3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya

Each chapter of 3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya introduces critical aspects of the 3D animation process and presents clear and concise tutorials that link key concepts to practical Autodesk® Maya® techniques. Providing a principles-based, yet pragmatic, approach to 3D animation, this first-of-its-kind book:

• Describes the process for creating animated projects in a nonmathematical fashion
• Explains why—and not just how—to apply Maya techniques in the real world
• Includes access to a dedicated Web site, http://3dbybuzz.com, featuring useful videos, lessons, and updates

3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya

is an ideal academic textbook as well as a superlative do-it-yourself training manual. When employed as a text, it frees the instructor from the painstaking task of developing step-by-step examples to present Maya’s complex interface and basic capabilities. When used for individual study, aspiring animators revel in the book’s easy-to-follow, hands-on learning style.

Make 3D Animation for the Raw Beginner Using Maya your book of choice for understanding the essential theory and practice of 3D animation.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Oriented
Chapter 2: The Maya Interface and Modeling Concepts in Maya
Chapter 3: Modeling, Creating Materials, and Rendering
Chapter 4: Hierarchies of Objects, a Polygon Example, Detailed Polygon Modeling, and a NURBS Example
Chapter 5: Materials, Bump Maps, Lights, Projection versus Normal Textures, Connecting NURBS Surfaces, and Layered Textures
Chapter 6: Particle Dynamics
Chapter 7: A First Look at Adding Animation
Chapter 8: The Fuzzy Border between Modeling and Animating
Chapter 9: Light Fog, Fluids, and Another Look at Materials
Chapter 10: An Example Model: A Closet
Chapter 11: Specialized Animation Techniques
Chapter 12: Specialized Materials and Material Effects
Chapter 13: The UV Texture Editor
Chapter 14: Multi-App Maya Workflow, Managing Complex Scenes, and Sculpting Applications
Chapter 15: Advanced Light and Materials Properties and Effects
Chapter 16: The Cabana
Chapter 17: Cool Concepts