Introducing 3ds Max teaches the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects to familiarize readers with the program as a whole and encourage them to find what aspects of the production pipeline appeal to them. The expository text is reinforced with excellent tutorials, and the companion website includes tutorial files so readers can learn by completing hands-on projects in the book. The tutorials offer realistic, professional challenges for those new to 3D, and to those coming from another 3D application. Each chapter leads with an introduction to the topic and explains methods, as well why certain methods are used. Each chapter is richly illustrated with workflows and examples to make following the sometimes difficult subject matter much easier and fun. The book evenly covers all aspects a beginner should be familiar with for a solid foundation of 3ds Max, but also caters some sections to Max's strengths, such as game work. For example, extra time is given to low poly modeling techniques and UV texturing for game export. Readers can expect to get a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to the sophisticated software package. Those coming from other 3D software applications will appreciate the book's sophisticated approach.

Randi L. Derakhshani teaches 3D animation at The Art Institute of California and has worked as a digital artist and technical director for games and movie projects with Gizmo Games, RJB Enterprises, and Sony.

Dariush Derakhshani is an award-winning visual effects supervisor, author, and educator. He has worked on movies such as The Fantastic Four and Pan's Labyrinth, the South Park TV series, and numerous commercials and music videos. He teaches 3D animation and is the author of all the Introducing Maya books (Sybex). Dariush and Randi wrote Introducing 3ds Max 2008 and Introducing 3ds Max 9 (Sybex).