Digital-Tutors, an Autodesk Certified Publisher, announced the availability of INTRODUCTION TO MODELING IN MAYA, the newest release in an expanding library of interactive video-based training for emerging digital artists learning Maya 8.5, the award-winning 3D modeling, animation, effects and rendering solution. INTRODUCTION TO MODELING IN MAYA provides more than five hours of project-based training and a proven approach to learning the processes of modeling using NURBS, Sub-Ds and Polygons to develop a customizable workflow for greater productivity.
"Far too often, artists do not know and fully understand the scope of modeling tools available in an application such as Maya," said Justin Marshall, modeling curriculum developer at Digital-Tutors. "Our training is developed to teach artists an array of modeling tools and creative techniques so that the artist can completely customize a workflow that would work best for their individual needs using an interactive project. These techniques will also allow artists to become highly flexible and adaptive when working with various different pipelines."
Highlights from popular topics from INTRODUCTION TO MODELING IN MAYA include: an overview of modeling tools in Maya, introduction to various types of geometry, surface conversions, proxy modeling, combining geometry, mirroring geometry, incorporating animation to modeling workflow, using a polygon-to-subdivision workflow, principles of creating clean geometry, adding edge resolution, working with NURBS curves, surfaces and trims, organizing assets, shader creation and assignment, lofting to create geometry using multiple NURBS curves, creating geometry along paths with NURBS extrude, manipulating NURBS parameterization, extruding to add resolution in specific areas, adding and re-routing edges with Split Polygon Tool, interactively adding edges around objects, reshaping high-resolution geometry with lattice deformers, creating interlocking chain links with animated snapshot and additional lessons developed to teach artists multiple modeling techniques using Maya.
Digital-Tutors recently announced the availability of INTRODUCTION TO XSI 6, the first commercially available training product for SOFTIMAGE|XSI 6. Artists will be exposed to innovative techniques and a proven approach to learning modeling, texturing, lighting, animation and rendering in XSI 6. INTRODUCTION TO XSI 6 provides more than seven hours of project-based training developed to increase the artist's productivity and understanding of XSI 6 while using the powerful new tools and features available in version 6.
"The caliber of training Digital-Tutors produces is unsurpassed and is considered a standard at our facility," said Eric Rosner, director of Animation at TVLand. "Their style, approach and projects always result in clarity and truly mimic a classroom environment where one would have their own personal Tutor. I stumbled upon Digital-Tutors a few years ago and have been hooked since. I credit Digital-Tutors as a driving force in the professional success of myself and my team at TVLand."
Highlights from INTRODUCTION TO XSI 6 include: setting up rotoscopes, modeling with different surface meshes, polygon modeling techniques, extruding faces and edges, extracting geometry, assigning materials and textures, creatively using deformers, parenting objects into animation-friendly hierarchy, optimizing workflow with keying panel, automating movement with path animation, setting and modifying keyframes with the Animation Editor, utilizing the Material Manager, efficiently UV mapping, learning various light and shadow types, applying rendering techniques, creating shader networks with the Render Tree, adjusting centers, working with the Texture Layer Editor, creating and modifying UVs with texture projections, employing the Operator Stack, creating smoke effects with particles and additional lessons.
Digital-Tutors (www.digitaltutors.com) is an internationally known innovator of interactive training whose client list includes thousands of students, professionals, Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, schools and nonprofit associations from across the globe. Digital-Tutors develops award-winning training solutions for emerging digital artists using a unique teaching approach designed by university professors and industry professionals.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
