Introduction to Maya

Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and animation. We are going to look at the production pipeline that is common to most animation studios. To start a project, a character designer draws the concept, and the director must approve it before work continues. The drawings will then be handed off to the modeler, who will create the character in Maya. The model is then handed off to the texture artist, who will apply shaders, skins, and colors. It will then go to the rigger, who sets up puppet controls for the animator to use. The animator brings the character to life through movement. Once the animation is finalized, it goes to the lighter to set up the lights and render the final images. Each module in this class will give you a broad view of what each job entails. We must first learn the basics of navigating Maya, so that is what most of this module is about. We will then talk about character design, and how to prepare the drawings for Maya.