Maya 8: The Complete Reference

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Maya 8: The Complete Reference
Tom Meade, and Shinsaku Arima (Kindle Edition - May 24, 2007)
Buy New: ~~$59.99~~ $37.79

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description:
Create breathtaking content for film, TV, games, print media, and the Web using Autodesk Maya and the detailed information contained in this comprehensive resource. Maya experts and special effects gurus Tom Meade and Shinsaku Arima cover every step in the Maya production workflow using easy-to-follow tutorials, real-world examples, and insider tips and tricks.

Maya 8: The Complete Reference shows you how to use the latest version of Maya to its full potential. You'll learn to integrate motion, create complex effects, manipulate lighting, render your final animation, and prepare for postproduction.

Build 3D models using polygons, NURBS, and subdivision surfaces

Use displacement maps to enhance geometry

Create and skin skeletons

Connect the attributes of any nodes together

Build a control rig to manipulate skeletons

Create your own tools using MEL scripts

Master the Hypershade to control textures, cameras, and lights

Work with the Artisan tools, Paint Effects tools, and 3D Paint tools

Render your animation for postproduction

Ready-to-use sample files on DVD

Table of contents:

Part I: Introduction to Maya
Chapter 1: Core Concepts
Chapter 2: The Maya User Interface

Part II: Modeling
   Chapter 3: Polygonal Modeling
   Chapter 4: Organic Modeling
   Chapter 5: Basic NURBS Modeling
   Chapter 6: Advanced NURBS Modeling
   Chapter 7: Preparing Models for Animation

Part III: Character Setup
   Chapter 8: Deformers
   Chapter 9: Joints and Skeletons
   Chapter 10: Skinning and Advanced Deformations
   Chapter 11: Connecting Attributes
   Chapter 12: Character Controls
   Chapter 13: MEL Scripting

Part IV: Animation
   Chapter 14: Animation Basics
   Chapter 15: Character Animation
   Chapter 16: Animation Tools

Part V: Texturing, Lighting, and Rendering
   Chapter 17: Texture Basics
   Chapter 18: Texturing in Practice
   Chapter 19: Painting a Maya
   Chapter 20: Lights and Cameras
   Chapter 21: Rendering

Part VI: Particles, Emitters, and Fields
   Chapter 22: Particles and Fields
   Chapter 23: Advanced Particle Systems and Effects
   Chapter 24: Rigid and Soft Body Dynamics
   Chapter 25: Maya Hair
   Chapter 26: Maya Cloth

Part VII: Postproduction
Chapter 27: Rendering for Postproduction
Chapter 28: Compositing in Postproduction

INDEX

Customer Reviews

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Average Customer Review
4.5 Customer Rating

Buy it new!!, August 5, 2008
By Miquiztli (California, USA)
BUY THIS BOOK NEW!!!
I bought it used from one of the vendors listed, it was only $18 after shipping. But I was very disappointed when I received it. The book was stuffed into an envelope that was too small for the book. There is a cd included with the book. Because it was poorly packed my cd was in two pieces. What bothered my the most was that the vendor described it as "NEW" it clearly isn't. Pages and cover are filthy. You would think I mechanic was using it.

Buy it new. Amazon does a great job packing your stuff. Having the cd is a must to follow along with the tutorials.

5.0 Customer Rating

its great, October 31, 2007
By Caleb Isreal Lenard
I enjoy the book and tom is an awesome teacher in real life, so it is no surprise that his book is helpful as well.

4.0 Customer Rating

A different Maya Book, October 13, 2007
By J. Sanchez (San Francisco, CA USA)
I have a few Maya Books, and I can tell this book is different, it feels more mature and insightful. It shows techniques as used in real work and does not limit itself into showing you how to replicate demo projects from manufacturers (Autodesk official books do that a lot of the time). However this book is not for beginners, it is a great companion if you are taking Maya classes or have previous experience with it, hence the 4 stars.