Pre-order Jonathan’s Character Development in Blender Book!

by Wes Burke

Our very own Jonathan Williamson has gone off and written a fantastic book on Character Development in Blender. Being that Jonathan is also an owner of this site we get the chance to offer direct pre-orders of the book here on Blender Cookie! To help spice up the pre-order and fight against the other commercial giants. Each pre-order sold from Blender Cookie will be personally signed by Jonathan Williamson, and also include a 10% discount code towards a Citizen Membership.

Jonathan has been hitting the Gym hard to get that hand ready to sign a few copies. Well that is what he is saying anyways….

We are no longer accepting orders on this product. You may purchase this book though on Amazon directly

This book is intended to provide an ample introduction to character modeling for both beginning artists and more advanced Blender users.

book_cover_jonathan_small

The book starts by giving a beginner overview of the Blender interface and many of its tools. It then goes on to begin the actual character modeling process, showing each step of the way, getting progressively more advanced with each step.

book_ss_04

In this book you will find info on box modeling, poly-by-poly modeling, sculpting, retopology, normal map baking, and more. At the end of the book you will be left with a complete character model based off the excellent concept by David Revoy

book_ss_05

What comes with your Pre-Order

  • A signed copy of Jonathan’s book
  • A 10% discount code for a Citizen Membership
  • Early beta access to the new CG Cookie / Blender Cookie website
  • The good feeling knowing you have helped feed Jonathan for one more day

book_ss_02

Book Details

  • Paperback: 464 pages
  • Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 001 edition (June 16, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • TISBN-10: 1435456254
  • ISBN-13: 978-1435456259
  • Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds  (Shipped via USPS Priority Mail)

We are no longer accepting orders on this product. You may purchase this book though on Amazon directly

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Discussion

79 Responses to “Pre-order Jonathan’s Character Development in Blender Book!”
  1. Morrissey
    Posts: 8

    Sounds amazing!
    I will surely be preordering this one.

    How come you decided for it to be in text format instead of video (just curious, I think that the written format adds more value to it and can serve as fast reference in the future)?

    Exciting!

    #
    1
     May 18, 2011 at 12:39 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      Well publisher’s tend to like book formats rather than video ;)

      -Jonathan

      #
      1.1
       May 18, 2011 at 12:44 pm
      Reply
  2. baconchaney
    Posts: 24

    hiya guys,

    Ah wish i had held off and ordered this instead lol. I think I will order it later in the year, do you know how much the shipping will be to send it to the UK?

    Thanks guys :)

    #
    2
     May 18, 2011 at 12:42 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      International shipping is $17 USD. Thanks for the encouragement :)

      -Jonathan

      #
      2.1
       May 18, 2011 at 12:43 pm
      Reply
      • baconchaney
        Posts: 24

        thats okay, just hope you guys keep up the good work :)
        find as a beginner /intermediate your tutorials and tips really helpful in improving myself :)

        #
        2.1.1
         May 18, 2011 at 2:24 pm
  3. redoctopus
    Posts: 1

    I will definitely be pre-ordering this. All of Jonathan’s tutorials are amazing and I could always use another Blender reference, especially one that encompasses 2.57! Thanks for the hard work, Jonathan and Blender Cookie, keep it up, there’s lots of us out here counting on your quality, thorough tutorials for our educational needs.

    #
    3
     May 18, 2011 at 12:47 pm
    Reply
  4. Drake darkholm
    Posts: 1

    I’m ordering it on Friday. This will go great with the vehicle series. Thanks Jonathan.

    #
    4
     May 18, 2011 at 12:50 pm
    Reply
  5. dx3_1979
    Posts: 59

    will this book be used as a highschool or college text? Pretty impressive for such a young guy!

    #
    5
     May 18, 2011 at 12:54 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      That would be cool but I doubt it. A highschool or college text would really need to be formatted differently to teach more of the fundamentals of Blender, rather than just the modeling side. Now if it were a character modeling class then I suppose that would be an option :)

      -Jonathan

      #
      5.1
       May 18, 2011 at 1:12 pm
      Reply
  6. Richard
    Posts: 6

    Before doing character modelling, is it better to learn drawing a bit and learning the anatomy of a human or can i go straight into it, buying this book?

    Thanks for your advices.

    #
    6
     May 18, 2011 at 1:04 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      Anatomy knowledge can never hurt, and can be very helpful. Drawing ability is not a must but again, can help. As for them being prerequisites for this book, you should be fine without either. I try and start basic and take you through each step.

