From the Author
We at Mesmer Press had a unique conception for this book. We wanted to publish a coherent, easy to understand training manual that stays up to date and doesn’t cost a lot of money. We also wanted to create a helpful, understandable guide to what is undeniably very complex software. I designed the ‘XSI Illuminated’ series for people learning Avid Softimage XSI 2 on their own, at work or in a school setting. A complement to the book, ‘XSI101TeachersAide’ is available to educators and instructors free or charge, and provides lesson plans, chapter overviews, quizzes and more to help teachers make the most of XSI in the classroom.
This updated 2 version of XSI Illuminated: Foundation covers the XSI User Interface, polygonal modeling, subdivision surfaces, NURBS curve editing, the new snapping tools, NURBS modeling tools, deformation, keyframe animation, editing animation timing with the Animation Editor, applying materials and shaders, working with virtual cameras, 3D lighting design, rendering with the mental ray renderer, and much more. XSI Illuminated: Foundation also contains 16 easy to follow tutorials designed to teach core concepts and demonstrate proper workflow. Our plan is to follow this book up with other modules that cover more advanced topics in 3d animation, like Skeleton rigging, enveloping, scripting, shaders, etc.
I think this book proves that computer books just don’t have to be expensive, out of date and hard to read. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Anthony Rossano
January, 2001
About the Author
In 1989 Anthony Rossano deserted his post at Microsoft to found Mesmer, Inc. As a Producer at Mesmer, he combined his love of how the human mind works with his passion for computer technology, and headed up a team that produced interactive media content for Microsoft, Delta Airlines, Sierra Online, Softimage, Edmark, AT&T, REI, and many others. As a Softimage Certified instructor, Anthony taught clients in film, games, defense and entertainment all around the world. Anthony has lately overseen the development of digital books, web based learning, DVDs, e-commerce projects and state grant-funded courseware.
Anthony is the author of 'Inside Softimage 3D', published by New Riders Publications, 'XSI Illuminated: Foundation', and 'XSI Illuminated: Character', published by Mesmer Press, and the DVDs 'Simple Lighting in XSI' and 'Simple Rendering in XSI'. Anthony is also the author of numerous print and web articles. He can be reached in cyberspace at anthor at mesmer dot com.
Shinsaku Arima is a 3D VFX artist and instructor who has been actively working on heavy effects-driven movies such as The Matrix: Revolutions, The Day After Tomorrow, and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. For the past six years he has taught Maya and Softimage at the Academy of Art University, Mesmer Animation Labs, and DeAnza College. He is currently working as FX technical director at the San Francisco-based production house The Orphanage.
