Sams Teach Yourself Maya in 24 Hours, Rough Cuts

This is the Rough Cut version of the printed book.

In just 24 sessions of one hour or less, artists can learn how to create stunning images and engaging animations using the popular Industry-standard program Autodesk Maya. The unique format of this book/DVD package stands out in that it gives artists the chance to get fully up and running on Maya in just 24 hours. Kenny Roy provides the necessary tools to get started in the shortest amount of time possible: step by step tutorials, quizzes and exercises.

 

This book and DVD package takes novices through all of the paces of Maya, in a textbook fashion, with quizzes, helpful tips, and things to avoid. The DVD includes 3+ hours of video tutorials that correspond with the chapters, exclusive video tutorials just for the book!

Table of Contents

1 Introduction to AutoDesk Maya and This Book

2 Menus and Navigating the Maya UI

3 File Types and Managing Assets

4 Modeling with Polygonal Geometry

5 Modeling NURBS Curves and Surfaces

6 Unfolding UVs and Applying Textures

7 Creating Node Networks in the Hypershade

8 Character Modeling

9 Relationships and Making Nodes Work Together

10 Basic Rigging - Readying Objects for Animation

11 Character Rigging - Articulating Characters

12 Skinning - Attaching Geometry to a Bone System

13 Animation - Adding Movement to Your Scene

14 Creating and Adjusting Cameras

15 Making Diverse Shapes with Blendshapes

16 Animating Using Dynamics and Simulations

17 Scripting and Automating Common Tasks

18 Using Particles to Create Effects

19 Lighting Your Scene Correctly

20 Applying Hair and Cloth for Realism

21 Rendering Final Imagery

22 Working with Film

23 Correct Project Management / Scene Workflow

24 Ideal Settings, Preferences, and Hotkeys