Welcome to the World of 3ds max 6! By learning and using this powerful program you will gain the skills and knowledge required to make your mark in the professional 3-D graphics market. Today the field of 3-D animation represents a new generation of sophisticated computer graphics technology and professional animators.
The collection of tutorials in this course will sweep you into the land of 3D movie making. Whatever you can see with your mind's eye, you can bring to life using 3ds max 6. The student must have a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.
Program Length: 3 Weeks--3 Credits
Modeling
The tutorials in this section will introduce you to modeling in 3ds max.
Modeling in 3D can be likened to sculpting. Many different techniques can be used to create the objects in your scene. The techniques you learn are adaptable to any style of modeling you need to perform. For instance, if you're building models that will be incorporated into a game, you'll be most interested in low polygon modeling techniques. The same techniques will be equally beneficial when building highly detailed models for architectural presentations or motion pictures.
The tutorials in this section are geared for the beginner to intermediate level modeler.
Beyond modeling techniques, each tutorial also exposes you to the Material Editor and shows you how to apply materials to objects in your scene. That familiarity will help when you dive into the Introduction to Materials and Mapping tutorials.
Materials and Mapping
In these tutorials, you'll learn how to use 3ds max for creating materials and maps and applying them to your models and scenes. You'll also learn about some of the new tools in 3ds max for using materials and maps.
Program Length: 3 Weeks--3 Credits
Lighting
The tutorials in this section will introduce you to lighting in 3ds max.
Lights are a fundamental part of 3ds max. They provide realism by casting shadows and indirect light, and help to illuminate or draw attention to different parts of your design. In 3ds max, there are two types of lights: standard and photometric. Standard lights are useful for quick renderings, where accuracy and realism are not required. Photometric lights simulate real-world lights, and when used in conjunction with the radiosity system, provide a much more accurate way to light your scene. The downside of photometric lights is that they require a much greater degree of precision (and completeness) in your models; your rooms must have all four walls and a ceiling, or they will not look right. Scenes with photometric lights (and radiosity) also take much longer to render than standard lights.
The tutorials in this section will introduce you to the basics of lighting with standard and photometric lights. There are also some additional lessons that cover some more advanced concepts.
Animation
Here you can learn the fundamentals of creating animation with 3ds max. Follow these tutorials and you will gain expertise and understanding in how to animate using the program.
Program Length: 3 Weeks--3 Credits
Rendering
In these tutorials, you'll learn how to get started creating rendered output in 3ds max. The first tutorial, Introduction To Rendering, presents a variety of lessons for producing still images and animation, and the second, Rendering With Video Post, shows you how to use the built-in post-processing tools for special effects.
Professional Gaming
In these tutorials, you'll learn how to take advantage of the many features in 3ds max that are useful in the production of computer games and videogames. Topics covered include vertex coloring, level design, modeling low-polygon characters and objects, and texture mapping.
Program Length: 3 Weeks--3 Credits
Film and Broadcast Production
If you work in the film or broadcast industry, you will find tutorials here designed to teach you to do special effects and flying logos. You will learn to use the new Particle Flow system to design sophisticated event driven animations. There are also tutorials here on using camera techniques such as camera mapping, matching and tracking, as well as a tutorial on using scripting for special effects.
Reactor and Flex for Simulation
One of the most powerful tools in 3ds max is its ability to realistically recreate physical environments and materials. The Flex modifier is a quick way to apply realistic rubber or cloth behavior to an object. However, for truly realistic physical simulations, few products are as complete as reactor.
This section introduces you to both the Flex modifier and some of the tools available from reactor.