This is the first of two volumes explaining proven methods of creating 3D cartoon characters for animation. These books are the most complete, indepth, and accurate resource available for character creation and animation using LightWave 3D. The book includes both general theory and comprehensive tutorials for every aspect of modeling and texturing 3D characters, the fundamental building blocks of character animation. It also includes a bonus "complete introduction to character creation" including modelling, surfacing, and rigging. Topics include: Concept design and analysis; Subdivision character modelling; Complex UV mapping techniques made easy; Surfacing and surface attributes; Texturing using gradients and procedural textures; Image map creation and application. Also included are descriptions of useful third-party plug-ins, many of which are used in the tutorials. The companion CD includes all the featured third-party plug-ins, example files for the tutorials, and all the illustrations in full colour.