Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will become comfortable using autodesk maya to model, texture, rig, animate, dynamics, light, and render
Build and design your own 3d objects
Animate your 3d objects with keyframes
Modeling, shading, texturing, lighting beautiful designs

Rendering your projects for high quality playback
Rigging a 3d character for animation
Simulating dynamic effects like water, cloth, and smoke
You will know how to put together an entire 3d animated scene!

You will become comfortable using autodesk maya to model, texture, rig, animate, dynamics, light, and render
Build and design your own 3d objects
Animate your 3d objects with keyframes
Modeling, shading, texturing, lighting beautiful designs
Rendering your projects for high quality playback
Rigging a 3d character for animation
Simulating dynamic effects like water, cloth, and smoke
You will know how to put together an entire 3d animated scene!

Syllabus

Welcome to this 3D animation in Maya course!

Welcome to this 3D animation course using Autodesk Maya!

We'll be using the 2018 version of Autodesk Maya in this course. To follow along and use the project files, you'll need to use the 2018 version (or newer - if you're watching this course in the future).

You can download a free trial version of Maya for 30-days on Autodesk's website. Google: Autodesk Maya Free Trial (Udemy won't let me create a link in this description unfortunately.)

If you're enrolled at a school then you're eligible for a free 1-year student copy of Maya!

I recommend purchasing the new offer from Autodesk for an Indie License. It's a fraction of the old cost and it's a full version of Maya.

*Note Maya LT is a limited/light version of Maya that does not have all the features of Maya. We use Maya in this course, not Maya LT.

Download Course Files & Free Maya Trial | Maya Animation Course

Tips to Improve Your Course Taking Experience | Maya Animation Course

Free Career Webinar + Free Rig | Maya Animation Course

Get familiar with the software, navigating, and manipulating objects

Interface Introduction | Maya Animation Course

Manipulators and Camera Movement | Maya Animation Course

Stepped Snapping | Maya Animation Course

In this section we are going to cover everything you need to know to get started modeling. We'll start with creating a 'hard surface' model, learn about 'topology,' and then create an organic model.

Intro to 3D Modeling | Maya Animation Course

Ghostbuster Trap | Maya Animation Course

Insert Edge, Extrude, and Append | Maya Animation Course

This video is an update to the course, after answering over a thousand questions and seeing the same mistakes pop up over and over. So review this video and then check your model for these mistakes before continuing and look out for them as you progress.

Bevel & Normals | Maya Animation Course

Booleans | Maya Animation Course

Knob Motion Path | Maya Animation Course

Front, Merge Vertices | Maya Animation Course

Front, Doors | Maya Animation Course

Cord | Maya Animation Course

Maya 2022: Cord [Sweep Mesh] | Maya Animation Course

Topology - Lineflow | Maya Animation Course

Topology - Reducing Even Numbers | Maya Animation Course

Topology - Reducing Odd Numbers | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Imageplane Setup | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Box vs. Edge Modeling | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Make Live Tool | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Sculpting | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Eye Socket Edge Loops | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Eye Attach | Maya Animation Course

Update 2022: Quad Draw Tool in Retopology Workflow | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Nose | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Cleaning Topology | Maya Animation Course

Update: Retopo and Remesh tools | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Mirroring Head | Maya Animation Course

Update: Mirror Tool | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Lattice Deformer | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Spine Wire Deformer | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Ribs Bend Deformer | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Sternum | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Right Side Body | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" - Mirror | Maya Animation Course

Look Development - UV, Shading, Texturing, Lighting

Look Development Introduction | Maya Animation Course

UVs Intro & Planar Projection | Maya Animation Course

UVs - Merge Borders & Cylindrical Projection | Maya Animation Course

UVs - Straighten and Transfer | Maya Animation Course

UVs - Final Ghostbuster Trap | Maya Animation Course

UVs - "Bones" Head | Maya Animation Course

UVs - "Bones" Body | Maya Animation Course

Intro to Shaders | Maya Animation Course

Lighting Shaders | Maya Animation Course

Photographic Textures | Maya Animation Course

Procedural Textures | Maya Animation Course

Scene Adjustments | Maya Animation Course

Update: Reconnect Lost Texture Files Path | Maya Animation Course

Hypershade Intro and Fractals | Maya Animation Course

Brushed Metal and Bump Maps | Maya Animation Course

OBJ File Format & Fix "Bones" | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" 3D Paint Tool | Maya Animation Course

Mix Rust Shader | Maya Animation Course

GB Trap Finishing Touches | Maya Animation Course

Fog Lighting | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Displacement Map | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Glass Material | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Lights | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Render Sequence | Maya Animation Course

