Maya 5 Fundamentals - Softcover

Lewis, Garry; Lammers, Jim

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0735713723 ISBN 13: 9780735713727

Publisher: New Riders Pub, 2004

Synopsis

This instructional guide describes the use of the main tools and techniques of the computer animation software, Maya 5. Sixteen chapters cover such topics as modeling with polygons, subdivisions surfaces modeling, materials, lighting, character animation, cameras and rendering, paint effects, and particle systems and dynamics. The DVD contains sample movie files demonstrating techniques from the text, as well as the necessary files needed for completing the contained projects. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

About the Author

Garry Lewis is a 3D artist, specializing in building large-scale environments. As a graduate of Kansas State University in interior architecture and product design, his last three years in the program were devoted to the study of 3D animation. He started as a 3D artist for Heilein Schrock Architects in Kansas City, building sports stadiums and large-venue commercial projects. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a freelance artist and consultant for Knoll Furniture company. He later joined forces with Digital Firepower to create fantasy environments for the film Dungeons and Dragons. Garry then became the 3D project manager for Fearless Eye Animation Studio. His projects include work with Sprint, KC Speedway, Missouri University, and other local and national companies. He is currently working near Atlanta, Georgia, on a completely 3D animated feature film. Garry can be contacted at glewis@me3d.tv.

Jim Lammers is an animator, instructor, and reseller of Maya based in Kansas City, Missouri. A graduate of the University of Missouri's Electrical Engineering program, he switched to freelance animation within a few years of graduation and formed his company, Trinity Animation, in 1992. Since then, Jim has combined animation production with training and 3D software sales. Trinity Animation's web site is a popular source worldwide for 3D software and related tools. Jim coordinates an active animation user's group in Kansas City and continues to produce animation. He created 3D effects for the Sony/TriStar film Starship Troopers in 1997 under renowned Hollywood effects veteran, Peter Kuran, and his company, VCE. Jim's other past animation work includes visualization projects for clients such as Nestle, McDonald's, and Butler Manufacturing. Jim can be reached at jim@trinity3d.com.

From the Back Cover

Whether you are new to the 3D environment or are porting your skills from a different 3D graphics program, if you are a hands-on learner, Maya 5 Fundamentals is the book for you. Author Jim Lammers gets you started with a straightforward conceptual framework, then launches into a series of well-developed tutorials designed to move you from being a rank beginner to a confident Maya user.With Maya 5 Fundamentals, you'll learn to

* Model, texture, and add paint effects hair to a human head, based on supplied photography (this model is also used for the book's cover)
* Create a complete architectural scene based on drawings, then light, texture, and render it
* Learn to use Mental Ray -- new in Maya 5 -- for photorealistic lighting and complex materials
* Model complex objects -- build a car model from photos using NURBS, then create a realistic rendering of it
* Learn Maya with an animation of an undersea tour that washes up on a tropical beach

The CD-ROM includes a dozen hours of hands-on tutorial movies (recorded at 800X600) to aid your learning process.

Edition details

• Publisher: New Riders Pub
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0735713723
• ISBN 13: 9780735713727
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 450