Introducing Maya 5: 3D for Beginners [Paperback]

Dariush Derakhshani (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0782142397 | ISBN-13: 978-0782142396 | Publication Date: October 7, 2003

Alias Wavefront's Maya is the premier tool for 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. It is used by such film houses as Industrial, Light & Magic, Pixar, and Disney for creating 3D animation and special effects. This Maya Press title—a cooperative publication between Sybex and Alias Wavefront—is the perfect introduction to 3D and Maya.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dariush has a knack for teaching & explaining...far beyond simple button pushing exercises...refined and informative. -- Ian Mankowski, 3dtoday.com

This book is definitely more than just a "step-by-step" tutorial. It actually explains why and how... -- Animation Magazine

This book would make a great gift for a teenager who has shown an interest in this field. -- 3dgraphics.about.com - Laurel Miller-Daly

[The book] is so well thought out, and so carefully set up ... you feel the author's presence guiding you along -- IT Enquirer

From the Author

Introducing Maya: 3D for Beginners is my way to explain the world of 3D and Maya software to people who have little to no experience with Maya or even anything 3D. It serves as a great primer to an education in Maya with introductions into every facet of this powerful 3D package in easy to understand terms and with thoughtfully explained and step-by-step tutorials to get you experienced fast.

Having used Maya since version 1beta, and having taught 3D for many years now, I'm familiar with how frustrated people can get while trying to learn 3D programs on their own or in classes and I set out to address those issues it with this book. I wrote Introducing Maya to help people easily get over the initial hurdles of learning such a complex program that may stop some people in their tracks. 3D may look very complicated (and actually is), but with the right approach it's actually very easy to learn.

I hope to see this book serve as a text in introductory college and even high school classes, since it is fit for teenage readers and up and will easily augment an existing curriculum, or help create one.

In this book I cover basic 3D concepts and terms, preparing to make a 3d production, setting up a Maya scene, modeling with NURBS, Polygons, and Subdivisions, basics of texturing, lighting, animating (there are many animation examples and tutorials including walk cycles using simple IK rigs), rendering, and dynamics and particles. By the time you're done with the book, you will have experienced almost everything Maya has to offer, making it tons easier to create your own animations and explore further.

If you want to get into 3D and Maya, check out this book first, you won't be dissapointed.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sybex (October 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0782142397
• ISBN-13: 978-0782142396
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,459,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that can really help, December 11, 2003

By 

Nikki Williams (Venice, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introducing Maya 5: 3D for Beginners (Paperback)

This book is extremely well written. Each chapter is explained thoroughly enough so that if you are truly a beginner opening Maya for the first time you will easily be able to follow instructions. The terminology used in the book is at a level where all can follow. He touched upon each aspect of Maya with enough detail to give a strong basis of understanding for the program. I especially like where he created a detailed model using primitives and simple modeling tools (i.e. catapult). He succesfully uses the same project to show several different concepts of 3D as you advance through the book.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3d is this easy?, November 26, 2003

By 

Sean Davila (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introducing Maya 5: 3D for Beginners (Paperback)

I was mostly impressed with how Darisuh first breaks down the concepts around which 3d animation is based. With such a clear breakdown of the theory first, it makes the actual learning and manipulation of MAYA so much easier, especially for a 100% beginner like me. I never imagined that I would be doing 3d programming and animation, but Hey Mom - look at me now! Unlike most technical manuals, it is also very good reading, rather than a chore.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This books has holes., June 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Introducing Maya 5: 3D for Beginners (Paperback)

I have been a Graphic Designer for several years and have become very efficient at teaching myself new programs with well written books. Unfortunately, I have found this book to be a bit confusing. It seem as though topics are covered with small bits of pertinent information missing. I had to use the Quick Start guide to fill in the holes of this book so I could continue to use it. Maybe this book should be reworked then re-released. I think it has the beginnings of a good starter book but for now its a struggle.