Lynda.COM Maya 2011: Modeling a Character

Ryan Kittleson

Duration:
03h 03m

Released on:
10/12/2010

Exercise files:
Yes

Software works on:
Windiws only


In Maya 2011: Modeling a Character, join author Ryan Kittleson for a thorough demonstration on how to create a professional, realistic 3D character from scratch in Maya 2011. The course illustrates how key concepts and tools such as Soft Select and polygon extrusions apply to character modeling, and provides a simple step-by-step approach to building character anatomy, including the torso, limbs, hands, face, and hair. Also included are tutorials on modeling clothing and shoes, and refining character features to reach the final product. Exercise files accompany the course.

Recommended prerequisites: Maya 2011 Essential Training

Topics include:
Smoothing out rough, polygonal surfaces with Smooth Preview
Fashioning limbs and features from an existing model
Manipulating polygons to create detail
Using the Sculpt Geometry tool to make organic changes
Modeling facial structure and the body
Creating hair with NURBS curves
Modeling pants, shoes, and shirts
Forming creases and hard edges
Fixing problem areas
Applying the finishing touches


Introduction 02m 06s
Welcome 01m 27s
Using the exercise files 00m 39s

1. The Interface and Tools Used Most in Character Modeling 31m 38s
Navigation and views 03m 07s
Using Smooth Preview 01m 34s
Using the Extrude tool 05m 58s
Using the power of Soft Select 03m 54s
Adding new detail to an existing model 03m 52s
Using the Sculpt Geometry tool 04m 35s
Working symmetrically 05m 17s
Setting up the image planes in Maya 03m 21s

2. Character Modeling Theory and General Skills 18m 43s
Proper edge flow 06m 04s
Attaching separately modeled body parts 07m 06s
Managing your scene 05m 33s

3. Modeling the Head 45m 43s
Beginning the basic facial structure 06m 40s
Making the head and neck 05m 13s
Refining the mouth 04m 47s
Forming the eyes 07m 20s
Building the nose 03m 01s
Crafting the ears 06m 18s
Making the teeth and gums 08m 14s
Modeling the tongue and eyebrow 04m 10s

4. Modeling the Body 26m 28s
Modeling the upper torso 05m 33s
Working from the waist down to the feet 04m 55s
Constructing the palm and thumb 04m 18s
Making fingers and finishing the hand 04m 54s
Applying artistic principles to the body 06m 48s

5. Modeling the Hair 13m 28s
Drawing the NURBS curves for hair 08m 57s
Sculpting the polygonal hair clumps 04m 31s

6. Modeling the Clothes 20m 43s
Modeling the pants 06m 16s
Creating the shirt 08m 07s
Making the shoes 06m 20s

7. Refining the Model 22m 16s
Creases and hard edges 07m 22s
Cleaning up problem areas 05m 00s
Putting on the finishing touches 04m 58s
Adapting one model for many characters 04m 56s

Conclusion 02m 19s
Recap and further recommendations 02m 19s