The term “3D modeling” refers to the method of building a three-dimensional replica of an object with the help of exclusive Software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
This 3D model that has been created now gives us an estimation of the real-life object’s dimensions, texture, and shape. Of course, one can create 3D models of practically anything!
3D representations have become increasingly famous since the last decade, and 3D modeling has thus become a prevalent form of technology today.
Several sectors use 3D modeling for concepts like:
- Making animated movies, video games and computer graphics.
- Interior designing
- Creating interactive representations of anatomy
- Conducting academic research.
- Giving 3D tours in the real estate sector
- Drafting plans for buildings using architectural visualization
The advent of 3D modeling has brought revolutionary changes in the field of robotics, biotechnology, medical science and the automobile industry.
Top 10 Books About 3D Modeling
- Digital Modeling
- Blender Master Class
- 3D Modeling for Beginners
- Anatomy for 3D Artists
- Practical Autodesk AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT 2021
- 3dx Max Modeling for Games
- Blender 3D Basics
- 3D Art Essentials
- Design Basics: 3D
- IRONCAD Assembly Drawings
It has also massively contributed to improving the efficiency of products quality and drastically reduced the cost of production and time. Therefore, it is a cutting-edge technology that is very much in demand these days.
This article will introduce you to some of the best books for 3D modeling in the market, which will assist you in beginning your journey as a 3D artist.
So, if you are someone who is interested in learning more about 3D modeling, keep your eyes glued to your screen and continue reading.
10 Best 3D Modeling Books for Ultimate Learning Experience
1. Digital Modeling (1st Edition)
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Rating | 4.5 stars |
Author | William Vaughan |
Level | Beginner to Advanced |
Publication | New Rides Publishers |
About the book:
This is among the finest books about 3D modeling that helps the readers understand 3D-Modeling by getting to the core of what it takes to build robust, production-ready models.
It also elucidates the process of creating extraordinary, breathtaking computer graphics and makes an individual industry-ready. This book is not biased towards any particular software.
Therefore, it teaches you the skills and fundamentals that you can use in any industrial 3D software like:
- LightWave 3D
- Maya
- Modo
- Silo
- 3ds Max
- XSI
- ZBrush, and many others.
Who is this book for?
This book is a detailed guide to 3D modeling that can largely benefit aspiring and established modelers, texture artists, animators, and technical directors.
Cons:
- The book might seem a bit self-promotional as the author talks vastly about his work.
- At times, the book’s focus shifts towards the business side of things rather than staying on actual modeling techniques.
2. Blender Master Class: A Hands-On Guide to Modeling, Sculpting, Materials, and Rendering
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Rating | 4 stars |
Author | Ben Simonds |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
Publication | No Starch Press |
About the book:
Ben Simonds, through this book, teaches you how to make your own creative 3D models in Blender. Along the course of this book, readers will master the Blender interface and learn how to create and refine 3D models for themselves.
Readers will also learn several features of Blender and 3D modeling like designing textures in GIMP and mapping them in 3D artworks, blocking in models with simple geometry, using Blender’s powerful sculpting brushes and so on.
Who is this book for?
This is one of the best books for 3D modeling for people who have some prior experience with the subject. In addition, professional digital artists and modelers will find this book extremely purposeful.
Cons:
- The contents of this book are not very easy for beginners to grasp.
- The author tends to abruptly skip from one topic to another without fully explaining it.
3. 3D Modeling for Beginners: Learn everything you need to know about 3D Modeling!
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Rating | 4 out of 5 stars |
Author | Danan Thilakanathan |
Level | Beginners |
Publication | CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |
About the book:
This is one of the best 3D modeling books available for beginners who want to learn 3D modeling from scratch. This book guides you to create hard-surfaced day-to-day objects.
You will also learn how to approach and model complex human characters and how to create 3D environments.
This book also contains exercises and practice questions. The author highly recommends going through those to keep in practice. This book uses Blender, an open-source 3D software for the exercises, but readers can use their own preferred software to follow along.
Who is this book for?
This book is for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of 3D-Modeling. However, students interested in learning more about 3D modeling and building real-life projects can definitely benefit from reading this book.
Cons:
- This book is not very detail-oriented. Only the basic terms have been explained and illustrated for beginners who just wish to gain a brief overview of the subject matter.
- It is a bit expensive compared to the information it provides. All of the information in this book might be available on YouTube for free.
4. Anatomy for 3D Artists: The Essential Guide for CG Professionals
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Rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars |
Author | Chris Legaspi |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
Publication | 3D Total Publishing |
About the book:
This is one of the best books about 3D Modeling by Chris Legaspi. It is an essential teaching guide for sculpting human anatomy. It particularly focuses on recreating human anatomy and is not software specific.
The book starts with 2D references and then moves on to practical and advanced 3D sculpting that involves topology and animation preparation.
This book also contains master projects so that learners can get hands-on experience in creating the perfect human figure.
Who is this for?
This book assumes that you know something about 3D modeling, so this book is not recommended for absolute beginners.
However, it is one of the best books for 3D modeling for learners with intermediate knowledge of 3D-Modeling who want to shift their focus to human anatomy.
Cons:
- Some of the content is outdated
- It tends to get slightly monotonous and repetitive
- It dives straight into the technicalities without first explaining or reviewing the basic concepts.
5. Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021: A no-nonsense, beginner’s guide to drafting and 3D modeling with Autodesk AutoCAD.
