Maya Introduction 2017

What is Maya?

Autodesk Maya, commonly shortened to Maya, is a 3D computer graphics software that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, originally developed by Alias Systems Corporation (formerly Alias|Wavefront) and currently owned and developed by Autodesk, Inc. It is used to create interactive 3D applications, including video games, animated film, TV series, or visual effects.

Modules In Maya:

1. Modeling
2. Texturing
3. Rigging
4. Animation
5. Dynamics

MODELING:

3D modeling (or three-dimensional modeling) is the process of developing a mathematical representation of any Three-dimensional space|three-dimensional surface (mathematics)|surface of an object (either inanimate or living) via 3D computer graphics software|specialized software like Maya. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices.

There are two types of Modeling:

1. Polygonal Modeling
2. Curve Modeling

Polygonal modeling Points in 3D space, called vertices, are connected by line segments to form a polygon mesh. The vast majority of 3D models today are built as textured polygonal models, because they are flexible and because computers can render them so quickly. However, polygons are planar and can only approximate curved surfaces using many polygons.

Curve modeling Surfaces are defined by curves, which are influenced by weighted control points. The curve follows (but does not necessarily interpolate) the points. Increasing the weight for a point will pull the curve closer to that point. Curve types include nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS), splines, patches, and geometric primitives.

TEXTURING:

Texturing is a process of determining the material of the model, whether it is metal, skin, wood etc.

This is done by unfolding the model onto a 2D plane which is also called Unwrapping, and then the model is mapped to specific areas of the model and textures are applied to it using image editing software like Photoshop.

When the editing in Photoshop is finished the mapped image is applied to the model again.

This map is also called UV Map.

RIGGING:

Rigging is the process of adding skeleton to the model you have created and added textures for.

This is done by adding a joint and adding one more then joining both with a bone, like this when the whole skeleton is created it is linked to the model and you can brush the effected areas of the model to get smooth proper movements of it.

To make rigging possible the person should be aware of the anatomy of the model and the bone structure of model he is rigging.

After the rigging process is completed he also adds controls to every joint for the animator who animates by controlling the controls he created.

  

ANIMATION:

After rigging the animator creates animations by controlling the controls of the model as the director directs him to do.

He creates keys on the timeline to create the animation, this is the longest running process in Animated Movie Production.

DYNAMICS:

Dynamics are anything which cannot come under category of models, dynamics help us in creating particle effects, hairs, furs , water etc.

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