If you are passionate about 3D and want to start modeling objects and characters, it's time to master Autodesk Maya, the most widely used 3D software. In this six-course Domestika Basics, accompany 3D modeler Miguel Miranda as he teaches you how to use all the tools that Maya offers from scratch and goes over techniques to model characters, create materials and lights, and render a scene.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the work environment. Get a feel for the software by learning how the menus and tools are organized. Create your first camera and 3D object to start experimenting with the program. In addition, learn how to use the timeline.
In the second course, dive deeper into all of the tools needed for modeling. Familiarize yourself with two essential menus, Mesh and Edit Mesh. Then, make your first model, as well as an asset for a character.

Set up a scene and learn how to clean up geometry in Maya. Get to know and understand smooth shapes in 3D, and learn the basic concepts of topology. Later on, learn how to use the brushes to sculpt your first character in a simple way.

Afterwards, focus on working on the parts and features of the character, getting it ready for production. Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of topology for 3D animation by practicing with the basic tools and understanding the importance of axes and directions.
Start the fifth course by learning about the correct pipeline to finish a character. Learn what UVs are and how to unfold them and place them correctly so that you can make UVs or map out your character.

In the final course, create scene lights and a rendering in Arnold to render your 3D objects and characters and present them once they are modeled. In addition, discover different textures and how to apply them. Finally, learn how to make blendShapes to finish up the face of your character.

Technical Requirements

• ⦁ A computer with Windows or macOS.
  ⦁ Autodesk Maya, 2017 version—if you don't have this downloaded, remember you can use the trial version.
  ⦁ A graphics tablet is recommended.