Introducing 3ds Max 2008 breaks down the complexities of 3D modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects. You'll jump right into the 3ds Max pipeline—from preproduction through postproduction—with clear-cut explanations, tutorials, and hands-on projects to build your skills. A special color insert includes real-world examples from talented 3ds Max beginners. From immediately creating your first animation to mastering poly modeling techniques and lighting final renders, you'll get a solid grounding in 3ds Max 2008. Build the knowledge you need for game, film, and TV production. Includes a companion CD.


Video game and feature-film artists have used 3ds Max to create characters and effects in Halo 2, King Kong, Gears of War, and more. Now you can harness this popular animation software with this sophisticated yet easy-to-follow guide.

Introducing 3ds Max 2008 breaks down the complexities of 3D modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects. You'll jump right into the 3ds Max pipeline—from preproduction through postproduction—with clear-cut explanations, tutorials, and hands-on projects to build your skills. A special color insert includes real-world examples from talented 3ds Max beginners. From immediately creating your first animation to mastering poly modeling techniques and lighting final renders, you'll get a solid grounding in 3ds Max 2008.

* Build the knowledge you need for game, film, and TV production
* Master modeling from simple and complex polygon mechanical models to organic character modeling
* Assign texture effects and texture maps using UV
* Create walk cycles and simple character animations with Character Studio
* Explore lighting, rendering, and raytracing concepts
* Discover simple rigid body dynamics and Max's particle systems