3ds Max is the leading 3D modeling, animation, and rendering solution for artists, schools, and production environments. The unique tutorial approach of this book permits readers to learn essential techniques that every 3D artist needs to create CG environments by recreating the earth's elements of earth, air, fire and water. No extra plug-ins are required to perform the exercises. Draper studies the real world and then simulates it with 3ds Max -a unique approach that reflects classical art training.

"Deconstructing the Elements" allows artists to recreate natural effects using Autodesk® 3ds Max®. This new edition boasts all new tutorials. All editorial content is updated to be current with the current version of 3ds Max. Inspirational images cover every page as the author shares his professional insight, detailing the how and why of each effect, ensuring the reader a complete understanding of all the processes involved.

The companion web site includes all of the tutorials from the previous two editions, only available to purchasers of this 3rd edition - plus all new tutorials of the current edition. It's like getting 3 books in one!

--"This book is the definitive text on 3ds Max effects using Particles and Dynamics....Pete sets the standard." Mark Gerhard, M&E Applications Engineer, Imaginit Technologies, USA.
--Draper is award-winning Max luminary, was nominated this year for an Autodesk Max Master Award 2007 (at SIGGRAPH).
--Official Autodesk Max Techniques book: co-published with Autodesk Media and Entertainment.
--Packed with 4-color illustrations that direct and inspire the reader - the book has received rave reviews both online and in industry magazines; it's also recommended reading for several CG university courses.
--3 books in one - all previous editions are now available to the purchaser of this edition, with the new companion web site that offers all tutorials from the two previous editions, plus 6 hours of video tutorials.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 6 Ratings

Easy to digest - 2009-08-07
Reviewer Rating:
The book is very easy to read, and even those who are relatively new to 3D packages will be able to quickly grasp the underlying concepts behind what the book offers. It covers everything from fire to ice, and does a phenomenal job of explaining each step in the process.

I would definitely recommend this book to both people trying to learn visual effects trickery or to those that have been in the field for a while. The only letdown to me is that the image that's on the cover is unfortunately NOT covered in the book. Otherwise, an excellent reference guide.

Great Book! But the website was a bad idea. - 2009-01-05
Reviewer Rating:
First off the book is great, and Pete Draper comes through again with many great tutorials. This book is full of all new tutorials, that take you from start to finish. If you are familiar with the second edition, then you will want to add this to your 3DSMax Library, as it will increase anyone's knowledge, skills, and ability to create the effects you want. I have read plenty of other books on Max,(lighting, rendering, etc.) but no other book contains straight forward tutorials like these(Deconstructing series). Highly recommend for novices or experienced, everyone can learn from this book.

Pros:Great tutorials, easy to read, pages are in color -makes it nice to see how end result should look.

Cons:Online content -hope they go back to DVD format.

UPDATE: Website is now fixed, and full tutorials are available for downloading.

Also note: Pete personally responded to my post here on Amazon, there are not many authors who would do that, very few indeed. Thanks Pete.

Great techiniques but poor explaining - 2009-09-28
Reviewer Rating:
The modeling, and knowledge of the 3ds max are great, however the author is the most difficult to fallow and confusing teacher of Max I have seen.

Most the time he mumbles stuff you cant follow and he gets lost on tangents that defocus the viewer from the lesson. Lots of explanations of why he hasnt done it the other way, he overwhelms you with pointless chatter.

I wish he'd do a step by step tutorial that you can actually fallow. More than that a lot of his files have already stuff in them he doesnt cover...

Hope his next edition will be better explained.

Good book with immediate results - 2009-08-22
Reviewer Rating:
I didn't get through every tutorial covered in this book but it's easy to see that it covers everything step by step and gives you some really quick and very impressive results. There are also tips on how to create some alterations to the effects and make them even more impressive. There may not be as much overall coverage of the program as in other books but the covered material is very well done.
Best bought as a "bonus" to other books such as the 3ds max bible.

You wont find better! - 2009-08-11
Reviewer Rating:
I have the 2nd edition and now own the 3rd. If your a 3D artist and you don't have this book then your out of the loop!

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