Want to build your knowledge as a 3D modeler? CG Spectrum's Department Head of 3D Modeling, Bryan Bentley, shares his book recommendations for those who want to broaden their understanding of this unique profession and the fast-paced industry in which it resides.
Some of the books in Bryan's list would also be excellent resources for those pursuing a career as a digital painter, an animator, or someone wanting to break into the VFX industry.
Happy reading!
Anatomy Construction
Anatomy For Sculptors, Understanding the Human Figure
Publisher : Anatomy Next, Inc.; 3rd edition (January 1, 2014)
Language : English
Paperback : 232 pages
ISBN-10 : 1735039020
ISBN-13 : 978-1735039022
Form of the Head and Neck
Publisher : Anatomy Next, Inc.; 1st edition (January 1, 2021)
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 173503908X
ISBN-13 : 978-1735039084
Figure Drawing: Design and Invention
Publisher : M. Hampton; 2nd edition (December 31, 2009)
Language : English
Paperback : 235 pages
ISBN-10 : 0615272819
ISBN-13 : 978-0615272818
Constructive Anatomy: Includes Nearly 500 Illustrations
Publisher : Dover Publications; Later Printing Used edition (June 1, 1973)
Language : English
Paperback : 192 pages
ISBN-10 : 0486211045
ISBN-13 : 978-0486211046
Morpho: Muscled Bodies: Anatomy for Artists
Publisher : Rocky Nook (June 8, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 96 pages
ISBN-10 : 1681987597
ISBN-13 : 978-1681987590
Morpho: Hands and Feet: Anatomy for Artists
Publisher : Rocky Nook (November 12, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 96 pages
ISBN-10 : 168198539X
ISBN-13 : 978-1681985398
3D art by 3D modeling grad Michelle Vue, who is now working at Pixar
Art Theory
How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination
Publisher : Design Studio Press; 1st edition (December 15, 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 208 pages
ISBN-10 : 1933492732
ISBN-13 : 978-1933492735
How to Render: the fundamentals of light, shadow and reflectivity
Publisher : Design Studio Press (November 15, 2014)
Language : English
Paperback : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 1933492961
ISBN-13 : 978-1933492964
Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
Publisher : Andrews McMeel Publishing; 13642nd edition (November 30, 2010)
Language : English
Paperback : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 0740797719
ISBN-13 : 978-0740797712
Topology Theory
The Pushing Points Topology Workbook: Volume 01
Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 5, 2018)
Language : English
Paperback : 138 pages
ISBN-10 : 1987728610
ISBN-13 : 978-1987728613
Topology Workbook Volume 2
Publisher : Independently published (December 20, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 75 pages
ISBN-10 : 1673568467
ISBN-13 : 978-1673568462
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Planning and Business
The Freelance Manifesto: A Field Guide for the Modern Motion Designer
Publisher : Lioncrest Publishing (May 31, 2017)
Language : English
Paperback : 358 pages
ISBN-10 : 1619616718
ISBN-13 : 978-1619616714
Design for Motion: Fundamentals and Techniques of Motion Design
Publisher : Routledge; 2nd edition (October 18, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 380 pages
ISBN-10 : 1138318655
ISBN-13 : 978-1138318656
Animated Storytelling
Publisher : Peachpit Press; 2nd edition (August 13, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 0135667852
ISBN-13 : 978-0135667859
The Visual Effects Producer: Understanding the Art and Business of VFX
Publisher : Focal Press; 1st edition (September 11, 2009)
Language : English
Paperback : 387 pages
ISBN-10 : 0240812638
ISBN-13 : 978-0240812632
Film Directing: Shot by Shot
Publisher : Michael Wiese Productions; Anniversary edition (April 29, 2019)
Language : English
Paperback : 400 pages
ISBN-10 : 1615932976
ISBN-13 : 978-1615932979
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