CompuServe Thread

3DS Books

15 messages in this thread
#92090From: Doug GlasgowMar 17, 1994 10:29 PM
Hi Greg, Sorry to bother you, but I was informed that you had information on 3DS books. I am a graduate student at Georgia Tech in the College of Architecture, and my Supervisor was asking me to look around and see if I could dig up any information. Thanks for any suggestions. Doug
#92235From: Steven ElliottMar 18, 1994 1:10 PM
Hi Doug, I've heard rumors that Greg is actually doing real work lately and can't vist the forum as often as he used to <G>. Here is a clip from a message by Nik Grant that lists many of the books and where to call for more information: "3D Studio Applied" by Nancy Fulton 310/458-6114 Advanstar 800/598-6008 A book on Frank Lloyd Wright and 3D Studio by Alex Sanchez 505/865-7504 "Inside 3D Studio" by Steven Elliot, Miller, Pyros, et al. New Riders Publishing 800/541-6789 Phil Kreiker has a forthcoming book "Mastering 3D Studio – Volume 1, Advanced Modeling & Rendering". Payne & Drust. Payne Enterprises @ 1-805-259-0821, or The Pyros Partnership 714/833-0334 "AutoCAD 3D Design and Presentation" New Riders. Bousquet, Hester. Several chapters on 3D Studio. "3D Studio Tips and Tricks Series", Delta Graphics, Bousquet and Melenhorst. (3 books: Morphing and Animation, Glass & Reflection, Shaping & Lofting) Pyros Partnership 714/833-0334 "3D Studio Special Effects" New Riders (not yet released) Michele Bosquet was starting to assemble a listing of books on the market for questions such as yours, maybe she'll pop in with a message. Michele? Steven ^ ^
#92435From: Mar 20, 1994 12:41 AM
Doug: We carry all the 3DS books that have been printed. Which ones were you interested in? What level of knowledge? Greg Pyros
#93056From: Doug GlasgowMar 23, 1994 5:34 PM
Greg, My primary search was aimed at finding out what was out there. The group I work with is more advanced and we are interested in the "tricks" and such; however, my supervisor teaches several courses with 3DS and is possibly looking into something to suggest to those taking the course or coursework. We have not been able to find any books locally (Atlanta) to look at before purchasing and so began my quest for what was even existing. Any info you could provide, or a catalogue would be very helpful. Thanks, Doug
#93306From: Nancy Fulton, OpenCADMar 24, 1994 5:53 PM
Hi I saw your message and thought you might be interested in 3DS Applied. The publisher has a big campaign on to get into the hands of instructors for use in classrooms. As you may or may not know: 3DS Applied is a sequence of eleven tutorials which illustrate 3DS used in a variety of applications: Corporate Logos, Mechanical Models, Forensics and Archtectural Animation…These tutorials are staged (going from easier to more complex) are designed for classroom and self training specifically, have tips and tricks incorporated. There are three laboratory chapters: Light, Color and Shadow (how lights, colors and shadows work – i.e. what happens if you mix a red light with a green light — what happens if you shine a red light on a blue object — what exactly ARE ray traced shadows…) Materials Laboratory – creating materials (bump, reflection, opacity, texture maps, transparency, self illumination, etc). Video Post – how to combine animations, composite images, etc. [I tell people that if they aren't using Video Post they may be wasting many hours of rendering time and missing out on some of the best 'tricks' 3DS has to offer.] There are three appendices, the most important of which discusses DXF input in to 3DS. They usually give one free copy to schools considering the book for use as curriculum. Call Crista Zull on (216) 891-3115. Cool. n.
#92865From: Nancy Fulton, OpenCADMar 22, 1994 6:03 PM
Dear Doug: I think you might be really interested in the Fallingwater book. It illustrates the use of 3D Studio in an architectural environment (i.e. recreating the Frank Lloyd Wright house) from start to finish. What, exactly, are you looking for. Documentation for a college course for architects? Documentation for short professional courses? Documentation for use as a reference or short tutorials? Material for lab assignments? All the books have something to offer … N
#93013From: Jacek ArtymiakMar 23, 1994 2:05 PM
Nancy, I am very interested in the Fallingwater book. Would you happen to know who sels it? A non 800 phone number (I'm from the UK) or a fax number would be very helpful indeed. Regards, Jacek Artymiak (Bitmap Studios Ltd)
#93304From: Nancy Fulton, OpenCADMar 24, 1994 5:53 PM
Hi!! I used to work for Datech. If you see Paul Burmester or talk to Alistair Brooke – Pass on my highest regards. And Fallingwater can be purchased by contacting this number: Alex Sanchez 505/865-7504 Be Cool! (and write if you have any other questions). N.
