MMST 3ds Max Class Blog

Paint Effects in Autodesk® Maya® 2013 is an amazing tool that can be used to create organic effects, motion graphics, textures and much more. It is fully integrated giving artists diverse choices over their scene.   This Maya tool can generate geometry to import into other 3D tools, i.e. 3ds max.  Or you can render out bitmaps for compositing in other projects.  Either way, this is a unique 2D and 3D tool not to be missed.

Autodesk Technical Specialist Lee Fraser offers an in-depth look at not only the basics, but the many ways you can use Paint Effects efficiently, including integration with nHair, nCloth, and Toon lines.

Sometimes the biggest barrier to entry is our ingenuity and imagination.  Take a look at what can be done using off-the-shelf digital tools, common lights and toys, particle board, and a budget that is about 1/100th of 1% of that for Avatar....

http://www.wired.com/design/2013/01/kickstarted-scifi-movie/

Are you interested in being a Student Volunteer at SIGGRAPH 2013 but you're not really sure what it means to be an "SV"? Then take a look at this video produced by a Student Volunteer at SIGGRAPH 2012 in Los Angeles.

But hurry! The deadline to apply to be a Student Volunteer at SIGGRAPH 2013 in Aanheim is February 5, 2013. For more information, you can check us out at http://sv.siggraph.org.

http://blog.sfgate.com/techchron/2013/01/24/autodesk-expands-san-francisco-offices-again-as-3d-printing-blossoms/

Rigging and Animation produced in Softimage. Lighting in 3ds Max & VRay.

The syllabus for MMST 163 is posted at http://www.zoomextents.com/Classes/IVC/COM_MMST_163_Syllabus_spring_2013.htm

The syllabus for MMST 173 is posted at http://www.zoomextents.com/Classes/IVC/COM_MMST_173_Syllabus_spring_2013.htm

There are many resources for 3ds Max 2013.  I've listed many still pertinent to our work today at http://www.zoomextents.com/Resouces/Resources.htm

There are many online resources for learning 3ds Max.  I recommend the following:

1. The Area's Learning Channels:  http://area.autodesk.com/channels
2. Tutorials by Louis Marcoux:  http://area.autodesk.com/louis_tutorials?tf=1&
3. Lynda.com:  http://www.lynda.com/3ds-Max-training-tutorials/138-0.html
4. The Gnomon Workshop DVD's:  http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/
5. the tutorials and sample files provided with 3ds Max 2013.
6. 3D resources made available on workstations in the lab.

Autodesk provides almost all of its product line free to students through its educational portal:  http://students.autodesk.com/?nd=download_center.  These are full featured applications.  You need to create an account to access the download. The class workstations have installations of the entire Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite, i.e. 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, Mudbox and Motion Builder.  You are entitled to download and install each of these applications on your own equipment.  We will use 3ds Max as our 3D application in this course.  Note, the portal includes student licenses for most products in the Autodesk line, including the Auto CAD line.  

Since these applications often run to several Gb's, make sure to use a fast connection.  Make sure print and keep a PDF or print of the Serial No. and Key in case you need to reinstall the product.  I also recommend keeping the downloaded installation files for the same reason.  Autodesk has reorganized this site, so take a moment to review the resources even if you've been here before.

After you've downloaded 3ds Max 2013, go to the Services and Support page, to find documentation, etc., and last, get Product Update 6 at http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=20652715&linkID=9241178 

Lastly, take a look at the Autodesk Learning Channel on the Area http://area.autodesk.com/channels

If you wish to use any products other than 3ds Max, consult the instructor before proceeding

Software from Adobe, Microsoft and others are available at special discounts to community college students through CollegeBuys, at  http://www.foundationccc.org/CollegeBuys/CollegeBuysHome/tabid/484/Default.aspx