3D Modeling and Surfacing (Exploring 3D Graphics)

Whether you're stepping up from 2-D or just want to delve into the 3-D arena, check out 3D Modeling & Surfacing. This book explores the basics of modeling and surfacing (much more than animation) and introduces you to the features and tools common to 3-D software programs. 3-D terms and techniques are demystified for beginners in a way that is terrific for those new to 3-D graphics.

The book teaches you polygon, MetaNurbs, and other modeling techniques, and it explores modeling tools such as beveling, Boolean operators, lathe, and extrude. You also learn about such surfacing methods as procedural textures and image maps, and about surface attributes like color, bump, and specularity. There are plenty of screen shots and illustrations, plus lots of in-depth discussion of techniques. While the book is disadvantaged by the lack of software-specific instructions (like those found in a manual), you can use the instructions on any program you want. --Kathleen Caster