LightWave 3D 8 Cartoon Character Creation: Volume 1 Modeling & Texturing

This is the first of two volumes explaining proven methods of creating 3D cartoon characters for animation. These books are the most complete, indepth, and accurate resource available for character creation and animation using LightWave 3D. The book includes both general theory and comprehensive tutorials for every aspect of modeling and texturing 3D characters, the fundamental building blocks of character animation. It also includes a bonus “complete introduction to character creation” including modelling, surfacing, and rigging. Topics include: Concept design and analysis; Subdivision character modelling; Complex UV mapping techniques made easy; Surfacing and surface attributes; Texturing using gradients and procedural textures; Image map creation and application. Also included are descriptions of useful third-party plug-ins, many of which are used in the tutorials. The companion CD includes all the featured third-party plug-ins, example files for the tutorials, and all the illustrations in full colour.

Author Biography

Jonny Gorden has worked as a CG animator since 1990 and is considered one of the industry’s leading character designers. In 1997 he formed his own production company, Zero Gravity Entertainment, soon afterwards creating X-Men: The Ravages of Apocalypse, one of the first 3D games to exclusively use LightWave 3D. Through Zero Gravity Entertainment Jonny continues to produce 3D animation for clients around the globe and develop new and exciting techniques for character animation.