Rigging

Rigging Intro | Maya Animation Course

Rigging QuickRig | Maya Animation Course

Prop Rigging Parent Costraint | Maya Animation Course

Prop Rigging Pivot Control | Maya Animation Course

IK vs. FK | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" QuickRig Skeleton | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Hands | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Joint Orientation | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Rotate Order | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Recreate Limbs | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Pole Vectors | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Hand Controls | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Reverse Foot Rig | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Foot Roll SDK | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Independent Toe | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Organize and Scale | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" COG and Hips | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Spine Controls | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Shoulder and Fingers | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Hands To Shoulders | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Hand Spaces | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Head Spaces | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Skinning The Feet | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Moving Joints Fix | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Skinning Spine Weights | Maya Animation Course

Pose Space Deformation | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Skin Body | Maya Animation Course

Fix Forearm Twist | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Head Blendshapes | Maya Animation Course

"Bones" Clean Up | Maya Animation Course

Animation

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in professional filmmaking and online tutorials

Examines skills highly relevant to the film, music, and gaming industries

Emphasizes real-world applications with a project-based approach

Offers comprehensive coverage of Autodesk Maya's essential tools and features from modeling and animation to lighting and rendering

Includes downloadable project files for hands-on practice at each step

Provides premium support for assistance throughout the learning process

Reviews summary

Engaging animation course for beginners

Learners say this is a great beginner's course that teaches the basics of 3D animation in Maya. The course includes lectures, assignments, and quizzes that are engaging and help students learn the software.

Course is beginner friendly.

"I have learned so much from this course I would recommend it to anyone who is studying animation and wants to pursue a carrier in it"

Content and assignments are engaging.

"I have learned so much from this course I would recommend it to anyone who is studying animation and wants to pursue a carrier in it"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya with these activities:

Review the course materials

Show steps

Take some time to review the course materials before you start. This will help you get a better understanding of what the course is about and what you will be learning.

Browse courses on Review

Show steps

Read the course syllabus
Watch the course videos
Review the course slides

Watch a tutorial on the basics of Maya

Show steps

Get started with the basics of Maya with a guided tutorial. This will provide a foundation for the more advanced topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Introduction

Show steps

Find a tutorial that covers the basics of Maya
Watch the tutorial and follow along with the instructor

Create a simple 3D object in Maya

Show steps

Practice your Maya skills by creating a simple 3D object. This will help you get comfortable with the software and its tools.

Browse courses on Modeling

Show steps

Open Maya and create a new project
Use the Maya tools to create a simple 3D object
Save your project

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Watch a tutorial on character rigging

Show steps

Learn how to rig a 3D character so that you can animate it. This is an essential skill for any animator who wants to create realistic and believable characters.

Browse courses on Character Rigging

Show steps

Find a tutorial on character rigging
Watch the tutorial and follow along with the instructor
Practice rigging a few different characters

Help other students in the course

Show steps

Not only will helping others reinforce your understanding of the material, but it will also give you the opportunity to develop your communication and teaching skills.

Browse courses on Communication

Show steps

Join the course discussion forum
Answer questions and provide support to other students
Create tutorials or other resources to help other students learn

Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit' by Richard Williams

Show steps

Learn from one of the masters of animation. This book provides insights and techniques that will help you improve your animation skills.

View The Animator's Survival Kit: Runs, Jumps and... on Amazon

Show steps

Get a copy of 'The Animator's Survival Kit'
Read the book and take notes
Apply the techniques you learn to your own animation projects

Enter a 3D animation competition

Show steps

Participating in a 3D animation competition is a great way to test your skills and get feedback from experts in the field.

Browse courses on Competition

Show steps

Find a 3D animation competition that you are interested in
Create an animation that meets the competition requirements
Submit your animation to the competition

Build a portfolio of your work

Show steps

Create a portfolio of work that showcases your skills in 3D animation. This will be a valuable asset when you start looking for a job in the industry.

Browse courses on Portfolio

Show steps

Create a website or online portfolio
Upload your best work to your portfolio
Promote your portfolio on social media

Create a short animated film

Show steps

Put your skills to the test by creating a short animated film. This will give you a chance to apply everything you've learned in the course and create something truly unique.

Browse courses on Animation

Show steps

Come up with a story idea
Create a storyboard
Animate your characters
Add sound effects and music
Edit your film

Career center

Learners who complete Maya for Beginners: Complete Guide to 3D Animation in Maya will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

3D Modeler

3D Modelers create 3D models for use in a variety of industries, including film, television, gaming, and architecture. This course can prepare a learner to become a 3D modeler by providing instruction on essential skills and techniques such as modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering. The course emphasizes real-world applications and includes projects that involve creating 3D models for a Dia de Los Muertos-inspired scene and animating a skeleton. Learners who complete this course will have the skills and experience necessary to begin a career in 3D modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

3D Generalist

3D Generalists are skilled in all aspects of 3D production, including modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation. They are able to work independently on a wide range of projects. This course can prepare a learner to become a 3D generalist by providing instruction on all of the essential skills and techniques. By completing this course, learners will gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work as a 3D generalist in a variety of industries, such as film, television, gaming, and architecture.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Generalist