      -Jonathan

      #
      6.1
       May 18, 2011 at 1:12 pm
      Reply
  7. Falcon
    Posts: 26

    Lia Turtle! Ah man, that is so cool seeing her in 3D after watching David Revoy draw the concept art in Chaos and Evolutions.
    I actually will have to be doing a lot of character modeling in the next few months, so I’ll definitely consider preordering this book.

    #
    7
     May 18, 2011 at 1:43 pm
    Reply
  8. hetors
    Posts: 31

    Hey Jonathan, I live in Argentina (south America), can I get the book here?

    #
    8
     May 18, 2011 at 1:49 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      I don’t know of any reason you can’t. If normal shipping methods do not work for whatever reason then we can work something out to ship via UPS or something.

      -Jonathan

      #
      8.1
       May 18, 2011 at 1:51 pm
      Reply
      • hetors
        Posts: 31

        Ok, I would really like to have it!!
        Thanks.

        #
        8.1.1
         May 18, 2011 at 6:03 pm
  9. Craig Massey
    Posts: 1

    Done.

    I’ve been looking for something like this and was on the verge of contacting you directly an asking for some advice on modelling vs sculpting, which works best for specific end uses. This will address a lot of that.
    I was considering getting your character creation DVD before now and still may, but I like books. I can read them offline.

    Looking forward to its publication and arrival.

    #
    9
     May 18, 2011 at 2:03 pm
    Reply
  10. jabessette25
    Posts: 174

    I think I figured out the real reason behind the Blender Institute. They must be really conducting cloning experiments and JW is the first test subject. I don’t know how you make all the time to accomplish this much.

    I’ve recently became a citizen and working through all the character related tuts. I’m working through Blenderella as well. I’ll have to add this book to my arsenal and hopefully be one step closer to becoming a pro modeler. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and giving us all a boost.

    Anyone else know what an addict feels like when they announce more Blender learning resources? :D

    #
    10
     May 18, 2011 at 2:39 pm
    Reply
  11. thiagokolb
    Posts: 124

    in purchasing the book as you will have access to images of reference?

    #
    11
     May 18, 2011 at 2:48 pm
    Reply
  12. slinky
    Posts: 9

    Good news, I’ve had this in my Amazon wish list for ages, wondered when it would be available. Nice one Jonathan.

    #
    12
     May 18, 2011 at 3:05 pm
    Reply
  13. ghiofish
    Posts: 5

    Looks really nice- is texturing covered at all?

    #
    13
     May 18, 2011 at 3:34 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      I cover basic materials and normal mapping but no external texturing.

      -Jonathan

      #
      13.1
       May 18, 2011 at 3:35 pm
      Reply
      • zanyman
        Posts: 11

        Is rigging also included? Would it be possible to have a list of the TOC over here?

        #
        13.1.1
         May 18, 2011 at 5:11 pm
      • jonathanwilliamson
        Posts: 1761

        Rigging is not covered in the book but there is an additional tutorial included on the DVD that shows how to use Rigify for rigging characters. I will also try and add a TOC in the next day or two.

        -Jonathan

        #
         May 18, 2011 at 5:22 pm
  14. tui93
    Posts: 4

    Just pre ordered it… The link I clicked on took me to a website, and it said that I had only done the first step of PreOrdering. Um????

    #
    14
     May 18, 2011 at 3:56 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      I’m not sure what you’re referring to Taylor but it shows that your order has come through and is paid. You’re good to go!

      -Jonathan

      #
      14.1
       May 18, 2011 at 4:04 pm
      Reply
      • dickda1
        Posts: 38

        Jonathan,

        You are a one-man Blender resource. Every time I look back a couple of years in significant posts I see your name popping up.

        Ultimately, the difference between a fabulous 3D modelling package and crap is simple -tutorials and user support.

        Blender is miles better for you.

        Thanks,

        Dick

        #
        14.1.1
         May 18, 2011 at 4:24 pm
      • jonathanwilliamson
        Posts: 1761

        Dick, that is very kind and supportive of you. Thank you! My goal has simply been to help out fellow Blender Heads, it humbles me that you have found my work helpful.

        -Jonathan

        #
         May 18, 2011 at 4:37 pm
  15. desdinova
    Posts: 5

    Just ordered the book. Is there any thing new that was not covered in the 2010 Training series you did? That seemed to be a pretty complete series on modeling a character. I really enjoy your video tutorials, keep up the good work.

