In this DVD, Ian shows you the tools and techniques he uses to quickly create a full character model in 3ds Max, leading you through the basic character production pipeline used at Blur Studio. He takes you through the process of building clean geometry using Max’s built-in toolset as well as using the PolyBoost plugin. Ian shows how to easily enhance objects with ZBrush, and how to quickly find the form and detail of your character. From there he demonstrates how to bring the geometry back into Max to make it animation friendly by retopologizing. After the model is finished, Ian covers how to set up hair using Hair FX as well as how to set up lights, cameras and a simple rig using Biped to pose and render the character. Finally, using Adobe Photoshop®, Ian discusses how to present the character in a professional manner. This DVD is intended for artists with a basic understanding of polygon modeling in Max, but is useful to anyone regardless of skill level or software. In this DVD Ian uses: Max, PolyBoost, ZBrush, BodyPaint and Adobe Photoshop®.
Ian Joyner
Blur Studios

Ian Joyner is a freelance character artist residing in Culver City, CA. Over the years he has worked on games, commercials and feature films at Blur Studio, and recently ventured out as a freelance character artist for clients all over the world. His work can be seen throughout various projects including (but not limited to) BioShock, Halo Wars (upcoming), Golden Axe (upcoming), Marvel : Ultimate Alliance, Hellgate : London, Jericho, Brothers in Arms, Warhammer: Age of Reckoning and Rise of Legends to name a few. Film work includes Rocky Balboa, Aliens of the Deep, and Blur Studio’s short film A Gentlemen’s Duel. Other work includes tech demonstrations for XSI’s Face Robot, training material (DVD’s and classes) for The Gnomon Workshop, and promotional material for a large variety of projects.
Topics Covered:

Max Modeling tools
Using PolyBoost Tools
Poly by Poly Modeling
Detailing in ZBRush
Retopologizing Hi-res Objects
Building Props
Setting Up Lighting/Camera Rig
Basic Brazil Techniques
Hair FX Set up
Basic BodyPaint and Material Editing
Rigging for a Pose
Chapters:

Setting up a Template Character
Basic Light Rig/Blocking in Character, Part 1
Basic Light Rig/Blocking in Character, Part 2
Detailing Simple Objects and Retopologizing
Detailing the Character, Part 1
Using Paint Overs to Shape Your Characters
Detailing the Character, Part 2
Hair, Setting a Style with HairFX
Rigging Using Biped, Part 1
Rigging Using Biped, Part 2
Final Renders