Learning Maya 5: Foundation - Softcover

Alias Wavefront; Alias|Wavefront

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1894893344 ISBN 13: 9781894893343

Publisher: Sybex Inc, 2003

Synopsis

A handbook developed by the creators of Maya explores the diverse features of the popular tool for creating 3D modeling, animation, and rendering in a full-color tutorial that comes complete with insider advice, hands-on exercises, and an accompanying DVD. Original. (Beginner)

About this title

About the Author

This official book is authored by Alias Wavefront, the creators of Maya.

From the Back Cover

Maya is the first choice of digital content creators producing award-winning games, 3D animation and visual effects. Built on a procedural architecture called the Dependency Graph, Maya offers incredible power and flexibility for generating digital images of animated characters and scenes.

Learning Maya 5: Foundation takes you through over twenty project-focused lessons that offer hands-on experience with key tools and techniques.

This book introduces you to the following topics:

• The Maya User Interface
• Working in 3D space
• NURBS (spline) Modeling
• Polygonal Modeling
• Keyframes and Motion Paths
• Trax Non-linear animation
• Forward and Inverse Kinematics
• Surface Deformations
• Cameras and Lights
• Shaders and Techniques
• Particles and Dynamics
• MEL (Maya Embedded Language)

What you need to use this book:

• Maya Complete , Maya Unlimited , or Maya Personal Learning Edition version 5 software
• A DVD-ROM or set-top player

Project One: Bouncing Ball
Quickly get your feet wet by animating a basic bouncing ball. Add a squash and stretch, create a ring of fire using a particle clip effect, then add sparks as the ball hits the flames.

Project Two: Jack-in-the-box
Learn the basics of modeling, animating, and rendering a scene. Use Maya Artisan tools to sculpt Jack's face and to paint a color texture in 3D. Refine the scene's rendering using IPR (Interactive Photorealistic Rendering).

Project Three: Space Battle
Starting with a more in-depth look at polygonal and NURBS modeling, this project sets up a motion path animation, complete with Opti-FX explosions. Use Maya Paint Effects to create a realistic starfield.

Project Four: Primitive Man
Using Maya's Trax non-linear animation, you cycle for a bi-ped Inverse Kinematic skeleton. This lesson will also explore basic character skinning and deformation.

Project Five: Salty the Seal
This project brings together the skills developed in earlier lessons into a more complex scene where you learn how Maya lets you fully integrate modeling, rendering, and animation tasks.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sybex Inc
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1894893344
• ISBN 13: 9781894893343
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 560