Mastering Maya 7

This official, Alias-endorsed guide offers comprehensive, in-depth coverage of the Maya interface. You'll find: A Quick Start overview followed by in-depth coverage of the Maya interface and all of the tools for modeling, texturing, animation, and special effects. Information on of all of Maya's latest features as well as chapters on advanced topics. Material on Maya Unlimited topics such as cloth, fur, and fluids. A logical organization that that follows the typical Maya workflow. Tutorials for modelers and animators from all disciplines. A CD-ROM with tutorial files and the Maya Personal Learning Edition. Order your copy today! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included.

The Ultimate Maya 7 Resource

Get complete, expert, and in-depth coverage of Maya 7, the world's premier 3D software tool for modeling, animation, and rendering. This authoritative Maya Press reference and tutorial quickly transitions from Maya basics to advanced topics and techniques to help users of all abilities sharpen their skills and techniques.

Beginning with a Quick Start overview of Maya's interface, workflow, and node structure, Mastering Maya 7 gets you right into the nitty-gritty of using Maya. You'll find detailed instruction on the Maya interface and all modeling, texturing, animation, and special effects tools. This complete reference features hands-on tutorials created by a diverse team of experts to reinforce your understanding of the lessons and techniques. Focusing on all of Maya's latest features, this definitive book even includes chapters on Maya Unlimited topics such as hair, cloth, fur, and fluid dynamics. Coverage includes:

Modeling: NURBS, polygons, subdivision surfaces, and such advanced modeling techniques as using blend shapes with deformers

Rigging and Animation: IK and FK, skeletons, joint and lattice deformers, weighting characters, keyframe and nonlinear animation techniques

Texturing and Rendering: light types, effects, and techniques; the Hypershade; shading and texturing attributes; software rendering; detailed mental ray coverage including HDRI, Final Gather, and Global Illumination techniques

Advanced Maya: Maya Embedded Language (MEL); Paint Effects; particles; fluid effects; rigid body dynamics; Maya hair, fur, cloth, and Toon shader

The enclosed CD features tutorial files, images, and scene files that let you complete the hands-on exercises and compare your work to the pros. It also includes the latest Maya Personal Learning Edition software.

Visit our Web sites for more information: www.alias.com and www.sybex.com

The Maya interface can be a bit intimidating, and it's not fair to expect yourself to pick it right up and remember where everything is.