Introducing 3ds Max 2008

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

Available at Amazon.com.

3ds Max 2008 Bible

Master the complexities of 3ds Max by working through more than 150 short tutorials under the guidance of 3D expert Kelly Murdock. If you're a beginner, a Quick Start chapter shows you how to create an exciting animation your first day using the software. You'll find extensive detail on the latest features, allowing quick ramp-up for veterans of earlier 3ds versions. In addition, the book includes a 16-page, full-color insert with examples of cutting-edge 3ds Max art as well as a DVD with all the examples in the book, models and textures you can customize, a full-color and searchable PDF of the book.

Open this book to any page, and you'll quickly see why the 3ds Max Bible is a perennial favorite of 3ds Max artists. Whether you're a beginner looking for a quick start or an expert exploring the very latest advanced features, it's all here. You'll find pages of professional tips, loads of advice, and more than 150 step-by-step tutorials guaranteed to jump-start your creativity. This is the 3ds Max book you need to succeed.

• Make global changes to multiple objects with Scene Explorer
• Build MAXScripts more quickly with the new MAXScript ProEditor
• Stream and focus light through a window with the Sky Portal
• Create compelling characters using enhanced Biped tools
• Learn to reference, select, clone, group, link, and transform objects
• Discover new keyboard shortcuts for speed modeling

Available at Amazon.com.

Create a Low Polygon Airplane in 3ds Max

This tutorial shows how to create a low polygon airplane in 3ds Max.

Create a Water Bottle in 3ds Max

Note that this tutorial isn't so much to make a water bottle, it is more so to teach you the basics of 3ds max. You can attempt this tutorial with no previous knowledge of 3ds max.

Create the YouTube Logo using 3ds Max

In this tutorial I will be teaching you how to create the YouTube Logo in 3ds max. You can use this in YouTube intros, or whatever else you can think of.

Online Training Leader lynda.com Announces Release of 3ds Max 9 Modeling

lynda.com, the leader in self-paced digital media and design training, today introduced 3ds Max 9 Modeling.

Whether the goal is to create action-packed video games, corporate logos, mechanical assemblies, or elaborate architectural visualizations, 3ds Max 9 Modeling teaches the appropriate methods. Instructor Steve Nelle explains how to model all kinds of objects with the software's vast array of modeling tools. Using hands-on examples, Steve discusses and demonstrates the building process from start to finish. Real-world projects are incorporated throughout the course to highlight key concepts and techniques. Exercise files accompany the tutorials.

"3ds Max 9 is an essential tool for animators, game programmers, and other 3D artists. This new training course from Steve Nelle builds off 3ds Max 9 Essential Training and dives deep into the topic of modeling, which in itself is very complex. With over 13 hours of video content, this course covers theory, practical skills, and techniques for making specific models--there is something for every 3D professional," says Lynda Weinman, CEO of lynda.com.

Anyone with an internet connection can access 3ds Max 9 Modeling by subscribing to lynda.com's Online Training Library®. A separate CD-ROM version of 3ds Max 9 Modeling is planned later this month.

Subscriptions to the lynda.com Online Training Library® start at $25 a month, and provide access to over 22,000 movie tutorials covering more than 320 technology career tools, software applications, and techniques. Subscribers can access any of the computer-based training courses at their convenience. Multi-user subscriptions are also available for companies and institutions seeking to provide education and training to groups.

For free online samples of 3ds Max 9 Modeling and more detailed product information, please visit http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=401

To arrange to view the full training title, please contact megan(@)lynda.com.

For more information on lynda.com products, please visit http://www.lynda.com or call 1-888-335-9632.

About lynda.com
Since 1997, lynda.com has provided education and technical training solutions for designers, computer graphics specialists, digital media users, and computer owners. lynda.com products include web-based training, instructional books, CD- and DVD-based video training, self-paced online learning, and events for creative designers, instructors, students, and hobbyists. lynda.com specializes in teaching fundamental design and graphics principles along with the latest computer software, digital media technologies, and techniques.

