Real World Modo: The Authorized Guide

By Wes McDermott, Wes has been a professional 3D artist for 10 years, working in video production and print design. For the past six years, Wes has been the Multi-Media Developer for UPS Airlines at the Flight Training Center. He creates various 3D elements for video and interactive online training. Published in HDRI 3D magazine and a featured artist at Luxology.com, Wes has participated in beta tests for both Luxology and Autodesk, leading 3D software companies.

McKay is quoted in Computer Graphics World magazine: August 2008"In the 3D workflow, instead of just breaking down an image to its RGB or CMYK color values, we actually have to look at the exact way light interacts with the product," says McKay Hawkes, a Digital Effects Artist at Pixelbox in San Francisco, who specializes in hi-end digital imaging and animation for marketing, advertising and interactive campaigns."We need to closely observe and replicate things like diffusion, spectrality, reflection, fresnel, index refraction, subsurface scattering, absorption distance, and transparency to create convincing and accurate photorealistic qualities," Hawkes continues. "This is before we even get into bump and displacement mapping for textures and other various details. It can be a very challenging process, but the rewards are great as it blows the door wide open for creative potential and improved workflows."

• HyperReal - modo The Definitive Guide to Photorealistic 3D imaging with modo Chapter 1 - Riding the exponential curve - A brief history in graphics and 3D technology - 20 years of industry observation - Disruptive technology Technological demands of the market on the digital artist - A new age in digital imaging Luck favors the prepared Chapter 2 - Say hello to modo What is modo? - the modo interface - the modo architecture - expandability - customisation - the online community - educational training and resources - That's so modo - the modo philosophy The future of modo Chapter 3 - Integrating modo into your production pipeline Photography, retouching and print production - Interactive imaging- Packaging - Pre-visualisation - Specials effect and animation studios - Other uses Chapter 4 - Modeling - tools, tips and techniques The modo toolset Action centers, Falloffs, and workplanes mesh-based sculpting image-based sculpting Hard surface modeling - organic modeling - mesh and topology - morph maps - Using macros and scripts - Chapter 5 - UV Mapping - for people who hate UV mapping Chapter 6 - Shader development - Keys to creating efficient and accurate materials Chapter 7 - Advanced shader techniques using Photoshop Chapter 8 - Animation - Adding life and interactivity to your scene Chapter 9 - Camera and staging - Bringing it all in focus Chapter 10 - HyperReal - Achieving inspirational lighting and rendering Chapter 11 - Repurposing digital assets for different uses Chapter 12 - Art directing the 3D workflow Chapter 13 - Working with CADs - Revolutionary workflows with Solidworks Includes exclusive information on to be released NDA material with Luxology Bonus Chapter - Interviews with the pros PENDING!! interviews with industry professionals from Pixar and ILM Bonus WEB SITE Material - Creating the Cover - a complete tutorial This would include a how-to chapter on the creation of a stunning piece of digital art for the cover.