CG 101: A Computer Graphics Industry Reference
(continued from page 1)
Animation
Of course, background information on traditional animation techniques,
along with some tips, are found in this chapter. Then, once again,
we find another huge listing of animation terms. This illustrated
listing is most informative, and details various animation techniques,
principles, companies and tools. However, a most welcome addition
to this chapter would be a list of the 12 principles of animation,
along with a description of each principle (some are covered in
the "Terms" listing, but not all). Although we've seen
the principles in other books, they are age-old animation related
information that I, personally, never get tired of seeing.
Rendering
The rendering chapter is nicely introduced with a few pointers about
the pitfalls of the perfect CG world. In a computer graphics world
it is easier to make things ordered and perfect than it is to make
them unordered and imperfect. The introduction to this chapter talks
about the little details that make CGI much more realistic (which
often means making it imperfect). This introduction is followed
by a few rendering examples, and then another huge and useful listing
of rendering terms, techniques, companies and tools (this section
was packed full of things I didn't even know existed!).
Compositing
We all get there eventually. Admittedly, compositing is my favourite
part of the visual effects process (besides animation). This chapter
kicks off with several things one should take into account when
compositing, as well as some tips, tricks and reminders (very helpful).
Then we (predictably) go into a nice long list of compositing terms,
techniques, systems and companiescomplete with illustrations.
Input & Output
This was the least productive chapter for me. Basically the entire
chapter is a listing of input and output devices, formats, tools
and companies. Although I'm sure the chapter would be of use to
some people, I am not really interested in ZIP drives, LCD displays,
inkjet printers or digital disk recorders.
Historically Significant Companies
Now this was a chapter that had me very interested; a list of companies
that have made significant contributions to the computer graphics
industry over the last 20+ years. Alias, ILM, Softimage, VIFX, Santa
Barbara Studios and Pixar -- they're all in there. But what's nice
about this chapter is that the descriptions of the companies and
their achievements are far more in-depth. Many of the listings contain
quotes from significant people in the company, and where software
is concerned, background information on the product, what it is,
and how it has played a role in computer graphics is all included.
Probably one of the book's better chapters, I genuinely enjoyed
reading it (and I don't usually enjoy reading "lists"
of things).
Programming and Mathematics
I dreaded reading this chapter, but actually found it quite useful.
Things get off to a start with Masson recognising the brilliance
of Ed Catmull -- one of the guys behind RenderMan. His other achievements
include developing texture mapping, the Z-buffer method and subdivision
surfaces. Then we slide back into our list of terms, with algorithms,
booleans, quaternians and unit vectors among the many brain-busting
terms here. Surprisingly, one doesn't actually need a PhD in Mathematics
to understand what's written here; things are described in such
plain English that even I could understand it.
Basic and Miscellaneous Terms
I always wondered what a VAR was! This listing isn't really going
to bring about any major revelations for any reasonably read-up
computer graphics individual, but this book is called CG 101
isn't it? Beginners may find the difference between UNIX and GNU
fascinating, but I preferred to skip most of this chapter.
Computer Graphics Timeline
Yippee! This chapter is worth the price of the book alone. Starting
from the 1940s Masson charters most of the major industry events,
and the people and companies involved with them. The chapter contains
biographies of important people in the industry, and lots of pictures
showing early examples of CGI. This is the first time I have seen
such a computer graphics history reference so in-depth, and it was
a real pleasure to read.
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Graphics
This chapter contains about a dozen or so "frequently asked
questions" and answers about CGI, which are answered more in-depth
than most other "FAQs" I've seen. Then it is followed
by advice on demo-reels and getting a job in the CG industry. Age
old advice, of course, but one can't stress the importance of these
things enough.
Computer Graphics Job Descriptions
So, you want to be a digital composter? For anyone who has ever
wondered what the difference between a production coordinator and
technical assistant is, this chapter should help. Although it's
not a complete listing, it does document the more common "jobs"
out there. People often forget that not everyone has to be an animator,
and that there's a lot more to computer graphics than the digital
artist. This section is definitely worth a read.
CG 101 was a worthwhile read (the side-bar trivia bits seen
throughout the book really bring it alive), although I must admit
I skipped over many of the lists of terminology. However, what's
important to note is that this book isn't just a one-off read, it's
a reference book. It will sit on my bookshelf and no doubt service
me for many years. The Historically Significant Companies and Computer
Graphics Timeline chapters are simply superb, and for me, they made
this book an absolute joy to read. If you don't find this book of
some use to you in your computer graphics travels (even if those
travels are merely curiosities), then I for one will eat my hat!
CG 101: A Computer Graphics Industry Reference by Terrence
Masson. Indianapolis, Indiana: New Riders Publishing, 1999. 500
pages. Paperback ISBN: 0-7357-0046-X (£36.99/US$39.99).
Paul Younghusband is editor-in-chief of Visual
Magic Magazine, a publication focusing on the 3-D graphics
and digital effects industries.