    #
    15
     May 18, 2011 at 4:41 pm
    Reply
  16. prophet74
    Posts: 4

    Congrats on this, Jonathan. What is included on the DVD?

    #
    16
     May 18, 2011 at 4:50 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      The DVD includes several extra video tutorials that cover things like Rigify, baking normal maps, retopology, etc. You will also find a copy of Blender and all the source files used for the book.

      -Jonathan

      #
      16.1
       May 18, 2011 at 5:02 pm
      Reply
  17. eukleyv
    Posts: 4

    It’s a dvd and a book?

    #
    17
     May 18, 2011 at 5:22 pm
    Reply
  18. lunabay793
    Posts: 2

    Firstly, thank you for all your tutorials! You’ve really helped me to get grounded in blender. :)

    I just have two questions about this book:

    1. What are the main differences between this and your 2010 Blender Training Series with Kara?

    2. What 2.5 version of Blender did you use for this book?

    #
    18
     May 18, 2011 at 5:36 pm
    Reply
  19. cipher
    Posts: 5

    Is there an expiration on the 10% off for Citizen discount that comes with it?

    #
    19
     May 18, 2011 at 5:43 pm
    Reply
  20. jnyquist
    Posts: 1

    Haha! I love the “Feed Jonathan” as the last bullet point in the banner! A pizza still awaits you in Colorado, but I’ll get the book too ;-)

    #
    20
     May 18, 2011 at 6:00 pm
    Reply
  21. jcdeighan
    Posts: 164

    The BIG questions is:

    …..is it in color?
    :D

    Jeremy Deighan

    #
    21
     May 18, 2011 at 7:28 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      There is a full color gallery in it but unfortunately the majority of the book is not. I have hopes that this book will be successful enough that I can talk the publisher into the next one being full color ;)

      -Jonathan

      #
      21.1
       May 18, 2011 at 8:30 pm
      Reply
      • jcdeighan
        Posts: 164

        Great to hear! I love the site and love the work you do. I’ll definitely look forward to purchasing this and helping perpetuate you into writing more! Thanks!

        Jeremy Deighan

        #
        21.1.1
         May 19, 2011 at 11:26 pm
  22. Cliff
    Posts: 6

    Ohhhhh

    I’d order this if only I had a little more money.
    The second I get some money, This book is mine!!!

    #
    22
     May 18, 2011 at 7:37 pm
    Reply
  23. pierre79088
    Posts: 3

    Hi Jonathan, I’ve just bought a copy of your book.

    Have a nice meal :O)

    #
    23
     May 18, 2011 at 8:54 pm
    Reply
  24. Bryan Tenorio
    Posts: 17

    I’ve always liked written tutorials much better than video tutorials! I might have to check this out. Would it be possible to post a sample chapter online just to see how it’s structured?

    #
    24
     May 18, 2011 at 9:18 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      We should have a sample chapter online soon, just waiting on it from the publisher!

      -Jonathan

      #
      24.1
       May 18, 2011 at 9:25 pm
      Reply
  25. Shane
    Posts: 5

    I’m sure it would be an interesting read but I’ll wait till I can get a digital copy – the big heavy dead tree versions have no interest for me.

    #
    25
     May 18, 2011 at 11:20 pm
    Reply
  26. gp123
    Posts: 84

    when looking at the header, i’m like ” that is just too cool!”.

    pre-order, umm ..thinking about it, thinking about it……

    #
    26
     May 18, 2011 at 11:43 pm
    Reply
  27. Brian L.
    Posts: 32

    I’ve gotta get that book! As soon as I can!

    #
    27
     May 19, 2011 at 2:32 am
    Reply
  28. taniwha
    Posts: 7

    Well, I’ve ordered (have a beer or whatever to go with that meal :)

    I’m still going through the Vehicles videos. I too think those and this book will go well together.

    #
    28
     May 19, 2011 at 3:40 am
    Reply
  29. jayzerozero
    Posts: 3

    I learnt everything I know about Blender from BlenderCookie and BlenderGuru. I had no doubts in purchasing this as the author is a brilliant tutor!

    Looking forward to it! Sure it will be awesome.

    #
    29
     May 19, 2011 at 4:45 am
    Reply
  30. wickedhand
    Posts: 6

    Will this eventually be distributed as an e-book too?

