Active Maya Posts
How To: Use the Extrude tool in Autodesk Maya 2011
In this video tutorial, we learn how to use the Extrude tool within Autodesk Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the 3ds Max 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the lessons imparted by this free video software tutorial yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create creases and hard edges when modeling in Autodesk Maya 2011
In this video tutorial, we learn how to create creases and hard edges in Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the lessons imparted by this free video software tutorial yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Apply normal maps when creating textures and shaders in Maya 2011
In this tutorial, we learn how to work with normal maps within Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Use ramp textures in Autodesk Maya 2011
In this tutorial, we learn how to work with ramp textures within Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Use the mia_material material shader in Maya 2011
In this tutorial, we learn how to work with the mia_material shader tool in Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Use diffuse reflections when creating textures and shaders in Maya 2011
In this tutorial, we learn how to work with diffuse reflections when creating textures and shaders within Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Work with multiple UV's in Maya UV editor for textures
Material texture and lighting within the 3D modeling Community is a skill in itself. Hopefully this will help those that are trying to go down the road of a texture artist. part one covers editing multiple uv's at the same time on a model in Maya using the Maya UV editor. part two covers painting on a UV set exported from Maya in Photoshop. Part three covers using Masks from your UV set in Zbrush. Lastly you will see how to put the textured object in the Unreal Engine.
How To: Create a mental ray area light in Autodesk Maya 2011
In this clip, you'll learn how to create a mental ray area light within Autodesk Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular 3D modeling application or are just looking to get better acquainted with Maya 2011 and its various features and functions, you're sure to enjoy this free video software tutorial. For more information, including complete instructions, watch this 3D modeler's guide.
How To: Animate parameters in Autodesk Maya 2010
In this clip, you'll learn how to go about automating basic parameters within Autodesk Maya 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 3D 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create mattes with garbage masks in Autodesk Maya 2010
In this clip, you'll learn how to create garbage mattess in Autodesk Maya 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 3D 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Composite footage in Maya 2010 with MatchMover, Toxik & Backburner
In this clip, you'll learn how to get started compositing digital footage within Autodesk Maya 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 3D 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Import a MatchMover scene into Autodesk Maya 2010
In this clip, you'll learn how to import MatchMover secenes into Autodesk Maya 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 3D 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Use automatic matching in Autodesk Maya 3D 2010
In this clip, you'll learn how to use automatic matching in Autodesk Maya 2010. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 3D 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Master 3D modeling in Maya by modeling a chair
Maya is the most powerful 3D modeling tool that most people are likely to have access to. This video will teach you some basic techniques for creating 3D models in the program by teaching you how to make a chair from scratch. It's not a very exciting chair, sure, but you have to start somewhere, and making a chair is a lot easier than making an orc, so get to practicing!
How To: Create more organic looking polygons on your models
In this fantastic, quick video, John takes a different approach to fixing the tail on his Dolphin model by adding a more organic look and feel to the polygons in the actual model. He takes his time, showing you everything that he's doing as he goes along with some great commentary!
How To: Do a duplicate mirror merge in Maya 8.5
If you're in a 3D modeling class, then you might want to check out this Autodesk Maya 8.5 two-part video tutorial. These videos cover how to do a duplicate mirror merge. So, if you want to build an animated character in Maya, just watch for these tips on a dup mirror merge.
How To: Use render passes when working in Maya 2011
Learn how to use render passes in your Maya 2011 projects. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using render passes yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Use render layers when working in Maya 2011
Learn how to use and work with render layers in your Maya 2011 projects. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using render layers in your own Maya 2011 projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Use global illumination in Maya 2011
Learn how to create global illumination effects in Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started creating GI effects in your own Maya 2011 projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create global illumination photons in Maya 2011
Learn how to create global illumination photons when working within Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using GI photons in your own Maya projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create depth map shadows in Maya 2011
Learn how to create depth map shadows when working within Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started making depth map shadows in your own Maya projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Preview lighting and shadows in Maya 2011
Learn how to preview lighting and shadows when working in Maya 2011. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started previewing lighting and shadows in your own Maya projects, watch this free video guide.
How To: Work with different CG light types in Maya 2011
Learn about Maya 2011's various CG light types. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using CG light types in Maya 2011 yourself, watch this free video guide.
How To: Rotate & revolve cameras in Maya
In this tutorial, we learn how to rotate and revolve cameras in Maya. First, go to create primitives on the menu at the top. Next, create a camera and pull it out onto the circle. Now, click the camera and then the circle, then hit the 'p' key on the keyboard. Now, you can rotate your circle around and it will rotate on the y axis. To set this, click on 50, then type in 360 on the 'y axis' space. After this, hit 's' an you will have a key frame. You can change the settings as you prefer, then...
