Modeling a Character in 3DS Max

This book is a must have 4 your collection. It emphasizes the basics in concept design (2d sketches) & walks you through character modeling step by step. In my opinion the book does more than get you started it gives you a solid foundation from which 2 build. It includes more than enough screenshots plus the CD contains the MAX files 4 each step.
I highly suggest it!!!

I purchased this book a couple of months ago. Needless 2 say, I am deeply disappointed with Steed's approach. I found his methods of modeling 2 be cumbersome 2 say the least. It seems as if the book has not been updated since the first edition 2 reflect the many changes now available in 3ds Max 6 or 7 (I don't mention 8 because the book was written BEFORE 8).

When I initially dived into the modeling portion I thought everything was fine. Then -- & this is why I rated it so low -- Steed begins 2 divide/turn edges in Part II / Chapter 4 / Step 5, which is titled "Step 5: Add Vertices by Dividing Edges." I suppose this would not have been so bad if Steed had thought 2 include COLOR screen shots on the books CD-ROM, but since he neglected 2 do so it becomes frustrating -- 2 say the least -- 2 use Steed's method of refining one's mesh.

Considering the fact that the CD-ROM is a whopping 19.5MB, it would have been prudent 2 include full color reference images. Let me give you some specifics on why I found this book such a bitter waste of TIME & MONEY:

* Firstly, let me tell you friends -- it is most frustrating 2 try 2 refine one's mesh based on the author's direction when one can hardly see the edges/vertices that are being discussed.

* Secondly, there are easier methods 2 refine a mesh than dividing or turning edges if you have 3ds 5 AT LEAST!

* Thirdly, Steed falls flat on his face when explaining the reason 4 turning edges & which SPECIFIC edges 2 turn. Suffice it 2 say, grayscale pictures in a book DO NOT work!

* Fourthly, if one cannot get the edge dividing/turning method down, then you'll get stuck because the rest of the modeling tutorials are so heavily based on this method. The only reason I was able 2 finish the model is because of my familiarity with 3ds Max, Lightwave, & on a more limited basis, Maya.

* Fifthly, & lastly (I hope), when one is able 2 look at tutorials 4 Lightwave or Maya, as I have done, & model more quickly & effectively in 3ds Max than Steed's method, then the book leaves quite a lot 2 be desired...

I think that's all I will say 4 now, but let me warn you all -- there are far, far better tutorials available online 4 free. Don't waste your money on this book unless you plan on using it as fuel 4 a fire.

I was expected more model of the book but the whole book only teached one model

I got this book 2 years ago when it was hyped as being top notch 4 learning 3D modeling. On the postive side it is easy 2 understand & gives you a good idea of the entire process of making a character rather than just jumping around & trying 2 explain a hundred different unrelated things like other 3D modeling books. The bad part is that the modeling technics are a bit dated & backwards. A person who posted a previous review mentioned that he uses wierd modeling techniques like booleans & splines instead of regular box modeling, & that is the truth. He also wastes A LOT of time turning edges. If you model in quads (4 sided polys) 2 begin with, & then teselate (triangulate) then its all done 4 you automatically. And as mentioned previously not much time was spent on the concepts of uv unwrapping & creating the image map.

I haven't read the second edition yet but the first edition was KICK ASS. Paul Steed takes you through modeling a charater & teaches you all kinds of tricks that hours of reading technical books never taught me. Basically the diference with this book is that it was written by an artist & not some computer nerd with a math degree.

Provides groundbreaking coverage in using 3D Studio Max 4 would-be computer game modelers & animators, as well as professionals already experienced with the software. Also features previously undocumented tips & tricks targeted specifically 4 advanced character creation.