[Tony_Mullen]Mastering Blender(epub){Zzzzz}

New edition shows you how to get the very most out of the latest version of Blender Blender, the open–source 3D software, is more popular than ever and continues to add functionality. If you′re an intermediate or advanced user, this new edition of Tony Mullen′s expert guide is what you need to get up to speed on Blender and expand your skills. From modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects to high–level techniques for film, television, games, and more, this book covers it all. It also highlights Blender′s very latest features, including new camera tracking tools and a new renderer. Provides intermediate to advanced coverage of Blender and its modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects tools Covers advanced topics such as cloth, fur and fluids, Python scripting, and the Blender game engine Brings you up to speed on Blender′s new camera tracking tools and new renderer Showcases techniques used in real–world 3D animation and visual effects Create realistic animation and visual effects with Blender and this expert guide that shows you step by step how to do it.

Product Description

From the Back Cover
Build Top-Notch Blender Skills If you're a serious Blender user, this new edition of Tony Mullen's expert guide is just what you need to expand your skills. From a quick refresher on Blender basics to the latest advanced techniques for things like 3D video compositing with camera tracking, controlling characters with Python, or using enhanced fluids, smoke, and fire tools, this is the ultimate Blender resource. You'll soon be creating visual effects and 3D animation for movies, games, and video the way CG professionals do. Coverage includes: Blender basics—texture, materials, sculpting, workflows Using Blender's soft body and cloth simulation functionality to create bouncy, flexible effects and realistic clothing Simulating fluids such as smoke, water, and fire Combining rendered images the way you want with Blender nodes Compositing separate elements of a 2D image Camera tracking and other video post-production steps Modeling, rigging, and texturing 3D objects or characters Using Blender's Game Engine to create highly interactive content Creating compelling prototypes, visualizations, and walk-throughs Setting up interactive game logic or optimizing Blender using Python Get Up to Speed on the Latest Blender Tools and Techniques Gain Advanced Skills and Create Amazing 3D Animations Learn Workflows and Tricks Used in Real Studios Start Using Python Programming to Improve Productivity Master the Blender Game Engine and Create Interactive Content
About the Author
Tony Mullen , PhD, has a broad background in CG–related work. He teaches at Tsuda College and Musashino Art University in Tokyo, where his courses include modeling and animation with Blender as well as the Python programming language. His screen credits include writer, codirector, or lead animator on several short films, including the award–winning short The Devices of Gustav Braüstache, Bachelor of Science. He is the author of Introducing Character Animation with Blender and several other books on Blender from Sybex. You can follow him on Twitter at @—tonymullen.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; 2nd Edition edition (4 December 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1118275403
ISBN-13: 978-1118275405

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Awesome book!!! 17 January 2013
By Calvin C. Mcgaugh -
1/16/2013

What a great learning resource!

It's intermediate to advanced, but Tony is a very good writer/communicator/teacher.

He includes small things that I've missed earlier as he goes...things that I skipped over
in my eagerness to get into Blender without going through the basic minutia.

Just the chapter on Physics is worth the price.

I only have 2 problems with the book physically....

1. when I underline something, the line appears on the page beneath as well...something
in the paper? But, now will put a blank sheet between them to prevent it.

2. the backing has broken already, and the pages are starting to fall out! =O
I've tried to be careful with it, but use it frequently.

BUT, got it fixed today at Staples....I had them split (OMG!) the book into 2 more
portable booklets. They cut off the backing (I couldn't bare to look), then punched
about 20 holes, added a protective plastic cover front & back, then put a spiral plastic
into the holes all for $5.50 out the door!!! It works great! So easy to open now. And I
don't have to lug the whole book around. Highly recommend doing it....for any book you
use constantly and/or is starting to fall apart. =)

In spite of those problems, I still give it 5 stars for content....."must have"

2/18/2013
Amazed at the two 1-star reviews...can't believe they're talking about
the same book. Completely unfair reviews.

Still highly recommend this book.
Just get it.....if you don't like it, return it.
I bet you'll keep it. =)

Seriously useful 3 February 2014
By Mowgli -
I have the previous version of this book, and it covers so many essential areas in a very clear and concise way. I can't speak to the current version, but if it's anything like the last one, then the drivers and scripting section, game engine information, and the physics section all make this a very valuable reference. Tony clearly understands Blender, his writing style is clear and he builds topics very well. I still refer to it even though my copy is out of date (Pre 2.5). Dramatically changed my Blender abilities!

I should also point out that this book might be confusing for beginners, it expects at least a working understanding of Blender.