Harnessing 3D Studio Max Release 3

by Michele Bousquet

This is an introduction to the power of 3D Studio MAX software and its applications. Learn the commands and concepts of this popular animation software in a sequence that is easy to understand. 3D... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 076680576X
• ISBN13: 9780766805767
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Cengage Learning
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 3.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Got 3D Max Yesterday - Feelin' Like A Pro Today

Unlike my multimedia professors, this book teaches clearly, in a way that I, the student, can absorb and retain the information! Never having taken any 3D classes, first, I gathered a heavy stack of 3D Max 3 books at the bookstore and plopped down on the floor. I took my time browsing through the first chapter of each book to get an idea of what would happen once home when I crack the tutorials open and test drive them. Would they be difficult or easy to follow? Harnessing wasn't the prettiest book, but it's what's on the inside that counts. I decided to spend my money on Harnessing for a few key reasons. The information before the first tutorial focussed on practicality - jobs in the field. That's what I'm talkin''bout! I don't want to just do this for hobby, but as a student, target my specific area of interest to enter this field to profit. The other deciding factor was the simplistic tutorial approach. Each sentence of instructions tells you where to look for the tool PLUS gives an illustrated icon of the tool you're looking for! A beginner like me can NOT go wrong. The author seems to understand that 3D Max newbies will be anxious to jump in, so the first tutorial allows us to get that out of our systems by doing some basics. Then the tutorials begin to build, and you begin to learn. But the learning isn't so wordy you're looking for the "Next Tutorial - 2 Miles Ahead" sign. It's a nice balance of technical insight and hands-on. I haven't even opened the accomanying CD, yet I am sold on this book. It's harder to put down than a best-selling novel! But I have to put it down because I have homework.If you can't tell, I highly reccomend this book!

I read every page!

As a new user to 3d Studio Max, I had previously purchased 3d Studio Max Workshop and made it half way through the book but lost interest since I found the workshop model that you follow through the entire book to be completely uninspiring for me despite the positive reviews of that book. After a few days of not wanting to open Max on my pc and feeling pretty defeated, I borrowed Harnessing 3d Studio Max 3 from a friend and now don't want to return it. The book must be read from the beginning to the end since the tutorials build from previous chapters. I savored every word and found there was a tutorial every 2-3 pages. I loved the book and now after 800 pages feel like I can move around Max with some confidence and am better able to look for more advanced books that will focus on specifically what I want to accomplish with Max. The book is written as though it's a course book for teaching Max to students. The book's forward says there is a companion workbook you can order through AutoDesk Press that expands on the chapter tutorials. I would definitely would like that. It is definitely a beginners book but if you have been frustrated with Max and are willing to spend some time with a 800 page book I would definitely recommend this book!

Can't do without it!

Being a first time user of 3D Studio I have found this book invaluable in getting started. The book itself is well laid out starting with the basics and evolving slowly into more complex applications of 3D Studio.I highly recommend this book to people who are just starting out with 3D Studio as it is easy to read (no big complex explanations), easy to follow step-by-step directions and comes with a comprehensive add-on CD.A definite must read if you want to learn 3D Studio

Teaching Assistant Supreme

I am a professor of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute, and teach 3D Studio along side a CAD program for product development and visualization. It is impossible in this curriculum to teach 3D Studio in a comprehensive manner. I have been using Harnessing 3d Studio Max to enhance my teaching and allow the interested student to learn beyond the course work. I have found this book to be an excellent self-teaching book, written in an easy to follow language, with appropriate examples and step-by-step construction techniques. A thorough contents page allows you to find previously read sections, making this book a frequent reference. Michelle writes in a human voice, anticipating the many questions of the new user. I have enjoyed the book to further my own understanding of the program and to learn techniques that have previously escaped me. I recommend this text to anyone learning 3D Studio Max on their own.

Michele scores another one!

I've been looking for an informative, yet inexpensive book that can be used in both begining and advanced levels of instruction. This book is an EXCELLENT introductory book that is easy to follow. The tutorials WORK for beginners! I can't say that about many of the other Max books out there. The book also provides my secondary students with an excellent resource for procedures once learned and momentarily forgotten. This wealth of information combined with an affordable price make this book a must have for new Max users! I'll be using it in all the Max classes I teach.