Magazines/Publications

# 1 24-08-2011 , 07:39 PM

Subscriber
Join Date: May 2011

Posts: 39

Hi all,

After reading the featured interview about Michael McKinley I went out and bought his book; 'Maya Studio Projects - Game Environments & Props' and I'm finding it a HUGE help in expanding my environment creation skills.

I was just wondering if anyone else can recommend other books or publications that help(ed) them in developing their skills? I'd be most interested in something like a regular/monthly publication such as a 3D modelling magazine or a game design magazine (as game design is really my 'angle') but my local Asda (that's Walmart to you guys across the pond!) doesn't have a very good selection on-hand. Sometimes I go to get my regular PC Gamer and they've just decided not to order it in that month!

Here's a couple of props I made today, the brick wall and ivy were made by following tutorials within the book, and the bollard was just a bit of fun before I started working on the next project; an acacia tree (which I'm doing as I write this).

user added image

Thanks for any tips user added image

Martin.

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# 2 24-08-2011 , 07:51 PM

Technical Director
Join Date: Feb 2004

Posts: 2,988

This is a fantastic book: https://ant-online.co.uk/writing/game...t-with-maya-2/

It takes you through concept, modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation of two different characters. Very cool. You can also get Michael's other book, "The Game Artist's Guide to Maya": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078...SIN=0782143768

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

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# 3 24-08-2011 , 07:54 PM

Level 32 pachyderm
Join Date: Dec 2007

Location: England

Posts: 1,859

As far as magazines there are two choices, 3D world and 3D artist.
I prefer 3D world but some would disagree so I'm not going to recommend one over the other. Last time I checked most Asdas sold both...
If you have an iOS device there's a 3D artist app where you can get your first issue for quite cheap if you want to try it.

https://users.ecs.soton.ac.uk/as28g11/

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# 4 24-08-2011 , 08:02 PM

Technical Director
Join Date: Feb 2004

Posts: 2,988

I used to enjoy 3d world, but I've found the tutorials to not really relate to many real-world situations, and were really more of "overviews". The news and such could be found in countless other places on the net for free. I've found the same with 3d artist.

This is a great website: https://www.deathfall.com/forums/

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

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# 5 24-08-2011 , 11:35 PM

Subscriber
Join Date: May 2011

Posts: 39

This is a fantastic book: https://ant-online.co.uk/writing/game...t-with-maya-2/

Originally Posted by NextDesign

THAT looks immense! Definitely getting that one.

Thanks a load for the replies, I'll get me a copy of 3D World and 3D Artist next time I pass a decent magazine stockist and see if either of them suits me user added image

I also found this book about texturing on Amazon (link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/3D-Game-Text...4228792&sr=8-1) does anyone know if it's any good? The reviews are generally favourable but don't portray it as anything amazing. It's the closest I can find to a book all about texturing techniques. If there are any other good books on texturing please let me know!

Thanks again,

Martin.

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# 6 25-08-2011 , 02:28 AM

Technical Director
Join Date: Feb 2004

Posts: 2,988

That book has a good part of it on texturing. There's also this book, which is amazing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Advanced-May...4239255&sr=1-1

It covers pretty much everything from lighting, texturing, shading, mentalray, shader networks, etc.

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

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# 7 25-08-2011 , 10:06 AM

The Nurb Herd
Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: London

Posts: 2,381

hahaha that woman has a real nice smile. That has to be one of the worst front covers. You'd think it would put people off buying the book.

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# 8 25-08-2011 , 10:23 AM

Lead Modeler - Framestore
Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: UK

Posts: 6,287

haha yeah I agree, love the clawed unatural hand as well.

Other books I recommend are Maya character Creation by Chris Maraffi

Zbrush Digital Sculpting - Human Anatomy by Scott Spencer

Zbrush Character Creation by Scott Spencer

and if you are feeling loose with the purse strings try Essence - The Face by ballistic publishing and their Matte Painting books 1 and 2

I have all of the above books and more but these are the best ones by far.

Jay

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