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Inous
05-14-2010, 09:13 PM
Hello all,

I'm pretty new to cgsociety and I'm pretty new to 3d modeling as well. I've been ravaging amazon for 3ds max beginner books with little luck. I've bought about 3 books so far, but found that they really didnt focus much on 3ds max as much as they did creation techniques. Is there any DVD's and or books that anyone can recommend for a beginner that has general knowledge of the interface. At this point I just need a book that can explain tools more in depth, and then provide some tutorials that will guide me through the tools. I guess I just want to use the tools enough to where I know how to use each tool to make certain shapes and designs.

Thanks for the suggestions in advance,

Aaron

PS Sorry if this is a repost, my search function for the forums isnt agreeing with my browser.
Dare-o
05-14-2010, 10:01 PM
Usually all the info you need about learning a 3d package is on the internet, and is free. Google is your friend. :p

http://tutorialoutpost.com/tutorials/3d-studio-max/modeling

Of course, there is ALOT more, you just have to look in the right spots.
scrimski
05-14-2010, 11:31 PM
Don't bother buying books for 3ds Max if you are a beginner. The only book I would recommend for 3ds Max is 'Deconstructing of the Elements' by Pete Draper and it's neither aimed at beginners nor modeling.

Go for Gnomon or CG Academy DVDs, but there's lots of free stuff on the internet. Be sure to read through the tutorial stickies in both Modeling and 3ds Max subforums.
Inous
05-15-2010, 03:01 AM
Thanks for the link, and for the book references! Are the DVD's pricey?
MAXNib
05-15-2010, 06:32 AM
3DSM is such a visual and hands-on learning experience (more so than any other program I have ever used), that I feel for people such as myself, a book on it will hinder your learning. DVDs are on-screen, and such easier to replicate exactly whats shown. The DVDs from CG Academy that I purchased for fundamentals on how to use the interface of the program itself and six DVDs that cover everything from beginning to advanced modeling (tons of hours) are so perfect that I can safely say the price was well worth it. Online tutorials are good references, but without strong understanding of the interface and basics itself, many people end up leaving 3DSM as a hobby and not a potential for earning profits for your talent, I find online tutorials a bad place to begin because it's so hard to find one that tells you exactly what to learn and in one order. CG Academy's DVDs (along with places like Lynda.com) teach you the core tools in order so you don't miss a beat, THEN show you the next steps: modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, cameras, rendering, and so on. With online tutorials, you're not exactly sure what website to go to and what you have to learn next.

If you invested $3500-$4000 for the program, I don't see how DVDs can be pricey? Most likely you pirated it, so why not do the same for the DVDs? :rolleyes:
LandsHeer
05-16-2010, 05:13 PM
I bought the book: "3ds Max Modeling for Games" from Andrew Gahan.

That is a really good book i learned all the important tools and functions of 3ds max

The book practice on many aspects like character modeling, environment, props and vehicles.

Its really a good book for beginners and i started with it and are very happy with it.
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