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Rating | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
Author | Yasser Shoukrey, Jayprakash Pandey |
Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
Publication | Packt Publishing |
About the book:
This book is basically a hands-on guide that will walk you through the applications and uses of the AutoCAD software. To begin with, basic drawings like shapes and functions are taught so that you can grasp the fundamentals of CAD designs.
This book is among the best books about 3D modeling that teaches effective drawing management using layers and dynamic block like professionals.
The later chapters cover advanced tools and features such as isometric drawings, drawing utilities, etc. At the end of each chapter, practical exercises will help you implement whatever you learn.
Who is this book for?
Regardless of whether you are new to 3D modeling or have been trying to learn the basic concepts successfully to gain professional proficiency, this is one of the most distinguished 3D modeling books for you.
Cons:
- The book claims to provide access to drawings and illustrations on their online platform, however, their website is not responsive.
- The language used is a bit bland and non-engaging.
6. 3ds Max Modeling for Games: Insider’s Guide to Game Character, Vehicle, and Environment Modeling: Volume I
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Rating | 3.9 out of 5 stars |
Author | Andrew Gahan |
Level | Intermediate |
Publication | Routledge |
About the book:
This is one of the top books for 3D modeling in which Gahan covers all of the primary game modeling techniques, including character and environment modeling, mapping, and texturing.
A bonus section at the end of this book guides the readers to get their careers started in the gaming industry.
Who is this book for?
This book is for people who want to learn game-centric 3D-Modeling to boost their resumes and become experts in the field of 3D modeling. Some prior knowledge of 3D modeling is recommended but not mandatory.
Cons:
- The chapters of the books could have been structured better.
- It takes time to understand what the author is trying to convey, and you might need to refer to other resources if you are a beginner.
7. Blender 3D Basics
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Rating | 4 out of 5 stars |
Author | Fisher Gordon |
Level | Beginner |
Publication | Packt Publishing |
About the book:
Although this book primarily focuses on Blender, you will learn important foundational skills ready to apply to any 3D software through this book. In addition, it will assist you in gaining insight into all the basic functions of Blender and then implementing it in real projects.
Who is this book for?
This book has been curated for newbies who have no prior knowledge of 3D-Modeling or the blender software but are keen on learning about it.
Cons:
- This book contains absolutely preliminary information.
- Some of the instructions do not work.
8. 3D Art Essentials: The Fundamentals of 3D Modeling, Texturing, and Animation
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Rating | 4 out of 5 stars |
Author | Ami Chopine |
Level | Beginner |
Publication | Routledge |
About the book:
Are you still browsing for the best 3D Modeling books? This handy studio reference follows the ‘learn by doing’ approach. Using step-by-step explanation, this is one the finest books for 3D modeling to learn how to give the correct pose and texture to your drawn model and render it later.
Who is this book for?
This book is meant for beginners who are interested in learning 3D Modeling.
Cons:
- There are limited real-life examples and illustrations
- Fundamentally basic information is provided
9. Design Basics: 3D
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Rating | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
Author | Richard Roth, Stephen Pentak |
Level | Beginner |
Publication | Cengage Learning |
About the book:
This book covers the basics of 3D-Modeling. Concepts are taught through fun exercises and projects. It also makes the transition from 2D to 3D designing smoothly and helps build a relationship between 2D and 3D modeling, making the concepts easier to grasp.
Who is this book for?
This book is for beginners who are just stepping into the world of 3D modeling.
Cons:
- This book is a bit costly considering the amount of content it contains and compared to other books for 3D modeling.
10. IRONCAD Assembly Drawings
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Rating | Not available |
Author | Sachidanand Jha |
Level | Advanced |
Publication | Independently Published |
About this book:
This book is meant for practicing CAD assembly exercises. It is not a tutorial or guide to learn 3D modeling. It only contains learning exercises for practicing your CAD skills.
Who is this book for?
To solve the exercises in this book, one should have prior knowledge of the IRONCAD program. In addition, a student should also have knowledge of Orthographic views, projections and a brief idea of engineering drawing.
Cons:
- The exercises are limited to CAD software only.
FAQs
Q. Is it hard to learn 3D modeling?
Ans: The technical aspects of 3D modeling are relatively easy and books about 3D modeling certainly make it easier. The artistic aspect can be a bit challenging upfront, but with adequate practice, the entire discipline is easy to comprehend and represent for oneself and others.
Q. Does 3D modeling require coding?
Ans: The simple answer is no. Coding in any capacity is not required for 3D Modeling.
Q. What programs are good for 3D modeling?
Ans: There are a lot of programs out there in the market, some of them are paid and some of them will be free of cost. Here are some of their names,
Paid Softwares: ZBrush, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, 3DCoat, Geomagic Freeform
Free Softwares: Blender, Autodesk Meshmixer, Wings 3D
Animation Softwares: Houdini, Cinema 4D, MotionBuilder
Q. Are drawing skills necessary for 3D modeling?
Ans: Drawing skills are not mandatory for 3D modeling, although drawing skills are always a plus as they give a basic idea of dimensions.
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Conclusion
The best books about 3D modeling along with online 3D modeling online courses can help individuals learn a lot about the subject easily and at their own pace.
This article has talked about some of the best 3D Modeling books and their contents, which will help you find the book best suited to your needs among thousands of books available in the market. Please refer to the annexed links if you wish to learn more about any particular book.