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DigitalRigging.com is the companion website for the following books:- Digital Creature Rigging: The Art and Science of CG Creature Setup in 3ds Max- Digital Creature Rigging: Wings, Tails and Tentacles- Mechanic Creations in 3D: A Practical Look into Complex and Technical Setups for Animation & VFX

AUTHOR - DR. STEWART JONESStewart is a journal-published MBA and PhD graduate with an international career as in leadership, management, and production. He is an executive coach and leadership consultant, EU Commission Expert, and mentor, with multiple publications. Stewart has served on several advisory boards and advocates for people with disabilities and is determined to decrease the barriers to entry for both enjoyment and participation in business and the Screen Industries. Although his career has led to management roles, his work in animation & VFX still contributes to productions worldwide.

CONTRIBUTOR - CHRIS ROCKSChris has over twenty year’s digital experience in video games, TVC, marketing, advertising, education, medical, design & VR/AR. In that time he has worked on multiple award winning productions including being an integral part of two Bafta winning projects. As a digital creative, his varied background has included working with UK & Globally renowned brands in a multitude of roles. His previous roles have included everything from 3D Artist to Creative Director (CD), and Computer Graphics (CG) Supervisor or Art Production Manager. Chris is a skilled leader in art management and creation for international projects.

Digital Creature Rigging 1

The Art and Science of CG Creature Setup in 3ds Max

Get an inside look at the creation of production-ready creature rigs for film, TV and video games. Garner strategies and techniques for creating creatures of all types, and make them ready for easy automatic use in many different types of media (transmedia): film, TV, games - one rig for all. You will move step by step from idea, to concept, and finally to completion through a proven production-pipeline. "Digital Creature Rigging" gives you the practical, hands-on approaches to rigging you need, with a theoretical look at 12 rigging principles, and plenty of tips, tricks and techniques to get you up and running quickly. This is the definitive guide to creating believe production-ready creature rigs with 3ds Max.

ReviewsAs a Character TD, this is a must read. The book goes in-depth into the fascinating world of creature rigging in a very compelling and clear way. In this one of a kind book, Stewart Jones explains exactly how to setup an amazing creature and bring it to life by blending the artistic and technical aspects of digital creature rigging."
—Suchan Raj Bajracharya, Character TD and CEO at Puppeteer Lounge"Do you want to learn character setup techniques by pouring over difficult technical jargon and combing through un-illustrated dense text? Oh, then please, put this book down. You won't find that here. Stu delivers all you need to know about rigging in Max in an easy to read-light hearted way, all punctuated with oodles of images. The methods he presents are production methods that will serve as a great reference tool for anyone working in rigging for themselves, in a group project or preparing for a production career. Enjoy!"
—Tina O'Hailey author of Hybrid Animation and Rig it Right!"Right to the point and a one-of-its-kind; clear, simple and filled in with fabulous 'practical theory', Stewart's book puts together everything you will need to master the beautiful art of rigging. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, an animator, a rigger or a modeller, Digital Creature Rigging will take you the next level"
—Nacho Barahona - Character Animator, Harry Potter 7, Happy Feet 2, Guardians of Ga'Hoole

Digital Creature Rigging 2

Wings, Tails & Tentacles for Animation & VFX

In a follow-up book, which re-iterates the principles of “Digital Creature Rigging: The Art & Science of CG Creature Setup in 3ds Max”, and enhances their relativity with advanced wing, tail and tentacle setups. This book will discuss advanced rigging techniques in 3ds Max, while readers create a fish, octopus and a Game of Thrones style dragon!

Key Features— This is the next step in CG creature setups in 3ds Max.— Although 3ds Max specific, the techniques and foundations will work for any 3D application.— By following the step-by-step guides in this book, you can finish and complete a portfolio-ready.— Each chapter will include an introduction and a summary, giving significance to the start and end of each chapter where our readers can rest!

Mechanical Creations in 3D

A Practical Look into Complex and Technical Setups for Animation & VFX

Cogs, cranks, wheels, plates, chains, springs and pistons - a nightmare for animators. This book shows 3D artists how to create, setup, control and automate movements for complex and technically challenging mechanical structures all while working on a super-detailed steampunk train! This book will specifically implement current industry trends and techniques for animated mechanical structures. We will be using Autodesk 3ds Max only, with no plugins and no additional software required. Readers will close out this book with a completed steampunk train for their portfolios and practical knowledge to combat other tricky hard-surface rigging and animation challenges.

Key Features— This is the only book available for mechanical setups in Autodesk 3ds Max.— Although 3ds Max specific, the techniques and foundations will work for any 3D application.— By following the step-by-step guides in this book, you can finish and complete a portfolio-ready steampunk train.— Each chapter will include an introduction and a summary, giving significance to the start and end of each section where readers can rest!— Boxed step-by-step guides will be used for the creation of technical setups in 3ds Max. A "Memory Refresh" section is included in each chapter, this gives short and quick reminders for the stages needed to complete the chapter setup - helpful as a reference guide for those that have already read the book and just need a reminder, saving them time as they won’t have to re-read the whole thing!