About Steve Nelle
Having worked as both a freelance 3D animator and a college instructor since 1995, Steve draws on a vast knowledge of his subject. He also knows how to keep people engaged, and offers an entertaining, upbeat approach to video training. His professional credits include high-profile documentaries, creating visual effects for a syndicated television series, and collaborating on a promotional pilot for a children's cartoon. He has also created television station IDs and commercials, courtroom visualizations, web graphics, and large-scale architectural renderings. He currently lives in southern California with his wife, Deanna. They are partners in a 3D animation and visual effects company, Powerhouse Productions.

Viewports in Autodesk 3ds Max

This video tutorial provides an introductory look at viewports in Autodesk 3ds Max.

Using MeshSmooth and TurboSmooth in 3ds Max 9

Creating amazing pieces of art from the simplest shape really demonstrates the power of 3ds Max 9. Join expert instructor Chad Perkins as he shows you how to use MeshSmooth & TurboSmooth to make amazing shapes in this tutorial from lynda.com.

Particles and Atomospherics in 3ds Max 9

Using complex particle and atmospheric systems gives a real sense of life to your 3d Compositions. Join expert instructor Chad Perkins as he introduces the fundamentals of using these tools inside 3ds Max 9 in this tutorial from lynda.com Online Training Library.

Introducing 3ds Max 9: 3D for Beginners

Introducing 3ds Max 9: 3D for Beginners breaks down the complexities of 3D modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects. You'll jump right into the pipeline—from preproduction to production to 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 tackling poly modeling, rendering, and particles, you'll get a solid grounding in 3ds Max 9.

• 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 textures effects and UV texture mapping
• Create walk cycles and simple character animations with Character Studio
• Explore lighting, rendering, and raytracing concepts
• Render through mental ray and raytracing
• Discover simple rigid body dynamics and Max's particle systems

Available at Amazon.com.

Understanding the 3ds Max 9 User Interface

Using 3ds Max 9 to its fullest potential requires the user to really understand how the interface works and where everything is. Join expert instructor Chad Perkins on a guided tour of the 3ds Max 9 interface in this tutorial from lynda.com Online Training Library.

Making a 3D Logo in 3ds Max 9 with Illustrator Files

Making a real 3D Logo is a great way to draw attention to your brand. Join Adobe Certified Instructor Chad Perkins as he teaches you how to make a high quality 3D Logo using an Adobe Illustrator file in this tutorial from lynda.com.

Hair, fur, and cloth in 3ds Max 9

Adding Hair, fur, or cloth can make your composition look much more realistic in 3ds Max 9. Join expert instructor Chad Perkins as he shows you how to add hair and cloth to objects and turn a perfect circle into a furry circle in this tutorial from lynda.com.

Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds Max, Second Edition: Create natural fire, earth, air and water without plug-ins

Get the most realistic effects from 3ds Max without having to spend more on plug-ins!

Boost your effects skill-set with this 3ds Max workshop. Tutorial lessons give you hands-on experience in creating realistic fire, earth, air and water effects. Updated to demonstrate production techniques suitable for any version of 3ds Max, this new edition is co-published by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, and includes new tutorials on entering the Earth's atmosphere, glaciers, lava eruptions and a Badlands landscape.

Inspirational color images cover every page of the book as the author shares his professional techniques and workflow processes. The companion DVD contains all of the required tutorial media as well as over 6 hours of video tutorials.

Available at Amazon.com.

3ds max 6 Killer Tips

3ds max 6 Killer Tips features 275 hot tips--all illustrated, all in full color, for all levels of 3ds max users, from newbie to advanced. Get instant help on UI customization, modeling, animation, lighting, materials and texturing, rendering (including mental ray 3 secrets), the Reactor dynamics system, Particle Flow, Bones and IK, the Portable License Utility, and more! Learn how to enhance your 3ds max renderings with programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Discreet Combustion! Speed up your workflow and create stunning effects with more than 40 MAXScript tips, created by guest contributor and scripting expert Borislav Petrov. Written and edited by Jon A. Bell, professional 3D artist (The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, National Geographic) and author of the best-selling 3D Studio MAX f/x book series, 3ds max 6 Killer Tips is a must-have reference for every 3ds max 6 artist!

Available at Amazon.com.