    #
    30
     May 19, 2011 at 7:59 am
    Reply
  31. verticies
    Posts: 140

    I too have to wonder how you do so much. Twins? Robot? Time machine? Or just incredibly talented, … will have to think about this. Will order soon.

    #
    31
     May 19, 2011 at 8:51 am
    Reply
  32. trinity5150
    Posts: 55

    Hey Jonathan,

    I may not be in to character modeling but I really think it’s awesome that you are releasing your book. Your tutorials are a great help. I’m finally trying my own project and things are looking good so far thanks to the modeling knowledge I have learn from you and the others who have contributed their tutorials.

    Keep up the great work :D

    #
    32
     May 19, 2011 at 10:57 am
    Reply
  33. Richard
    Posts: 6

    I slept a night over it and i preordered it now.

    I try to prepare myself for this book by following various tutorials. I was never good at modelling/drawing humans/characters, but i need to start with it and practice every day. I hope i will make progress and succeed. :D

    Cant wait for this book

    - Richard

    #
    33
     May 19, 2011 at 10:59 am
    Reply
  34. carpaithian
    Posts: 21

    If you bring one out on futuristic armoured soldiers I will definitely buy that one but this one I think I will pass

    #
    34
     May 19, 2011 at 11:08 am
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      Noted :) I’m already working through ideas for a second book so good to know!

      -Jonathan

      #
      34.1
       May 19, 2011 at 12:06 pm
      Reply
  35. davidgricar
    Posts: 1

    I love your tutorials and I’d love to order that book nut I have one question: is it possible to ship it to Slovenia?

    Thanks for your hard work and answer

    #
    35
     May 19, 2011 at 1:54 pm
    Reply
    • wesburke
      Posts: 319

      Hi David,

      I was able to pull up the country on our shipping software, so looks like it should be a go. :)

      #
      35.1
       May 19, 2011 at 2:35 pm
      Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      As far as I know there should not be a problem with Slovenia.

      -Jonathan

      #
      35.2
       May 19, 2011 at 3:20 pm
      Reply
  36. templar_320
    Posts: 14

    Congratulations, Jonathan! I am really excited to see that you are getting published. I hope that it is the first book of many. I can’t wait to get my copy!

    On that note, I would like to make a suggestion. With The Blender Training Series, the Exclusive Female Body Series, and now this, you have beaten female modelling to death. Show some brotherly love and do a few tutorials on male modelling. (-:

    #
    36
     May 19, 2011 at 2:38 pm
    Reply
  37. thiagokolb
    Posts: 124

    Jonathan it is possible to send the book here for Brazil?

    #
    37
     May 19, 2011 at 3:09 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      That shouldn’t be a problem. If the United States Postal Service can’t do it then we can make arrangements with UPS or FEDEX.

      -Jonathan

      #
      37.1
       May 19, 2011 at 3:19 pm
      Reply
  38. masterxeon1001
    Posts: 24

    I will buy anything you make. I want my signed copy to say “keep on blendering!” I’d buy 2 to frame it!

    #
    38
     May 19, 2011 at 6:41 pm
    Reply
  39. colincbn
    Posts: 3

    I figured out why some people say that after putting in payment info they get a message that says they have only completed the first part of the payment process.

    The CG Cookie site asks you to fill in shipping and order details then it redirects you to paypal for payment. The last page you see on CG Cookie before the redirect is the page saying you have completed the order but you need to verify payment with Paypal. Since this is the last page you were at on CG Cookie, when Paypal redirects you back after payment this is the page they send you to. I can see why this would be confusing to many people.

    BTW Pre-ordered from Japan. It was in the shipping drop down list so no worries.

    Thanks!

    #
    39
     May 19, 2011 at 8:45 pm
    Reply
  40. Starduster
    Posts: 8

    Hello, Jonathan,… I am really looking forward to getting this book, and I have to admit that I’m surprised how you replied to almost everyone, awesome (like always) of you…
    One QUESTION, however:
    Will you be modeling the whole head? Because she had the glasses on, so I would assume no eyes are modeled?

    #
    40
     May 19, 2011 at 10:52 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      Hey there,

      I chose to not model the eyes in this case, as you assumed, because I thought of the glasses as dark tinted lenses. I hope you like it when you get it :)

      -Jonathan

      #
      40.1
       May 19, 2011 at 10:57 pm
      Reply
  41. jamoroch
    Posts: 10

    Jonathan when do you sleep?? Damn! tutorials, training series, book… You are an Excelent artist and instructor. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

    About the book, 17 USD is a high price for intern’l shipping. Is it possible to pay first class air mail to Germany? How much would that cost?

