How to add influence objects, skin weights and hair to a character for a more realistic look.How to use character rigging, skinning, and inverse kinematics to animate realistic movements.How to use keyframes, motion paths and the Graph Editor to create animations.How to use lights, cameras, and depth of field to render captivating scenes.How to use Paint Effects to paint on and quickly create complex 3D Models.How to assign materials and textures to make realistic-looking models.How to create models using curves, NURBS, Polygons and more.Users who are migrating from another 3D application or upgrading from a previous version of Maya will also benefit greatly from this text. If you want to work in a creative field or are just curious about how 3D animated movies are made this book is the perfect way to get started. Who this book is for This text was created specifically for users with no prior 3D modeling or animation experience. Working your way through the comprehensive, step-by-step lessons, you'll develop the confidence you need to create incredible renderings and animations using Autodesk Maya. Then you go in-depth with the objective of your task as you study examples and learn the steps necessary to complete it. Each chapter begins by examining the concept behind each task, the goal and the necessary features that are involved. Additionally, more advanced features such as character rigging, skinning, animating with dynamics and MEL scripting are also introduced. It begins by helping you get comfortable with the user interface and navigating scenes before moving into modeling, texturing, lighting, animating, rendering and more. Autodesk Maya 2020 Basics Guide makes no assumptions about your previous experience with Autodesk Maya. Each chapter has a corresponding video tutorial that introduces you to the topics and allows you to watch and learn how functions are performed in a way that a text alone cannot do. The text is complemented by video instruction. Using clear and easy to follow instructions this book will guide you through learning all the major features of Maya. Murdock, Autodesk Maya 2020 Basics Guide is designed to give new users a solid understanding of the fundamental skills needed to create beautiful 3D models and stunning animations with Autodesk Maya.
For the computer animation professional seeking a more in-depth mastery of this popular animation program, Mastering Autodesk Maya is an excellent investment in the future of your career.Written by renowned author and 3D artist Kelly L. Topics include:Animation using inverse kinematics, keyframes, and deformersHard surface and organic modelingProper rigging techniques, and working with Maya MuscleXgen, Paint Effects, and rendering with mental rayTexture mapping, compositing, nParticles, and moreVirtual filmmaking and scene managementThe most complex skills are useless if they can't be applied, so the book emphasizes the practical, day-to-day uses of each skill, and discusses which solutions best fit which scenario.
The unique combination of challenging material and practical instruction make this one-of-a-kind guide the ultimate Maya handbook. Complete and comprehensive, the book makes an excellent desk reference for the working animator, and is an ideal resource for those seeking Maya certification. Written for those who already know the basics of this enormous program, the book covers advanced topics and professional techniques for modeling, animation, texturing, and visual effects.Fully updated to reflect Maya's latest features, the book takes a hands-on approach to instruction, providing readers with a diverse set of tutorials designed by real-world professionals to showcase 3D animation and visual techniques used in industry settings. Author Todd Palamar draws on his extensive professional animation experience to help readers take their Maya skills to the next level. Expand your skills with complete Maya masteryMastering Autodesk Maya is the ultimate guide to the popular 3D animation software.