Synopses & Reviews
Professional modeling is the foundation of every aspect of the 3D production pipeline and is essential to the success of any 3D computer graphics project.
[digital] Modeling is unlike any other modeling book you’ve seen—it gets to the core of what it takes to create efficient production-ready models and demystifies the process of producing realistic and jaw-dropping graphics. Taking a software-neutral approach, it teaches you the essential skills and concepts that you can apply to modeling in any industry 3D software, such as 3ds Max, LightWave 3D, Maya, Modo, Silo, XSI, ZBrush and other leading programs. Modelers, animators, texture artists, and technical directors can all benefit from the valuable information covered in this jam-packed guide containing years of industry knowledge. Simply put, if you work in 3D, you must have this book.
In this inspiring and informative guide to modeling, industry veteran William Vaughan teaches you how to:
- Master modeling techniques to produce professional results in any 3D application
- Use the tools of a professional digital modeler
- Control your models polygon-count as well as polygon-flow
- Create both organic and hard surface models
- Understand a modeler’s role in a production environment
- Gain the knowledge to land a job in the industry as a digital modeler
- Model using specific tools such as LightWave and 3ds Max in over 6 hours of video training on the accompanying DVD
Review
“William has trained hundreds of artists working in the industry and has influenced the way I approach modeling. This book is a must read for anyone interested in creating digital models.” —Ron Thornton, award-winning VFX supervisor and recognized industry pioneer
Review
This is the book I wish I had when I was learning to model. It’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide on what it takes to work as a 3D artist. I can’t recommend it enough! Digital Modeling deserves a place on the desk of every serious 3D artist.
As an artist and educator, I have a short list of trade books that I recommend whenever the opportunity arises. Digital Modeling by William Vaughan is at the top of that list. It is without question the finest expose on the art 3D modeling that has ever been written.
Hundreds of students have benefitted from William Vaughan’s one-on-one instruction. Now you can have that opportunity too. Digital Modeling is like having William as a personal mentor. His enthusiasm for the art of
modeling and passion for developing new artists shines through on every page. The book is filled with sage advice, time-saving tips, and practical lessons learned through years of industry experience. I highly recommend this amazing book to students, schools and even industry professionals looking to advance their skill and understanding of 3D modeling. --Steve Warner, Executive Director, The Digital Animation and Visual Effects School
“William has trained hundreds of artists working in the industry and has influenced the way I approach modeling. This book is a must read for anyone interested in creating digital models.” —Ron Thornton, award-winning VFX supervisor and recognized industry pioneer
Synopsis
Proper modeling is a foundation of every aspect of the 3D production process. This software-neutral approach to modeling is aimed at newcomers and intermediate-level professionals, and will teach them everything they need to know about 3D modeling, from the basics on up. After covering simple techniques for polygonal and NURBS-based modeling, the book goes into depth on more advanced topics such as digital sculpting (e.g., Zbrush) and the use of bump, displacement, and normal mapping. Readers will learn to create high-quality models for use in production environments, such as a realistic human to demonstrate organic modeling, and a realistic vehicle, as an example of solid surface modeling. They'll also discover the aesthetic side of 3D modeling and how to get realistic and pleasing models from sometimes very technical 3D modeling software. The software-neutral approach teaches the fundamentals and sets the groundwork for it to become an instant classic.
About the Author
Award-winning artist, writer, and director William Vaughan is currently the creative director and co-owner of Applehead Factory Design Studio (www.appleheadfactory.com). He has worked for NewTek as its LightWave Evangelist, training CGI artists throughout the world and authoring more than 300 tutorials and instructional videos. William was Director of Industry Relations and Head of Curriculum at the Digital Animation and Visual Effects School at Universal Studios in Florida. He has been published by every major CGI magazine, contributed to 17 books, has written and directed several award-winning films, and has created digital models for many top studios including Pixar Animation Studios.
Table of Contents
Chapter One Introduction
What Is Digital Modeling?
Chapter Two Understanding a Modeler’s Role
Chapter Three Preparing for Modeling
Chapter Four Fundamentals of a Digital Model
Chapter Five Digital Modeling Methods
Chapter Six Professional Modeling Practices
Chapter Seven Polygonal Modeling
Chapter Eight Subdivision Surface Modeling
Chapter Nine Modeling a Realistic Head
Chapter Ten Modeling a Stylized Character
Chapter Eleven Product Modeling for Print Graphics
Chapter Twelve Digital Sculpting
Chapter Thirteen Game Modeling
Chapter Fourteen 3D Printing of Digital Models
Chapter Fifteen Getting a Job in Digital Modeling
Final Thoughts
Index