarify how it would be done.

I highly recommend this book however. I think anyone will learn something new and improve their modeling skills. Also, there is something here for everyone.