Learning Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2008 | Foundation is your shortcut to learning 3ds Max quickly and effectively. You'll get hands-on experience with the key tools and techniques through easy-to-follow, step-by-step project-based lessons, while learning to model, animate, apply materials and render in both the games & design visualization pipelines. By the end of the book you'll have a sense of the entire production process as you work on real-life production examples.<br><br>Whether you're a game artist or a graphic artist, Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2008 has the tools you need to succeed. <br><br>Game Artists will gain in-depth knowledge of the world-class Biped character animation toolset, unparalleled polygon modeling and texturing workflow.<br><br>Design Visualization Specialists such as architects, designers, and graphic artists, will gain the power to visually inform the design process through conceptual exploration, design validation and visual communication.<br><br>Bonus features included on DVD:<br>• Link to a 30-day trial of Autodesk® 3ds Max® software<br>• Bonus short films and new software feature demos<br>• Autodesk 3ds Max hotkeys reference guide<br>• Free models from Turbo Squid worth $160<br>• Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2008<br><br>* An all-access pass to the production and teaching experience of Autodesk's training experts<br><br>* Concept-driven lessons, fully illustrated in color, teach you the essentials of using 3ds Max 2008 so you can master the techniques of animation, modeling, materials, lighting and rendering<br><br>* DVD includes instructor led videos, support files and movies as well as interviews with contributing artists and FREE models from Turbo Squid worth US $160!<br><br>With this official Autodesk training guide, you will also:<br>• Learn about the user interface (UI) and work in 3D space<br>• Learn about animation basics and key frame animation<br>• Character modeling with editable poly<br>• Create rigs with biped<br>• Make morph targets with paint tools<br>• Learn about unwrapping UVs<br>• Learn about motion mixer workflow<br>• Understand & animate cameras<br>• Learn about light types and advanced lighting techniques<br>• Rendering Techniques & Tools (mental ray & Render Effect)