Intro to 3D Computer Graphics.
Course Overview
This is an introductory course on how to navigate and utilize Autodesk Maya. Students will learn both Polygonal and Nurb based techniques of modeling to create their 3D hard surface and organic objects. From there students will learn how to create and apply textures to those objects in Maya through the use of ZBrush and Photoshop. Finally, students will learn how to take those objects, place them in a scene or animate them within Maya. Finally finishing up by learning the basic of rendering techniques to achieve a quality finished piece.
Winter 2019 Google Drive Repo https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Vuo8i5uP_1bMGrP8XiYfOAD882zGgTuU
Midterms
Completed Model of your choosing (Design to be approved by Instructor). Fully textures and rendered as a portfolio image.
Finals
Rendered Sill Life/ Environment OR a Short Animated Sequence/ Demo Reel (~15 seconds)
Beginner Resources
[to 3D Cheat Sheet.pdf]
Maya Official Support
- Autodesk Maya http://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/
- One Min Start Vids https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/simplecontent/content/maya-1-minute-startup-movies.html
- Maya Help http://help.autodesk.com/view/MAYAUL/2018/ENU/
- Maya Forums https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/maya/ct-p/area-c2
- Autodesk AREA https://area.autodesk.com/
Tutorial Providers
- Lynda Tutorials https://www.lynda.com/
- Pluralsight (formerly Digital Tutors) https://www.pluralsight.com/
- Gnomon Workshop https://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/
- Udemy https://www.udemy.com/
Maya Basics
- Instructional Videos for Beginners https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/simplecontent/content/exploring-maya-2018-instructional-video-tutorials-maya-for-beginners.html
- 128 Maya Shortcuts http://www.keyxl.com/aaab24a/249/Autodesk-Maya-keyboard-shortcuts.htm
- Top Ten Hotkeys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCrC4ypg8ms
YouTube Channels
- MayaLearningChannel https://www.youtube.com/user/MayaHowTos/featured
- Flipped Normals https://www.youtube.com/user/FlippedNormalsTuts/featured
- Mike Hearns https://www.youtube.com/user/MikeHermes65/featured
- Kevin Bauer (basics) https://www.youtube.com/user/bauekm86/featured
MODELING/ UVs/ TEXTURING
Modeling
- MulticutTool https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIlBPBT7rCU
- More Multicut pt1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CuDX8Uwoc0
- More Multicut pt2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfKVv0-Etv0
- Extrude https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWiiKNtLLDo
- Modeling Complex Objects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAnRc03D7hk
- Modeling/ Subdivision Tips http://graphics.pixar.com/opensubdiv/docs/mod_notes.html
- Hard Surface Essentials: Curved Surfaces https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7HG6XJsKoQ
- Topology Guides (mostly Blender but techniques are similar) http://topologyguides.com/
- Maya 2018 Modeling Improvements https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhQdgePM5Os
- Maya 2018 Modeling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlyyR7-ZIfM
- Working with Pivot Points https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD8XY-XzZqo
- Understanding snapping and pivots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH3jDoM_zhY
- Bake Pivot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAYgU8X9Byc
- Modeling Secrets! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAxUMjHdS84
- Poloycount http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Limb_Topology
- How to Cut Holes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvMfoH5Ikrc
- Strawberry Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnHvxVBNRCA
- Facial Modeling Timelapse http://www.sergicaballer.com/3d-facial-modeling-timelapse/
- Stylized Polygonal Hair https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQfjXcr9Y5c
- Similar Technique https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1E3VtkkjCM
- Realistic Hair For Games https://80.lv/articles/creating-hair-for-real-time-projects/
- Polygonal Hair For Games (older but basic concepts still used) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wi4-fdeYyM
UV's
- Maya 2018 UV for beginners
- UV Mapping for Beginners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND-OaSSnt9A
- Intro UV unwrap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjxzmwd503g
- 3D Cut and Sew (& $1 script) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy1vqLw-agk
- Maya 2018 UV Toolkit Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gT3XAbOiV0
Texturing
- Textures.com (most common CG texture resource) https://www.textures.com/
- Lugher Textures (resource) http://www.lughertexture.com/
