3D Lesson 01 : 3D and Maya Recap

1. LESSON DESCRIPTION

This lesson will serve as an intro to Maya, or as a recap to students who have already used the software.

2. AIMS : This lesson aims to :

Give students a solid understanding of the Maya Interface

Establish an understanding of the CG pipeline and all the various tasks involved

3 .LEARNING OUTCOMES: On completion students will be able to demonstrate

Solid and confident with understanding of the maya interface

Identify and outline the common vocabulary and terminology of modelling, lighting, surfacing and visual effects tools and
techniques.

4. OUTLINE CONTENT/TOPIC : outline the plan for that day's class, points to go over, important demos etc.

This Lesson will be a basic introduction into 3D and the maya interface.

We will start the lesson by watching a CG101: 3D Terminology tutorial

CG Pipeline

Maya Background and history

Overview of the Maya Interface

Scenes/Importing/Exporting

Setting Projects

Referencing

Image planes

5. LEARNING ACTIVITIES : Demos, playing with files, exercises in class, solve problematic shot or swap work with VFX students

Week project - Modeling a castle

Day 01

Blockout

RESOURCES

\\mdsfs01\ClassFolders\GCT\CF_GCT14071A\3D Animation\Week 01 - Intro and Modelling

references

digital tutors

inspiration

PRE-LOAD

Pre-load is given students days or a week prior to the lesson if possible so they can study it at home before they come to class so they wouldn't start with a blank slate in your class.

SUGGESTED PRE-REQUISITES

Imperative : 3D Terminology

Requisite taken from different lessons

CG101 General 3D Terminology

SUGGESTED CO-REQUISITES

None

SELF DIRECTED

Digital Tutors - Introduction to Maya 2014

Tutor notes

1. FIRST STEPS

2. SHORTCUTS AND TEMPLATES

Tutors can accelerate learning by demonstrating setting optimum shortcuts and useful templates, explaining standard processes to make things look good and outlining elements that affects pipeline.

3. SET LIMITATIONS

3.LIMITATIONS : A Vast array of choice can sometimes deadened for creativity. Ensuring students learn through invention based on small number of options in the face of limitation is an useful tactic, rather than emphasising what each menu heading does and the sheer number of options available.

4. DAILIES AND PRESENTATION

Get your students to present their work often to their peer group and even others and be questioned by someone in a manager/client role. Get them to justify their approach and thinking behind it. Beware of smooth talking salesmen.