Mastering Maya 7

July 1, 2006
Maya 7, Autodesk's powerful 3-D modeling and animation software, comes in several editions: the free Personal Learning Edition for noncommercial use, Maya Complete, and Maya Unlimited, which includes additional tools and functionality. Academic libraries serving computer graphics and animation programs and large public libraries should consider adding one or more of these guides. For beginners through intermediate users, Mastering Maya 7 encompasses Personal Learning Edition, with project files on CD-ROM; the text covers Maya from the basics through higher-end Maya Unlimited tools. Highlights include explanations of why and when to use each tool (in addition to the basic how-tos), as well as tips from real-world graphics production experience on optimizing workflow, using tools in ways not necessarily intended by their creators, and avoiding common problems. New features in Maya 7 are highlighted in the text; an appendix covers Toon Shading (new in this version). Thorough and clear; highly recommended. For experienced users, Learning Maya 7 covers only features exclusive to Maya Unlimited, which makes it a supplementary purchase for libraries owning more comprehensive guides. Its DVD contains instructional video, project files, and lesson demos/instructor overviews. Its chapters delve into working with fluid effects, fur, hair, and cloth. Step-by-step exercises illustrate each technique, with minimal explanation and background.

For beginners, Introduction to 3D Graphics & Animation Using Maya does what its title says before getting into specific Maya tools -an approach that makes it useful for animation tyros. Each tutorial begins with objectives and walks readers step by step through completing a task; -Why - notes throughout explain the reasoning behind steps and offer background information and useful tips. Additional exercises to aid in self-study or classroom use conclude each chapter. Appendixes cover curricular flow (for instructors using this as a text), image plane preparation, and custom texture creation; Personal Learning Edition is on the CD-ROM. For intermediate users, the only in-color guide of the bunch, Maya Techniques: Hyper-Realistic Creature Creation goes in-depth into a common use of the software: creating vividly realistic -creatures. - The authors, experienced film artists, provide their tips for professional techniques and workflows, while the DVD contains MEL scripts, video clips, lesson files, and artist interviews. Divided into three parts - -Modeling, - -Rigging, - and -Facial - -Hyper-Realistic goes step by step through creature creation, with a bit of theory and explanation included in each lesson. A supplemental purchase for those owning more basic guides.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.