- Photoshop Alpha Utility https://docs.unity3d.com/560/Documentation/Manual/HOWTO-alphamaps.html
RIGGING & ANIMATION RIGGING & ANIMATION RIGGING & ANIMATION
Rigging
- Parent Rigging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nRl5XW7MBk&t
- Working with Pivot Points https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD8XY-XzZqo
- Understanding snapping and pivots https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH3jDoM_zhY
- Bake Pivot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAYgU8X9Byc
- Euler Rotations and Rotation Orders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc8b2Jo7mno
- Rigging a Desk Lamp with IK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4sKFvF3L-0
- QuickRig Character Rigging https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c538zkwxgTQ&
- How to - Mr Mustache Walker Model/ Rig
- Rigging 1 Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLElE2Fy9cqHLS66bDdJ2jSzujn6QtDZd5
- CreatingCharacterRigPlaylist (older, more advanced but really good, in depth overview)
Animation
12 Principles of Animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDqjIdI4bF4
The Animator's Survival Kit (Book/ PDF) https://www.the-flying-animator.com/
How Graph Editor Works https://animationapprentice.blogspot.com/2016/03/how-does-graph-editor-work.html
Free Rigs
- Free Rigs!!! https://www.bloopanimation.com/best-free-maya-rigs/
- a few more http://www.nelsonhurst.com/844/top-character-rigs-for-may-free-and-premium/
- a few more http://www.11secondclub.com/resources
- and more http://www.animation-tutorials.com/free-maya-rigs/
- Also uploaded Basics to our Google Drive » https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Rbz4dSZlwSCrtfdTSZHHyhWiVH4MKNf4?usp=sharing
Tutorials
- Create a Bouncing Ball
- Mr Mustache Basic Walk Cycle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WpY8JqTJuQ
- Walk Cycle in 5 minutes (Mr Mustache) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUYosS9QfOs
- Walk Cycle Illustrated https://www.the-flying-animator.com/walk-cycle.html.
- Walk Cycle Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8B7XYsJB6c
- Mr Buckid Heavy Obj
- Mr Buckid Backflip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWpEwMiaPU0
- Mr Buckid Throw a Ball https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XII9aKbVXrg
- Mr Buckid Jump Kick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrbQZzHB-3k
- Quadruped Walk Cycle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14sesvVFERA
- Quadruped Run Cycle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5FuxAGBjNc
- Mixamo 3D Animation https://www.mixamo.com/#/
- 11 Second Club http://www.11secondclub.com
LIGHTING & RENDERING
Arnold
Arvid Schneider (youtuber) https://www.youtube.com/user/URsProductions/featured
Tutorials https://youtu.be/Aog3KDgQN00
Learning Scenes https://support.solidangle.com/display/AFMUG/Learning+Scenes
My Oh Maya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8eFvIYzFuc
Tutorials https://support.solidangle.com/display/AFMUG/Tutorials
Materials
- Standard Material Documentation https://support.solidangle.com/display/AFMUG/Standard
- Standard Ai Surface Material Intro Video
- Standard Presets https://support.solidangle.com/display/ARNTUT/Standard+Material+Presets
- Using Arnold Displacement
- Physically Based Rendering https://support.solidangle.com/display/AFMUG/Understanding+Physically+Based+Rendering+in+Arnold
- How to render transparent glass https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-render-transparent-glass-in-Maya-with-Arnold.html
Layers/ Misc Render Techniques
- Maya's New Render Setup - Shadow Layers, Beauty Layers, Layer Overrides https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrNQD6AorSE
- AOVs https://docs.arnoldrenderer.com/display/A5AFMUG/AOVs
- How To Use Render Layers In Maya (AO & AOV's) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb_TNO4QsYo
- Ambient Occlusion in Arnorld https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYW9XwEFJOU
- AI Curvature https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE28mwztCdU
- AI Wireframe/ Composite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kzQWrxiGFo
Lights
- Lights https://support.solidangle.com/display/AFMUG/Lights
- Arnold Tuts https://support.solidangle.com/display/ARNTUT/Tutorials
- Arnold for Maya Support https://support.solidangle.com/display/A5AFMUG/Tutorials
- Arnold Lights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F24NyKnkau4
- 3 Point Lighting in Arnold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N-vT0jEYLo
Camera
Understanding Depth of Field https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZJXntQuURc
Render Settings
Removing Noise https://docs.arnoldrenderer.com/display/ARP/Removing+Noise
MISC GOOD STUFF/ TIPS & TRICKS
