Maya

Maya is arguably one of the most advanced 3D modeling and animation tools at present. This class introduces you to the elements required to learn the Maya interface as well as the many Maya modeling tools. Maya as with any large application sometime takes years to become a master. However, the exercises that will be provided will teach you the foundation at the beginning and as your abilities increase this will allow the class to move onto harder subject matter.

The rate of progress will depend on the class dynamics, past computer skills, and your enthusiasm and involvement.

Some people may find this program overwhelming at first, but once you discover its fundamental structure and the organization, you will find the interface is very logical even though it may be different from other programs that you have tried. Remember that the computer is supposed to be a slave to us! Good luck and have fun.

Please Note the following:

1. The target audience for this workshop includes but is not limited to Film, computer animation and Video special effects that would be seen in many major movies and game designers.

Classes will cover the following topics

- Maya interface

- Understand Polygons

- Using a 2D sketch to make a animation character (Photoshop)

- Understanding image planes within Maya

- Using the image plane to make the base mesh

- Completing the mesh with a UV layout

- Using the mental ray Approximation Editor for rendering

- Character rigging and controls

- Animation

- Special effects

- Programming in Maya (C and C++ fundamental programming only)

- Dynamics

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