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Next Steps
3ds max 4 comes with 10 material types and 7 shaders. Understanding the components of each of the materials and how maps and shaders can be used to achieve the material effect you are looking for will take a lot of study and experimentation. Figure 18 shows the Maps rollout for the Raytrace material—a total of 19 component maps, as compared to 12 for the Standard material.
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Figure 18 Understanding the Raytrace material is a good next step. After you have studied it thoroughly, experiment with the remaining seven max 4 material types.
To master the Material Editor, all 10 max 4 materials and their components need to be explored in depth. Employ the same approach used in this appendix, and experiment with each component separately to understand its effect. Also consult the User Reference for the basic application information on the specific component-mapping process, and then let your imagination run wild.
The sustaining food of the imagination is knowledge. Feed your imagination and creative process by understanding the capability of every material component and shader in max. This will empower your artistic vision and help you achieve a style all your own.