| This Maya modeling book is unique in its approach to modeling a high-resolution character model. Where other books take a grueling approach that often leaves readers confused, Maya 8 Character Modeling breaks down the character into an easy-to-follow formula. Readers learn that modeling a character can be accomplished without the fear of being in over their heads. In addition, the author takes a light-hearted approach to the subject matter, making the learning process easier to digest. This allows the reader to look at the modeling process as an enjoyable undertaking as opposed to dealing with the steep learning curve of other modeling books.
In sitting down to write this book, I really wanted to clearly define an approach that was accessible enough for a beginner to grasp. I have seen many tutorials that are so puzzling that in effect they deter anyone from 3D modeling. The problem most people have is distinguishing the good from the not so good, which can be difficult for the novice who is just getting his feet wet.
I didn’t want this to be a tedious string of tutorials that you can’t digress from or easily put your own touch on. At each step along the way, I hope to keep it nice and simple. I think this way you can use this book merely as a guide to get you started on your own model instead of just copying what you see in the pages to follow. If, however, you want to do just that, by all means go right ahead! I have included on the companion CD all the files necessary to create the character and a Maya file to accompany each chapter.
In my years of teaching I have found that it is generally difficult for new 3D artists to work out the bugs. If you are willing to see it through, I can guarantee you will get it! I tell students to get in there and break things. Mess up as much as you need to in order to learn from your mistakes. Do it over and over again until you understand what you did wrong. The process of scrapping a model and starting over from scratch will strengthen your skills.
This approach will not go unrewarded. What I hear often from students is the “I don’t get it” mantra. I tell them that the Eureka moment will come. It usually does — like a brick upside the head! One day they wake up and they just get it! What I am trying to say is don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come easy. If you are determined to learn, then learn you will. |