The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging

Kerlow, Isaac Victor

ISBN 10: 047136004X / ISBN 13: 9780471360049

Published by Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John, 2000

About this Item

Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 39045326-20

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Imaging

Publisher: Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John

Publication Date: 2000

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis:

The second edition of this popular reference addresses the newest techniques and latest technology in this rapidly changing field. Comprehensive and non-platform specific, it cuts through technical jargon to offer clear, step-by-step guidance through the entire process of creating a fully rendered 3-D still image or animation. Concepts are illustrated with 500 colour images - many of them new - from films, TV shows, and computer games. The book covers creative and artistic needs of the graphic artist and the computer scientist/programmer. In addition to dozens of new images, each chapter is fully updated and entirely new chapters on the overview of the digital production process and advanced character animation techniques are included. Illustrations represent work by Pixar Animation Studios, Blue Sky Studios, Cyan, Inc., Disney Studios, MCA/Universal, Acclaim Entertainment, Midway Games, Inc., Rhythm & Hues Studios, and many more.

Review:

Many computer animation books focus on one specific program, and if any historical information is referenced, it is merely to put the program into perspective. While this approach is useful for artists who need to learn more about an application, it creates tunnel vision for anyone new to the field who is trying to get oriented. The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Imaging escapes this trap by deftly illuminating the history of computer graphics and animation. It brings the reader up to speed on current trends both in practice and in research.

Lavishly illustrated, this second edition includes colour images from such recent films as Blue Sky Studio's Oscar-winning short, Bunny, and from Pixar's short, Geri's Game. Rendering techniques used in Bunny and the animated cloth techniques used in Geri's Game are discussed, as are topics like advanced modelling, lighting, and shading and surface characteristics. Advanced animation concepts such as motion dynamics, procedural animation, crowd animation, and interactive animation are covered in chapter 12.

Software and hardware-specific issues don't come up much, but they are mentioned, however, since the tools that are available offer specific features that affect the look of the rendered image. For the most part, though, techniques are discussed in general terms. The burden of specific application falls on the reader.

Ideal for both the new and advanced user, this book is thorough and enjoyable to read. Full of ideas and free of platform or software bias, you'll want to read it while sitting in a comfortable chair rather than at a desk or in front of a monitor. --Mike Caputo, Amazon.com