How To: Make flowers grow in Maya 8.5
In this tutorial, you will see how to make flowers grow in Maya. The text is a bit hard to read, so it will help if you have some general knowledge of the Maya interface.
How To: Paint 3D objects with Maya's 3D Paint Tool
Want to learn how to quickly and easily paint directly on 3D objects? With Maya's 3D paint tool, it's a cinch. And this guide will show you how. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Model realistic 3D eyeballs in Maya 7 or later
Interested in making some eyeballs? Here's a quick and easy way to make them using textures readily available on Highend 3d and a NURBS sphere. And this guide will show you how. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create and use influence objects in Maya 7 or later
Learn how to use influence objects in a smooth bind to help ease your blendshape woes...or if you like blendshapes, use them to help get that extra little tweak you always wished you could have. And this guide will show you how. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, ...
How To: Use Paint Effects in Maya 7
Paint Effects are a great tool that help us fill out scenes and do all sorts of things quickly and easily. Learn how to find the brushes and use them, as well as some of the up sides and down sides of using them. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free ...
How To: Import an object from one scene to another in Maya 7
Learn how to import objects from one scene into another in Maya 7 or later. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Use the bend deformer tool in Maya 7 or later
Learn how to use the bend deformer to make your models a little more dynamic without having to learn all that bothersome animation stuff! Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with application and its workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this free video guide.
How To: Create a 3D model of a knurl using Maya
For those who aren't familiar with them, knurls (can also be a verb: knurling) are the textured parts on the end of screws and other metal pieces that make them easier to grab. This video will teach you how to use Maya to create 3D models of knurls. You probably won't need too many knurls in your 3D art, unless you work in industry, but the lessons learned here can be applied to all sorts of other 3D modeling projects.
How To: 3D model a tire tread using Maya
Tire treads may not seem like a terribly important thing to model properly, but they are intricate and learning how to do it is a valuable experience. This video will walk you through creating a 3D model of a tire tread using Maya, specifically brutalizing a bend deformer.
How To: 3D model a skeleton torso using Maya
The human skeleton may not be that artistically satisfying by itself, but a good realistic model of one is the basis of much of the most anatomically correct and natural-looking art. This three-part video will teach you how to 3D model a skeleton using Maya, starting with the vertebrae, then the spine, then the ribcage. If you can create this, you are well on your way to 3D modeling all sorts of natural human forms.
How To: Create, align, and sync 3D image planes in Maya
This video from accredited Maya 3D instructor Andrew Klein is a part of his wonderful series of videos covering different aspects of 3D digital art. It covers how to use Photoshop and Maya together to create, align, and sync image planes properly. Take some pictures of your cell phone and get started!
How To: Create a 3D UV of shoelaces in Maya
Creating good UVs with Maya can be tough, and get tougher depending on what type of object you are trying to unwrap. This short video tutorial covers how to create accurate UVs for long objects like rope or, in this case, shoelaces. This is a simple technique, but one that should enable you to model much more smoothly and accurately in the future, especially if you often find yourself creating 3D models of shoes.
How To: Model a head in 3D using Maya edge extrusion method
Modeling a face using Maya or any other 3D art program is tough to do without having the result end up looking like a zombie. See the film Final Fantasy: The Spirit Within if you don't know what I'm talking about. This six-part video will help you avoid this problem in your own 3D models by teaching you how to 3D model a face using the head extrusion method in Maya. You'll need a photo to start with (the creator does not supply the one he used here) but once you have that you should be able t...
How To: Use LOD (level of detail) groups in Maya
This video, from accredited 3D art instructor Andrew Klein, will teach you how to use one of the many powerful features in Maya to manipulate you 3D models. Specifically, it will teach you how to use the LOD (level of detail) tool in order to control how much of your model loads at any time, making it animate more smoothly in games and other applications.
How To: Easily create a normal map in Maya
Creating beautiful 3D images in Maya is easier than doing so by hand, but not by much! This video will teach you how to use Maya to create a normal map form a high poly geometry easily using the render pass feature that came out in Maya 2009.
How To: Use the UV unwrap tool in Maya
Maya 2009 introduced a lot of cool new UV tools to the already-powerful Maya 3D modeling software. This two-part video will teach you how to use some of these features to cut apart a 3D model of a hand by its UV edges. This technique is perfect for very fast organic UV unwraps, and should improve your skills and speed of modeling dramatically.