    #
    41
     May 20, 2011 at 2:11 am
    Reply
    • testusera
      Posts: 7

      Hi Juan,

      We are shipping the books via USPS Flat Rate Priority. I checked the costs on First Class and it was a couple dollars cheaper. Though we were told by our local post office advisers that Priority was the preferred. If you would like we can ship how you would like, just contact us at support@cgcookie.zendesk.com and we can do a custom order for you. :)

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      41.1
       May 20, 2011 at 9:23 am
      Reply
  42. questionablyinsane
    Posts: 6

    This looks great! I finally talked myself into becoming a member and you come out with this two weeks later. You sure know how to hit this aspiring college boys wallet!

    You say that you are going to be getting into normal mapping so I assume you will be covering UV unwraping but how about just texturing (diffuse Mapping). If so will you be using photoshop or blender’s vertex painting?

    In anycase thank you for being an excellent resource.

    #
    42
     May 20, 2011 at 12:23 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      Hey Henry,

      I cover UV Unwrapping, normal map baking, and how to apply those normal maps to the models. I don’t actually cover any texturing through.

      Cheers,

      -Jonathan

      #
      42.1
       May 20, 2011 at 3:58 pm
      Reply
  43. Jay
    Posts: 3

    You know if you wanted to do another modeling book, you could do one where you create an environment specifically for this character. And yes, I’m preordering this book! Way to go Jonathan!

    #
    43
     May 20, 2011 at 12:25 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      I’m already looking at potential topics for a couple smaller ebooks that we will potentially self-publish and so this is a good suggestion. Thanks!

      -Jonathan

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      43.1
       May 20, 2011 at 3:57 pm
      Reply
  44. unhunkyguy
    Posts: 11

    Should have thought of that one through… I pre-ordered it two months ago. For two more dollars I could have gotten THIS. Eh, I guess I’ll cancel the pre-order to get this one.

    #
    44
     May 20, 2011 at 2:11 pm
    Reply
  45. thiagokolb
    Posts: 124

    is already running?

    New CG Cookie / Blender Cookie website

    #
    45
     May 20, 2011 at 3:08 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      Not quite, we’re getting closer to launching the beta, though :)

      -Jonathan

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      45.1
       May 20, 2011 at 3:24 pm
      Reply
  46. Thomas Bates
    Posts: 7

    This is killing me! I’ve been saving for a new PSU and GPU to update by old box for some good LuxRender/SLGPU work, and now this! I might as well just buy a BC Citizenship and the book at some point. When does Pre-Ordering end?

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    46
     May 20, 2011 at 6:58 pm
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      The pre-ordering will end when the book ships, approximately June 16th.

      -Jonathan

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      46.1
       May 20, 2011 at 7:38 pm
      Reply
  47. Richard F
    Posts: 2

    I would love to have a signed copy of this book. Unfortunatly shipping is half the cost of the book. Do you think the book will be in the stores in the netherlands on the launch date, or soon after that. I will buy the book then.

    Still, would have loved the signed version.

    #
    47
     May 21, 2011 at 1:18 am
    Reply
  48. chrisrezende
    Posts: 3

    As a CG Cookie citizen and owner of a copy of both female modeling tutorial DVDs from Montage Studios, I will definately buy this book. Thank you Jonathan for sharing with us your knowledge about character development and Blender in general. Cheers!

    #
    48
     May 21, 2011 at 5:05 pm
    Reply
  49. 0826105567
    Posts: 1

    hi there, this books sounds amazing and just what im looking for,just wanted to know if this book can be shipped to South Africa

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    49
     Sep 7, 2011 at 5:24 am
    Reply
    • jonathanwilliamson
      Posts: 1761

      As long as USPS can deliver there then we sure can! I don’t believe there are any problems. If USPS cannot deliver to South Africa then we can make special arrangements with UPS.

      -Jonathan

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      49.1
       Sep 7, 2011 at 10:58 am
      Reply
  50. christhom
    Posts: 11

    I’m curious how this differs from the training videos. IT loks like a lot of the same topics.

    I’m not hating, I’m just wondering.

    #
    50
     Oct 18, 2011 at 2:10 pm
    Reply

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