3Ds Max Illuminated Foundation: A Complete Guide to Getting Started with Discreet's 3D Studio Max

A comprehensive and understandable look at discreet’s massively popular computer animation system, 3ds max Illuminated is a perfect companion for working animators, students, and teachers alike. 3ds max Illuminated: Foundation is the first step in a complete 3D animation curriculum designed by the masters at Mesmer Animation Labs. Scene files used in the book, additional tutorials, and sample course outlines for instructors are all available online at Mesmer.com. Intensive classroom training for professionals is available at the Mesmer facilities in Washington and California, and people from all around the world use the web-based Mesmer eLearning system to learn more about 3d animation. Complete coverage of: • Basic 3d concepts • How to work with files • User interface issues • How to use transformations • Workflow: Modeling, Animating, Rendering • Surfaces and splines • Modifiers and the modifier stack • Low-polygon modeling • The basics of animation • Keyframing and editing animation curves • Creating an animation cycle • How to create and apply materials • Lights and cameras • Rendering and file output • Deformations: Warps, Morphs, and more • Using links to build hierarchies • Forward and Inverse Kinematics • Track View and Schematic View