Texturing: Concepts and Techniques is about the aesthetics and design issues of creating and using interesting textures for digital 3D animation. This beautifully illustrated, full color book teaches artists how to create stunning and convincing textures using the popular 3ds max TM , Maya ฎ , and LightWave 3D ฎ programs. It describes the theory behind many aspects of the software, to give artists a deeper understanding of the technology, and its past, present, and future. It helps readers understand the limitations that 3D animation places on creating quality imagery, and details the artistic techniques behind creating convincing textures, not just realistic or photorealistic ones.

    The tutorials and techniques included throughout the book don't just show users how to recreate a texture, but take them deep into the tools of the programs to help them really understand how and why they work. After working through the tutorials, users will be able to take their skills to the next level and create their own stunning textures!

      Key Features

- Uses 3ds max, Maya, and LightWave 3D as the primary tools
   throughout the book
- Includes a variety of hands-on tutorials to teach practical
   concepts and techniques and illustrates the differences in
   the software being used
- Covers the aesthetics of images from an art history
   perspective and includes a wide variety of classic art to
   illustrate painting
- Details the differences between 3ds max, Maya, and
   LightWave 3D, and helps users get up to speed quickly when
   switching programs
- Provides in-depth coverage of the concepts and software
   needed to create textures
- Explains the essential information and tools needed to
   improve your skills
- Exposes readers to broader issues of creating "convincing" 
   visual environments
- Includes a companion CD-ROM with all of the files necessary
   to complete the tutorials in the book

1. Visual Communication, Good Design, and Aesthetics
2. Realism, Photorealism, and when being convincing is best
3. Technical Issues: The Digital Environment and Delivery Media
4. Materials: Technology and Use
5. Shaders
6. Material Creation Interfaces
7. Image Maps and Procedural Maps
8. Pulling It Together: Initial Tutorial
9. Light and Surfaces
10. Complex Materials

etc.

Author Descriptions

Dennis Summers (Royal Oak, MI) holds a BFA in Painting and a BA in Chemistry from Michigan State University, and an MFA in Non-Traditional Media from Ohio State University. He currently teaches in the Animation and Digital Media Department at Schoolcraft College. He is also a freelance animator, producing television commercials, technical animations, photo-realistic images for the auto industry and more.