[starbug]

My parents have just got me 3ds max 2010 for a uni course i am going to be doing (art of computer game design). I was wondering if anyone one can point me in the direction of good simple tutorials for it as i haven't had any experience with this software and have just learned that course i will be doing does require me to 3d model and the uni uses 3ds max, all my current work it photoshop paintings. So i thought i would get some practice in before i start in September. I have looked at the video tutorials that come with it and they give a very quick rundown. I know that playing with the software my self is the best thing to do but it would be good to have some reference material on hand if i screw things up.

So does anyone know any good sites or books (for UK) i could use to keep me right??

[FUBAR-BDHR]

First piece of advice toss 2010 and get 2009.

I'm learning the old fashioned way.  Play around until you screw things, back up and repeat.  Working pretty well so far. 

[JGZinv]

The PCS2 tutorial in my signature starts in Max and explains some things, but
there's a list of links at the very end that might be useful.

Also here's a few links, not sure if they are in the tut or not:

General or Multi Tut sites:

http://cg-india.com/tutorials/3dsmax_tutorials.html

http://www.subdivisionmodeling.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=25

http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/3ds-max/modifying-objects.php


UV Mapping Related:

http://darkaurasoulstealer.deviantart.com/art/3D-Max-Unwrap-Tutorial-78721102

http://www.3dtotal.com/ffa/tutorials/max/UVW_mapping_an_object/UVW_mapping_an_object1.php


Also, get a book... like a 3Ds Max 2010 Bible from Wiley publishing if need be.
Ultimately experimentation, and the course itself should be teaching you how to use Max.

[Galemp]

I read Paul Steed's guide to low-poly character modeling cover to cover and it taught me just about everything I know about Max. Vasudan Admiral also swears by it.

I would recommend it over the included tutorials or any tutorial videos, as a good desk reference is extremely valuable, and this made the software easy to understand and intuitive to use on just a single read through.

[starbug]

Cheers guys, i'll give those options a try 

[Turambar]

My parents have just got me 3ds max 2010

**** dude, coulda got you a pony instead

[iamzack]

that was iaz.  this is tura.  here's some pointers:

make a primitive
convert it to editable poly
use the 'cut' tool to divide faces
use the 'move' tool to pick up vertices and move them wherever you want.
0x3A28213A


congrats, i just saved you some trial and error from when i was confused and using "editable mesh" because everyone was calling models 'meshes' and i was confused.  **** editable mesh. 

seriously though, from what i just told you, you can make pretty much any solid shape ever.  things can get more complicated when you want to model things with holes in them, but you shouldnt be doing that right away anyway.  with the knowledge i just gave you, you have about the same amount that i had when i started making my first a-wing, which didnt turn out all bad.

  good luck!
  experience is the best teacher.  save often and **** around with every tool in the frakkin program.

[iamzack]

also PENIS