Learning Autodesk Maya 2008: The Modeling and Animation Handbook

Develop out of this world modeling and animation skills with Learning Autodesk Maya 2008 I The Modeling & Animation Handbook. Follow clear, step-by-step tutorials to understand the modeling and animation stages of production using artwork from the LAIKA short film Moongirl. Learn to build models with a variety of surface types and then make them move with a wide range of animation techniques directly from the makers of Autodesk Maya. You'll learn to make sound decisions from the beginning, to save yourself unnecessary challenges further down the pipeline. You'll learn how to model with polygons, NURBS and Subdivision Surfaces; understand skeletons and joint orientation; work with inverse kinematics, skin your characters; animate a complete scene including props, constraints, and characters; and much more. The bonus DVD includes free models from Turbo Squid, Autodesk Maya reference guides, and scene files to help you breathe life into your creations.

The Modeling & Animation Handbook.

Develop out of this world modeling and animation skills with Learning Autodesk Maya 2008 / The Modeling & Animation Handbook. Follow clear, step-by-step tutorials to understand the modeling and animation stages of production using artwork from the LAIKA short film Moongirl. Learn to build models with a variety of surface types an then make them move with a wide range of animation techniques directly from the makers of Autodesk® software. You'll learn to make sound decision from the beginning, to save yourself unnecessary challenges further down the pipeline.

With this book, you will:

• Model with polygons, NURBS and Subdivision Surfaces
• Understand skeletons and joint orientation
• Work with inverse kinematics
• Setup a leg, arm and spine
• Work with blendShapes
• Skin your characters
• Create constraints
• Create a walk cycle
• Animate a complete scene including props, constraints and characters

Bonus features included on DVD

• Free models from Turbo Squid
• Autodesk Maya reference guides
• support files

What you need to use this book

• Autodesk® Maya® Complete 2008 or Maya® Personal Learning Edition software
• DVD-ROM drive