Demonstrates the computer animation program's interface and navigation and display tools while explaining how to use MAX to model and transform objects, map surfaces, render images, and create full-fledged animations.

Demonstrates the computer animation program's interface and navigation and display tools while explaining how to use MAX to model and transform objects, map surfaces, render images, and create full-fledged animations.

Jumpstart your quest for mastering 3ds max 5 with beginner level techniques that will apply to many aspects of 3d design. The exercises will walk you through steps that introduce and reinforce productive workflow methods for all users. The techniques focus on exciting new tools and features in 3ds max 5. Learn how to work quickly to build optimum scenes with flexible editing capabilities for maximum efficiency. CD-Rom will iclude all the project files needed to work through the book. 3d environment artists, whether for gaming, web content, film and television, or architecture have a responsibility to set the foundation and mood for all other aspects of 3d design. There is a plethora of books on character design and animation while the majority of jobs in the marketplace are for building environments for those few characters to exist in. This book walks you through several scenes that form a basis for learning tools, work methods, and efficient techniques that will make you a more valuable artist in a wide range of job opportunities. More experienced max users can also benefit from the fresh perspective and a focus on amazing new modeling tools, Global Illumination and Radiosity lighting, and animation enhancements included in 3ds max X. The book will include a CD ROM that will have all the project files needed to go with the book. Ted Boardmanis a well known 3ds max trainer, writer, and columnist, and is one of a dozen Authorized Discreet Training Specialists for Multimedia. He specializes in topics that enhance user productivity by teaching problem solving methods that lay the foundations for a deeper understanding of the concepts in the workflow. These methods allow a 3ds max user time for more important artistic decisions under tight deadlines.

* Helps beginning and intermediate users gain the upper hand on the world's bestselling professional 3D graphics software, which is used by an estimated 170,000 animators in film, television, games, and other industries * Covers the essentials, such as the 3ds max interface, navigation, and * display tools, then moves on to modeling, modifiers, mapping surfaces, rendering, using lighting, and creating 3D animations * o Clear explanations, example projects, and lots of illustrations help readers get up to speed fast * o Explores the substantial updates and enhancements to 3ds max * o Author has written more than twenty computer graphics and animation books

What's New In 3Ds Max 5? Should I Upgrade?How Can 3Ds Max 5 Help Me Be More Productive?Author Ted Boardman Answers All Those Questions And More And With His Guidance You'll Understand Not Only The Process But Also The Reasoning Behind It. Following Along With The Exercises And Tutorials In The Book, You'Ll Discover The New Features In Version 5 That Make Max Even More Powerful And Easier To Use. Whether You're A New User Or An Old Pro Looking To Increase Productivity, You'Ll Benefit From The Detailed Explanations And Thorough Exercises On Such Topics As: Production Techniques For Efficient Modeling, Including The New Mesh Tools Workflow In 3Ds Max 5,Fundamental Materials Application And Mapping Coordinates For Convincing Rendered Surfaces,New Radiosity Lighting And Rendering For Adding Depth And Realism To Both Exterior And Interior Scenes,New Animation Techniques And Editing Tools That Enable You More Control And Editing Flexibility,Exciting New Reactor Soft And Rigid Body Dynamics Simulation Techniques That Add Life To Animations,Freeform Modeling For Smooth Curved Surfaces That Can Be Molded Similar To Clay Sculpting