Animator

Animators produce animations for the film, television, and gaming industries. They create computer-generated models and design the movements of 3D characters. The skills learners gain with Autodesk Maya, such as lighting, simulating dynamic effects, and working with keyframes, can all help prepare them for a career in animation. This course will help a learner build a strong foundation for modeling, texturing, animating, and rendering content for a wide variety of entertainment purposes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Multimedia Artist

Multimedia Artists create visual content for various media, including websites, mobile apps, and games. The skills learned in this course can prepare a learner to become a multimedia artist. For example, this course provides instruction on modeling, animation, shading, lighting, and rendering. All of these skills are valuable for creating engaging and immersive multimedia content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Rendering Specialist

Rendering Specialists prepare and manage the process of rendering 3D models into images or videos. They ensure that the final output is of high quality and meets the project's requirements. This course can prepare a learner to become a rendering specialist by providing instruction on the basics of rendering in Autodesk Maya, including techniques for setting up render settings, managing render layers, and optimizing render performance. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality renders for use in a variety of applications, such as film, television, and gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rendering Specialist

Motion Graphics Designer

Motion Graphics Designers create animated graphics for a variety of purposes, such as film, television, and advertising. This course includes instruction on the basics of motion graphics design in Autodesk Maya, including techniques for creating keyframes, creating motion paths, and using dynamics. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create high-quality motion graphics for use in a variety of applications, such as film, television, and gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Character Animator

Character Animators bring 3D characters to life through animation. They use their knowledge of motion, physics, and timing to create realistic and believable animations. This course can prepare a learner to become a character animator by providing instruction on the basics of character animation in Autodesk Maya, including techniques for setting up keyframes, creating motion paths, and using inverse kinematics systems. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create high-quality animations for use in a variety of applications, such as film, television, and gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Animator

Rigger

Riggers create skeletons and control systems for 3D characters. They use their knowledge of anatomy and animation to create rigs that allow animators to easily pose and animate characters. This course can prepare a learner to become a rigger by providing instruction on the basics of rigging in Autodesk Maya, including techniques for creating bones, joints, and constraints, and setting up inverse kinematics systems. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create high-quality rigs for use in a variety of applications, such as film, television, and gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rigger

Texture Artist

Texture Artists create textures for 3D models in order to make them more realistic and visually appealing. This course can prepare a learner to become a texture artist by providing instruction on the basics of texture creation in Autodesk Maya, including techniques for creating photographic, procedural, and painted textures. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create high-quality textures for use in a variety of applications, such as film, television, and gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Texture Artist

Lighting Artist

Lighting Artists design and control the lighting in 3D environments. They use their knowledge of light and shadow to create realistic and visually appealing scenes. This course can prepare a learner to become a lighting artist by providing instruction on the basics of lighting in Autodesk Maya, including techniques for creating different types of light sources, controlling their intensity and color, and managing shadows. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to create high-quality lighting for use in a variety of applications, such as film, television, and gaming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lighting Artist

Digital Artist

Digital Artists use computer software to create 2D and 3D art. They work in a variety of industries, including film, television, gaming, and advertising. This course can prepare a learner to become a digital artist by providing instruction on essential software and techniques. For example, the course covers modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering in Autodesk Maya, all of which are commonly used in digital art production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Game Designer

Game Designers create the concepts and rules for video games. They work with a team of artists, programmers, and other designers to bring their ideas to life. This course may be useful for learners who are interested in becoming a game designer. It provides instruction on the basics of game design, including topics such as level design, character design, and game mechanics. The course also includes projects that involve creating a game design document and prototyping a game, which can help learners develop their skills in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Technical Animator

Technical Animators use their knowledge of computer science and animation to create complex simulations and effects. They work on a variety of projects, including films, television shows, and video games. This course may be useful for learners who are interested in becoming a technical animator. It provides instruction on the technical skills required for this role, such as modeling, rigging, animation, and dynamics. The course also includes projects that involve creating simulations and effects, which can help learners develop their skills in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Animator

Technical Artist

Technical Artists are responsible for creating and maintaining the technical infrastructure for 3D production pipelines. They work with software engineers and artists to ensure that all of the necessary tools and resources are in place. This course may be useful for learners who are interested in becoming a technical artist. It provides instruction on the technical skills required for this role, such as modeling, rigging, animation, and dynamics. The course also includes projects that involve creating and maintaining a 3D production pipeline, which can help learners develop their skills in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Unity Developer

Unity Developers use the Unity game engine to create video games, simulations, and other interactive applications. This course provides instruction on the basics of Unity development, including topics such as scripting, level design, and physics. The course also includes projects that involve creating a Unity game, which can help learners develop their skills in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Unity Developer