Maya 8 for Windows and Macintosh [Paperback]

Morgan Robinson (Author), Nathaniel Stein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321476751 | ISBN-13: 978-0321476753 | Publication Date: March 23, 2007 | Edition: 1

Adding sophisticated new tools that give modelers even more control over polygons, an already cool program just got even cooler. Here to take budding 3D artists from 0 to 60 fast in Maya 8 is the eagerly anticipated update to everybody's favorite Maya tome: Maya 8 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide! In these pages, best-selling authors Morgan Robinson and Nathaniel Stein use a combination of task-based instruction and strong visual aids to take readers step by step through all of Maya's essentials: navigating the interface, modeling elementary and complex objects, unsurpassed character rigging and posing, mastering deformers, shaders, and renderers, and more. Both beginning users, who want a thorough introduction to the topic, and more advanced users, who are looking for a convenient reference, will find what they need here in straightforward language and through readily accessible examples, peppered with tons of timesaving tips and tricks. 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Morgan Robinson is an animator at Anzovin Studio. She created The Setup Machine 2.0, an animated character setup and weighting tool for Maya.

Nathaniel Stein has taught courses on modeling at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is currently an animator and modeling supervisor at Anzovin Studio and has worked on games such as Sid Meier's Railroads and Halo 2, as well as a variety of films and shorts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321476751
• ISBN-13: 978-0321476753
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Computers & Technology > Operating Systems > MacOS

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book saved my life!!, November 18, 2007

By 

M. Curran - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maya 8 for Windows and Macintosh (Paperback)

Yes, this book saved my life in my beginning Maya class. My teacher recomended it, and I'm very disapointed that he doesn't require it. It gives simple, step by step instructions for individual tasks that can be used for modeling, rigging, parenting, animating etc. My one complaint is that it does not mention anything about using locators, but as a basic "How To" Maya book, I highly recomend it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Maya 8, December 8, 2009

By 

Michael R. Anderson - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Maya 8 for Windows and Macintosh (Paperback)

I used this book in my Maya class at school. Having no talent at art, drawing or artistic rendering, this book was very helpful. Following the chapters to learn how to use Maya, by the end of the class I was quite comfortable creating shapes for different purposes. The use of lighting, shadowing, projecting, etc were fairly straight forward. I still am not able to render detailed things like faces or animals but, I am able to do rather nicely with furniture and other basic items around the house or office if a scene calls for it. Definitely recommend for the beginner to intermediate. Also a good reference.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful..., March 9, 2009

By 

Ian Topple - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Maya 8 for Windows and Macintosh (Paperback)

I'm currently taking a Maya class and my teacher recommended this book. I have to say, it is very helpful. The directions are very clear and easy to understand. I mainly use this book as reference when I want to review some of the lessons I learned in class. So far I have no complaints. If you are interested in learning Maya, I would recommend this book. There aren't any tutorials (for example, how to model a hand, a foot, etc.) but it does teach you the basic tools to help you get there.