Homework for Monday, Feb 5th

Note: Video Posted!

A. Complete your in-class assignment where you try to build a 3-D model of some simple 2-D object! You are allowed to model bottles or cups for this version of your project!

B.  Using the skills you have learned this week, create a BRAND NEW 3-D model of a single object!  You will want to bring the object to class so we can compare your model to the original!
avoid simple models like cups and the like.

• Avoid objects that are too organic and complex, like backpacks, drapery, people, or animals (toy or otherwise)
• In this project, the goal is to learn how to model hard surface objects (inanimate objects that make up environments and objects that we commonly use!
• Good examples for this project:
• A pair of glasses.
• A hat.
• A shoe.
• A chair or table (make sure the object is portable enough to bring to class!)
• Headphones
• Keys
• And many other objects!

• For this project: I am grading based on the following:
• Composition: Can we identify the object or scene you have created?
• Understanding of tools: Can you identify the basic tools you have used and walk us through your scene?
• Naming Conventions and Organization:  Can you create a project that properly names every element you have used in your scene? (DID YOU NAME EVERYTHING?)

Getting Started: The interface!

Videos will be provided in this class!  To view a video walkthrough of Maya's interface, please click this link!  Note: So your videos stay protected, they are currently unlisted on youtube. This allows you to comment on them and post questions for future classes without needing to worry about public meddling.  I will keep a list of videos in a sidebar once video #2 has been uploaded!

To Create a new Project: Go to File ---> Project Window.

• Click "NEW"
• Type a name for your project folder, select the destination (Documents, Maya, Projects)
• Hit Accept!

Basic Tools (items in red are useful tools are not using yet write them down in your notes for later):

W- move

E- rotate

R- scale

G- repeat last command

q - exit tool

b- soft selection

shift + . - grow selection

alt + b - change background color

f - fit to selection/frame window
a - show all objects on screen

ctrl + a - open attribute editor/channel box

ctrl + delete - deletes an edge loop( 2014 version and up only)
command + G - Group Objects Together!

1 - standard mode

2 - subdivision mode with cage

3 - subdivision mode

4 - wireframe view

5 - shaded mode

6 - texture mode

The UV texture Editor helps an artist assign custom textures to models!  We can create a PSD network that specializes in refined mapping of different types of surfaces and materials onto a model!

Types of Modeling Tools:

Basic movement tools (move scale and rotate)

Sculpt Geometry Tool

Lattices

Advanced Selection Tools (To Vertices, To Edges)

Convert > Smooth Mesh Preview to Polygons

Subdivision Modeling: Mesh > Smooth

The Channel Box gives us NODES to adjust our models at every stage of production.

The Attribute Editor lets us adjust shaders at every given stage of production.

The Layers Tab makes it easy for us to group objects!

• To use it go to Layer -> Create Empty Layer OR Layer -> Create Layer from Selected

Rendering a scene is done within our RENDER SETTINGS for our animation!

Homework for Wednesday and Monday (title will change)

Using the knowledge you have gained from class, create a small scene from a number of primitive objects! I'm not looking for excess detail or excess simplicity, but I am looking for a resolved scene that further pushes your skills beyond what we learned in class!

Here is an example:

• Give yourself no more than 5 hours on this project!  Below are notes from our first class. Use them at your discretion!
• For this project: I am grading based on the following:
• Composition: Can we identify the object or scene you have created?
• Understanding of tools: Can you identify the basic tools you have used and walk us through your scene?
• Naming Conventions and Organization:  Can you create a project that properly names every element you have used in your scene? (DID YOU NAME EVERYTHING?)

As a reminder: refer to the previous post for information about the interface and basic navigation!