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!
Recommended Reading List for 3D Artists
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
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
Ready to put your 3D modeling theory into practice?
Guided by experts who’ve worked on projects like Arcane, Overwatch 2, Pacific Rim, Wreck-it Ralph 2, and The Mandalorian, our 3D modeling courses will help you build on your 3D art foundations with practical exercises using industry-standard software Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.
Pursue a career as a 3D modeler for film and games!
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