Jason van Gumster

So you’ve heard about Blender, the free 3D animation software. You really want to know more about the features of Blender, where to get it, and how to use it. You’re in luck! It’s all in Blender For Dummies, including Blender software on the bonus DVD. Because there’s a lot to learn about Blender, you’ll be glad this book takes it step by step. First, you’ll learn to install Blender 2.48 and think the Blender way. Then you’ll start creating 3D objects and setting them in motion with animations and rigging. Soon you’ll be texturing with Blender, rendering with Blender, and sharing your creations. You’ll learn how to: Create almost anything with meshes, save time with the Mirror modifier, and use Blender’s secret weapon, Dupliverts Understand texture mapping, know when to use which type of lamp, and use radiosity in animation Work with curves and surfaces, and add color, shades, texture, and reflections Rig your characters for animation with shape keys, hooks, and armatures, and understand kinematics Navigate in three dimensions Make your animations more believable, and let Blender do the animating for you Use the video sequence editor Export, render, composite, and edit for output You’ll even get tips on common problems new Blender users face and how to avoid them. Blender For Dummies will have you creating eye-popping 3D animations before you know it! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Blender For Dummies

Robert Shimonski

The ultimate reference and guide to the GNU image manipulation program GIMP is a free, Photoshop-like image manipulation program, and as its use grows, so does the demand for detailed instruction on how to get the very most out of it. GIMP Bible is the most comprehensive and current independent GIMP reference available that goes beyond official documentation. If you're a digital artist or photographer, the step-by-step explanations in this authoritative guide show you how to power-use GIMP throughout a production pipeline. Topics include understanding the GIMP interface and how to work with it, how to use all of GIMP's tools to create high-quality images, GIMP's default filters and plug-ins, advanced techniques for customization with Python and Scheme scripting, and much more. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free graphics editor that runs on Linux, Windows, or Macs; it is used to process digital graphics and photographs including creating graphics and logos, resizing and cropping photos, altering colors, combining images, creating basic GIF animated images, and more Whether you're a digital artist, professional photographer, or beginner, this detailed how-to shows you best practices, valuable techniques, and helpful tips for getting the most out of GIMP for your projects Topics include the GIMP interface and how to work with it, in-depth description of GIMP's tools and how to use them to create high-quality images, a comprehensive reference for all of GIMP's default filters and common plug-ins, and advanced customization with Python and Scheme scripting Get the most out of this free image editing tool for your production pipeline with the GIMP Bible. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

GIMP Bible

Learn 3D animation the easy way with this complete step-by-step guide Blender For Dummies is the quick and easy guide to learning 3D modeling and animation using the popular, free, open source Blender software. You'll learn how to create models, animate movement, and render well-lit scenes as you master the powerful features that rival the more expensive professional animation software. This third edition is updated to cover the latest features added in Blender, including digital sculpting with dynamic topology, rendering with the incredibly powerful Cycles renderer, and more advanced simulation tools. You'll learn the shortcuts and tricks that make creating animation a reality for anyone at any level. The companion web site provides access to additional tutorials that give you the confidence you need to start animating quickly. This useful guide blends the functionality of a reference with the hands-on learning that develops your skills and understanding in a flash. Create 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfaces Add color, texture, shades, reflections, and transparencies Set your models in motion with animation and rigging Create expert-level scenes with lighting and camera placement If you want to learn 3D animation, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars getting started, Blender is just the solution you need. Blender For Dummies is the ultimate learning companion.

The exciting new book on the exciting new Blender 2.5! If you want to design 3D animation, here's your chance to jump in with both feet, free software, and a friendly guide at your side! Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the perfect introduction to the popular, open-source, Blender 3D animation software, specifically the revolutionary new Blender 2.5. Find out what all the buzz is about with this easy-access guide. Even if you?re just beginning, you'll learn all the Blender 2.5 ropes, get the latest tips, and soon start creating 3D animation that dazzles. Walks you through what you need to know to start creating eye-catching 3D animations with Blender 2.5, the latest update to the top open-source 3D animation program Shows you how to get the very most out of Blender 2.5's new multi-window unblocking interface, new event system, and other exciting new features Covers how to create 3D objects with meshes, curves, surfaces, and 3D text; add color, texture, shades, reflections and transparency; set your objects in motion with animations and rigging; render your objects and animations; and create scenes with lighting and cameras If you want to start creating your own 3D animations with Blender, Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition is where you need to start!

Jason van Gumster

Books

Your next favorite book is out there