Maya, the industry-leading 3D animation and effects software used in movies, games, cartoons, and commercials, is challenging to learn. This full-color guide features approachable, hands-on exercises and additional task-based tutorials that allow new users to quickly become productive with the program and familiar with its workflow in a professional environment. You'll learn the basics of modeling, texturing, animating, and lighting; explore different parts of the production pipeline; and practice on some real-world projects.
Autodesk Maya Essentials provides beginners with a solid foundation in Maya 3D software.
Paul Naas is a professional animator and educator. He runs the Multimedia and Computer Graphics Program at Cañada College in Redwood City, California, and has done animation work for companies such as Disney, Cisco, bZillions/C2 Gaming, and the Children's Discovery Museum. He is also a professional cartoon artist. He has a Master of Fine Arts in animation from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.