<P>A unique, in-depth approach to creating realistic characters in Maya...
Related tags: modeling [+], Maya [+], with [+], and [+], 8 [+], Systems [+], Recognition [+], LightWave [+], Guide [+], Animation [+], A [+], 3D [+], Introducing [+], Creation [+], Cartoon [+], Blender [+]

Quality rigging and animation preparation is vital for creating characters that can truly act and make an audience believe they are live, emotive beings. LightWave 3D [8] Cartoon Character Creation - Volume 2: Rigging & Animation includes both general theory and comprehensive tutorials for every aspect of rigging and animating 3D characters. Learn how, why, and when to use the most efficient techniques so you can have fun animating your own fantastic 3D characters.

LightWave 3D is one of the most popular 3D packages on the market today, offering the most complete set of tools, the best-looking and fastest out-of-the-box renderer, and one of the most powerful IK engines available. Professional director and animator Timothy Albee updates the best-selling LightWave 3D 7 Character Animation with discussions of advanced animation tools, facial animation, and IK Booster. In addition, he details how to use LightWave to build strong, dependable character setups; provides proven, hands-on tools for mastering the complex mechanics of animation; and covers the importance of storytelling and acting through animation.
From the Back Cover
"Much of pattern recognition theory and practice, including methods such as Support Vector Machines, has emerged in an attempt to solve the character recognition problem. This book is written by very well-known academics who have worked in the field for many years and have made significant and lasting contributions. The book will no doubt be of value to students and practitioners."
-Sargur N. Srihari, SUNY Distinguished Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Director, Center of Excellence for Document Analysis and Recognition (CEDAR), University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
"The disciplines of optical character recognition and document image analysis have a history of more than forty years. In the last decade, the importance and popularity of these areas have grown enormously. Surprisingly, however, the field is not well covered by any textbook. This book has been written by prominent leaders in the field. It includes all important topics in optical character recognition and document analysis, and is written in a very coherent and comprehensive style. This book satisfies an urgent need. It is a volume the community has been awaiting for a long time, and I can enthusiastically recommend it to everybody working in the area."
-Horst Bunke, Professor, Institute of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics (IAM), University of Bern, Switzerland
In Character Recognition Systems, the authors provide practitioners Read more...

Book Summary:
This Maya modeling book is unique in its approach to modeling a high-resolution character model. Where other books take a grueling approach that often leaves readers confused, Maya 8 Character Modeling breaks down the character into an easy-to-follow formula. Readers learn that modeling a character can be accomplished without the fear of being in over their heads. In addition, the author takes a light-hearted approach to the subject matter, making the learning process easier to digest. This allows the reader to look at the modeling process as an enjoyable undertaking as opposed to dealing with the steep learning curve of other modeling books.
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Create believable CG character models with this unique book and DVD package. The stunning color images show just what you can achieve, and the detailed step-by-step tutorials show exactly how to achieve them.
Every technique and tip is backed up with practical tutorials, using the models, textures and video on the companion DVD to offer a crash course to this vital skill. Jason Patnode takes you from low to high-resolution modeling - helping you span the gap between game and film industry skills. Based on Maya 2008 and ZBrush 3.0.
Youll learn: Pipeline and modeling guidelines Overview of Maya Introduction to ZBrush modeling Concept art Anatomy Creating a video game character Creating a hyper-real character Creating a photo-real character UVs and texturing How to create a demo reel
* Master professional techniques and workflow processes with clear, easy to follow tutorials
* Companion DVD contains video tutorials, plug-ins, models and texture maps as well as high quality art from participating artists
* Interviews with professionals connect the concepts to real world workflow and applications
http://www.filefactory.com/file/d3d863/
http://rapidshare.com/files/91273149/FPressCharacterModelingMayaZBrushJan2008.rar
Publisher: Focal Press; Pap/Dvdr edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0240520343
Paperback: 408 pages
Data: January 14, 2008
Format: PDF
Description: Create believable CG character models with this unique book and DVD package. The stunning color images show just what you can achieve, and the detailed step-by-step tutorials show exactly how to achieve them.
Every technique and tip is backed up with practical tutorials, using the models, textures and video on the companion DVD to offer a crash course to this vital skill. Jason Patnode takes you from low to high-resolution modeling - helping you span the gap between game and film industry skills. Based on Maya 2008 and ZBrush 3.0.
Publisher: Sybex; Pap/DVD edition
Language: English
ISBN: 0470102608
Paperback: 496 pages
Data: February 27, 2007
Format: PDF
Description: Let this in-depth professional book be your guide to Blender, the powerful open-source 3D modeling and animation software that will bring your ideas to life. Using clear step-by-step instruction and pages of real-world examples, expert animator Tony Mullen walks you through the complexities of modeling and animating, with a special focus on characters. From Blender basics to creating facial expressions and emotion to rendering, you’ll jump right into the process and learn valuable techniques that will transform your movies.

Create believable CG character models with this unique book and DVD package. The stunning color images show just what you can achieve, and the detailed step-by-step tutorials show exactly how to achieve them.
Every technique and tip is backed up with practical tutorials, using the models, textures and video on the companion DVD to offer a crash course to this vital skill. Jason Patnode takes you from low to high-resolution modeling - helping you span the gap between game and film industry skills. Based on Maya 2008 and ZBrush 3.0.
Youll learn: Pipeline and modeling guidelines Overview of Maya Introduction to ZBrush modeling Concept art Anatomy Creating a video game character Creating a hyper-real character Creating a photo-real character UVs and texturing How to create a demo reel
* Master professional techniques and workflow processes with clear, easy to follow tutorials
* Companion DVD contains video tutorials, plug-ins, models and texture maps as well as high quality art from participating artists
* Interviews with professionals connect the concepts to real world workflow and applications
http://www.filefactory.com/file/d3d863/
http://rapidshare.com/files/91273149/FPressCharacterModelingMayaZBrushJan2008.rar