- Top 10 ways to make Maya faster https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ux1314yp3VI
- What are Nodes and Connections? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYJzJKIcOgQ
- 45 Maya Tips in 45 Minutes https://youtu.be/zrsjJFHH2Mw
- Normal Mapping http://polycount.com/discussion/107196/youre-making-me-hard-making-sense-of-hard-edges-uvs-normal-maps-and-vertex-counts
- Normal Mapping http://leonano.com/portfolio/2-not-more-wrong-normal-map/
- UV Workflow Tips http://www.paulhpaulino.com/6-tips-to-improve-your-uv-mapping-workflow/
- Realistic Gun Texturing https://80.lv/articles/realistic-texturing-rendering-of-guns/
- Blending Meshes/ Terrain UE4 https://80.lv/articles/free-solution-for-blending-meshes-into-landscape/
- PolyCount, HTF do I model this?! thread http://polycount.com/discussion/56014/how-the-f-do-i-model-this-reply-for-help-with-specific-shapes-post-attempt-before-asking/
Additional Scripts and Plug-ins
Typically found at > https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/
- Nightshade https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/nightshade-uv-editor
- Nightshade https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/nightshade-blockout
- Nightshade https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/nightshade-materializer
- xForm UV tools https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/sdv-xformuv
- spPaint https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/sppaint3d
- NinjaDojo https://www.creativecrash.com/maya/script/ninja-dojo-white-belt
Other 3D Packages
Sculpting
- ZBrush https://pixologic.com/
Surfacing
- Substance
- Quixel Suite http://quixel.se/
Fabric
- Marvelous Designer (Fabric) http://www.marvelousdesigner.com/
Rendering
- Marmoset Toolbag https://www.marmoset.co/toolbag
3D Packages
- Vray/ Blender/ 3DS Max/ MODO
Game Engines
- Unreal https://www.unrealengine.com/
- Unity http://unity3d.com/
Inspiration / CG Communities
- Artstation (general art portfolio site) https://www.artstation.com
- CG Society http://www.cgsociety.org
- Sketchfab (3D Model Portfolios)https://sketchfab.com/
- Polycount http://polycount.com/
- ZBRush Central http://www.zbrushcentral.com
- ZBrush http://www.zbrushguides.com
- CG Channel http://www.cgchannel.com/
- Game Developers Conference http://www.gdconf.com/
- High End 3D https://www.highend3d.com/
Misc Resources
- Textures http://www.textures.com
- BadKind (zBrush Stuff) http://www.badking.com.au/site/
- 3D Total (lots of free tutorials) https://www.3dtotal.com/
- 3D export https://3dexport.com/
- CG Trader https://www.cgtrader.com/
- 80 Level https://80.lv/
- TurboSquid http://www.turbosquid.com
- GumRoad http://gumroad.com
Sketchfab Models
- low poly bedroom https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/low-poly-bedroom-6f929c64fe884cc49a2d59b7c109be49
- girl in snow https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/girl-in-the-snow-45e6a577e1304b36b086626080f555ff
- eleven https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/stranger-things-eleven-52d0e5c3663b4b77a3c8250712a2aee0
- aviator girl https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/aviator-girl-699ead5643e04aef980fadb99f9e09ce
- warrior boy https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/warrior-boy-3b7d4911a60446a0837c1510ade22ec3
- polaroid https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/polaroid-onestep-2-camera-5c3e7d8351814b0b82036c10a22335da
- orcish helmet https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/orcish-helmet-86ac969209bf4f03998f4894cb1858ca
- combat helmet https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/combat-helmet-k6-3-94701874d8b949718708b018c8d4f61d
- winged helmet https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/winged-helmet-10fe31064bb245708065ecb564460622
- gimli's helmet https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/gimlis-helmet-5e07f3af1df348679308ead9407a2b7b
- blacksmith https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/blacksmith-ba635c8c492b4b5caccc126f8203c64b
- potionmaster https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/the-potionmasters-stagecoach-wares-eaa5cb2c216b4ee8b8792bd15e622acf
- flattracker https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/flat-tracker-1d6b48e459c644b596cf7f57f31c25f1
- flying fox https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/flying-fox-warplane-62fe5820e3f54e2f9a837c0a8bba9dab
Instagrammers
https://www.instagram.com/zbrushtuts
https://www.instagram.com/flippednormals/
https://www.instagram.com/motiondesigners
https://www.instagram.com/rawandrendered
https://www.instagram.com/artstation3d
https://www.instagram.com/80.lv
https://www.instagram.com/stylizedstation
https://www.instagram.com/polygonrunway
https://www.instagram.com/quixelofficial
https://www.instagram.com/anatomy4sculptors
https://www.instagram.com/theantropus