Maya 4.5, the latest version of the all-in-one modeling, rendering, and 3D animation program, is loaded with new features and enhancements designed to make it even more powerful and easy-to-learn for Mac and Windows users alike. Whether you're new to Maya or just want to get quickly up-to-speed on Maya 4.5's new features, this is a must-have task-based reference.

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.

Adding tools that allow users to realize the 2D Toon look of comic books, cartoons, manga and anime; create spectacular clothing, fur or long hair for characters; and move data quickly back and forth between Maya and Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, an already cool program just got even cooler. Here to take budding animators and modelers from 0 to 60 fast in Maya 7 is the eagerly anticipated update to everybody's favorite Maya tome: Maya 7: Visual QuickStart Guide! In these pages, best-selling authors Danny Riddell and Steve Anzovin use a combination of task-based instruction and strong visual aids to take readers step by step through all of Maya's essentials: unsurpassed character rigging and posing, integration with essential production tolls such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash 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. By the end of the volume, users will be creating their own alternate universes in Maya 7!

bull; One of the best-selling (and most affordable) Maya books in the 3D market. bull; Updated to reflect Maya's new features, including new rendering technology and the new Fluid Effects feature, found only in Maya Unlimited. bull; Incisive text, crystal clear screen shots, and step-by-step instructions allow readers to get up and running fast with Maya 5.

Imagine being able to add a luscious mane of long, flowing hair to your Maya-created action heroine--and then being able to braid it, curl it, and style it to your heat's desire. With Maya 6 and this task-based guide, you can do that and a lot more on the way to creating ever more sophisticated 3D worlds with Alias' newly updated modeling and animation software. In this eagerly anticipated update to everybody's favorite Maya tome, best-selling author Danny Riddell uses a combination of task-based instruction and strong visual aids to take you step by step through all of today's Maya's essentials: Character animation and setup, polygonal modeling, dynamic interaction with Windows, and more. Whether you're a beginning user who wants a thorough introduction to the topic or a more advanced user looking for a convenient reference, you'll find what you need here--in straightforward language and through readily accessible examples, peppered with tons of timesaving tips and tricks.

The Ultimate Maya 2009 Resource for Intermediate to Advanced Users If you already know the basics of Maya, now you can elevate your skills with Maya 2009 and the advanced coverage in this authoritative new reference and tutorial. From modeling, texturing, animation, and visual effects to high-level techniques for film, television, games, and more, this book provides professional-level instruction on Maya Complete and Maya Unlimited. This fully updated book brings you up to speed on Maya 2009's new features and expands your skills with advanced instruction on cloth, fur, and fluids. You'll learn Dynamics, Maya Muscle, Stereo Cameras, Assets, rendering with mental ray, and more. Filled with challenging tutorials and real-world scenarios from some of the leading professionals in the industry, this one-of-a-kind guide gives you valuable insight into the entire CG production pipeline. If you've been looking for a complete, professional-quality Maya resource to turn to again and again, this is the book for you. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Real-world solutions for real-world production environments! Luis Cataldi, BlueSky Studios Maya is a very powerful application. Before artists can create and share their ideas and visions, they must understand its complicated tools and learn to harness its power.Inside Maya 5can help develop a functional understanding of Maya's many tools through solid examples and production-proven methods. From the back cover Are you familiar with the basic Maya tools? Can you complete most tasks with little or no reliance on the help files? Do your questions about Maya center on how to put all the pieces together and use the software in a production setting? If so,Inside Maya 5is just what you want and need. Industry professionals who have worked for such houses as Digital Domain, ILM, PDI/DreamWorks, and Pixar provide insights into making great production decisions that take advantage of the power of Maya without compromising production quality - real-world solutions to real-world challenges! You'll get coverage of: Using Maya in the digital studio pipeline MEL and the Maya API Modeling techniques for NURBS, polygonal modeling, and subdivision surfaces Modeling characters, sets, and props Maya's node-based architecture Particles and dynamics Character animation and rigging Lighting, shading and rendering Bonus interviews with Scott Clark (Pixar) and Paul Thuriot (Tippett Studios) The companion CD includes the source files you need to complete the exercises in each chapter.