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Every time I enter the computer room (which my wife calls the dungeon), my wife still says
that I am off to my “fun and games.” I, as always, flatly deny this accusation, saying that it is
serious work that I am involved in. But later, when I emerge with a twinkle in my eye and
excitedly ask her to take a look at my latest rendering, I know that she is right. Working with 3D
graphics is pure “fun and games.”
My goal in writing this book was to take all my fun years of playing and working in 3D and boil
them down into something that’s worthwhile for you, the reader. This goal was compounded by
the fact that all you Max-heads out there are at different levels. Luckily, this book is thick enough
to include a little something for everyone.
The audience level for the book ranges from beginning to intermediate, with a smattering of
advanced topics for the seasoned user. If you’re new to Max, then you’ll want to start at the beginning
and move methodically through the book. If you’re relatively comfortable making your way
around Max, then review the Table of Contents for sections that can enhance your fundamental
base. If you’re a seasoned pro, then you’ll want to watch for coverage of the features new to
Release 2012.
Another goal of this book is to make it a complete reference for Max. To achieve this goal, I’ve gone
into painstaking detail to cover almost every feature in Max, including coverage of every primitive,
material and map type, modifier, and controller.
As this book has come together, I’ve tried to write the type of book that I’d like to read. I’ve tried to
include a variety of scenes that are infused with creativity. It is my hope that these examples will
not only teach you how to use the software but also provide a creative springboard for you in your
own projects. After all, that’s what turns 3D graphics from work into “fun and games.” |