#93057From: Doug GlasgowMar 23, 1994 5:34 PM
Thanks Nancy, It does sound like something we might be interested in. See my reply to Greg Pyros. We are interested in books for 2 reasons, references for beginners and intermediate users in college (graduate and undergraduate) courses, as well as references for the more advanced users. Depending on what is available and the quality, they may be used for course or lab work. Right now, we are using the tutorials that come with the program (they are good) but we are just looking into what is currently out there. Most definately references that stress architectural applications could be used. Thanks, Doug
#93305From: Nancy Fulton, OpenCADMar 24, 1994 5:53 PM
Hi Doug: I hope my book is perfect for you. You were exactly the market I was trying to hit when I wrote it so I'll be bummed if its not. I'm currently using it in a class I teach on 3DS for UCLA. So far its working out well. I do some tutorials and some labs in class, assign others for lab time. You can order the book directly from the publisher by calling (216) 891-3115 – ask for Crista Zull. They have special pricing for multiple copy purchases – and I think you should let her know that you want to examine a copy of the book for use in a class – they may make it really easy for you. As you may or may not know: 3DS Applied is a sequence of eleven tutorials which illustrate 3DS used in a variety of applications: Corporate Logos, Mechanical Models, Forensics and Archtectural Animation…These tutorials are staged (going from easier to more complex) are designed for classroom and self training specifically, have tips and tricks incorporated. There are three laboratory chapters: Light, Color and Shadow (how lights, colors and shadows work – i.e. what happens if you mix a red light with a green light — what happens if you shine a red light on a blue object — what exactly ARE ray traced shadows…) Materials Laboratory – creating materials (bump, reflection, opacity, texture maps, transparency, self illumination, etc). Video Post – how to combine animations, composite images, etc. [I tell people that if they aren't using Video Post they may be wasting many hours of rendering time and missing out on some of the best 'tricks' 3DS has to offer.] Thre are three appendices, the most important of which discusses DXF input in to 3DS. I hope you like the book. Call me if you have any troubles. Cool! N.
#93349From: ALAN IGLESIASMar 24, 1994 11:23 PM
Your book sounds _so_ cool, Nancy! Any chance of gettin' a copy to show to the San Diego 3DS users group? Could be good for a few sales — we've got around 50 people showing up and they are always asking about 3rd party books. I was gonna wait until the NRP stuff came out, but it looks as though there is a hold up of sorts there. The last book reviewed, Mastering 3D Studio by Tom Payne, was pretty much a dead issue. I'd love to show a book that *truly* taught folks to apply 3DS to real-world situations. Sincerely, -Alan Iglesias
#93363From: Nancy Fulton, OpenCADMar 25, 1994 12:40 AM
Dear Alan: OK – I'll call Crista and ask her to ship you one. You have to call her and give her the address. OK? PS. Does your group have a demo tape? I'm teaching classes at UCLA and I'd love to see some 3DS work from you all. My class has entertainment (hollywood types in it) so it <might> turn into business for someone. Cool? n
#93459From: James M. MurphyMar 25, 1994 2:45 PM
PMJI, Hi Nancy, Just thought I'd mention that our (small) dealership has sold 11 copies of you excellent book so far and every single client is extreemly happy with it's content and usefulness. That makes you a 100% Satifaction ratio. Let me know if you've got anything else your working on because I want to be one of the first dealerships to stock it!!! Thanks for the excellent work Nancy! James M. Murphy James Murphy Consulting Green Bay, Wisconsin U.S.A.
#93540From: Nancy Fulton, OpenCADMar 25, 1994 11:35 PM
Dear James, Jeez! I wish I were working on something else. I have some stuff in the wind (for R13 and maybe some 3DS stuff) but nothing resolved yet. But, You certainly make me feel wonderful in the interim. Thanks Dude. N.
#93799From: Doug GlasgowMar 27, 1994 6:14 PM
Thanks for the information. We will call tomorrow and order an evaluation copy. I appreciate your response. Doug