Synopses & Reviews
Digital 3D Design tackles every aspect of this cutting-edge field, offering clear explanations backed up by brilliant illustrations that bring even the most advanced concepts to life. Begin by exploring the development of 3D graphics, then look at the 3D technology in use today. Take a look at 3D in the real world as you cover the ways in which 3D graphics are used by designers working in advertising, industrial prototyping, art, and entertainment. Bridge the gap between conventional 2D and 3D design as you learn how to think in 3D, cover the rules of perspective, and learn how to simulate 3D with 2D tools. Dive in a comprehensive primer on 3D theory as you cover the process from basic modeling, through surfacing and lighting, to rendering and animation. The Artist's Toolkit offers all the advice you need to buy and configure your 3D workstation and includes discussion of both hardware and software. Wrap up with advanced tips to help you create more effective 3D graphics, plus deconstructed examples that reveal the secrets behind great 3D. The book ends with a fantastic gallery section, showcasing the best in 3D design.
Synopsis
"Digital 3D Design" tackles every aspect of this cutting-edge field, offering clear explanations backed up by brilliant illustrations that bring even the most advanced concepts to life. Take a look at 3D in the real world as you cover the ways in which 3D graphics are used by designers working in advertising, industrial prototyping, art, and entertainment. Bridge the gap between conventional 2D and 3D design as you learn how to think in 3D, cover the rules of perspective, and learn how to simulate 3D with 2D tools. Cover the 3D process from basic modeling, through surfacing and lighting, to rendering and animation. The Artist's Toolkit offers all the advice you need to buy and configure your 3D workstation and includes discussion of both hardware and software. Wrap up with advanced tips to help you create more effective 3D graphics, plus deconstructed examples that reveal the secrets behind great 3D. The book ends with a fantastic gallery section, showcasing the best in 3D design.
Synopsis
"Digital 3D Design" offers comprehensive coverage of digital 3D design for the business, advertising, manufacturing, visualization, and entertainment industries. It acts as a comprehensive introduction for newcomers to the field, explaining the major concepts while avoiding technical jargon or heavy, software-specific information. Instead of focusing specifically on technology, this book goes into the subject from the viewpoint of the professional or student designer. It introduces the hardware and software that 3D designers need to consider, then runs through the fundamentals of working in 3D. An exploration of 3D techniques common to most 3D applications follows, with practical examples and step-by-step tutorials. The book also showcases 3D work by the author and other prominent 3D artists. The emphasis is on the results and the techniques needed to achieve them, rather than on features for features' sake. It also takes a more holistic approach to 3D, covering the whole of the field rather than any one segment.
About the Author
Simon Danaher has been working in the graphics industry for over five years, and his client base includes BBC Worldwide, UK magainzes and publishers, and international clients like Fujitsu and Isuzu. Simon has contributed regular material to leading creative magazines such as Computer Arts, 3D World, and MacUser, and on occasion he teaches application-specific courses in 3D computer graphics. His books include Digital 3D Design (Cassell Illustrated, 0304359904) and 3D Wizardry (Focal Press, 0240519221).
Table of Contents
Part 1. History of 3D 1. 3D Past 2. 3D Present Part 2. 3D in the Real World 3. 3D at Work 4. 3D in the Arts Part 3. 2D to 3D 5. 2D Canvas and 3D Space Part 4. 3D Core Concepts 6. The Nature of 3D 7. Modeling 8. Light and Surface Part 5. Artists Toolkit 9. Essential Tools 10. Software Part 6. 3D Techniques and Design 11. Pro Techniques 12. Design in Action 13. Gallery Reference Glossary Index Acknowledgments