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3D Modeling with Maya


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Model Your Own 3D Character!

Pathway: Creative Design Stage: Intermediate
Age:  12-18 Grade (US): 8-12
Pathway: Creative Design
Age:  12-18
Stage: Intermediate
Grade (US): 8-12

In this introductory course, students will develop an artistic style using Autodesk Maya and CGI to master the basics of modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation for 3D film production. Create 3D models, sculpt characters, and build environments as you explore complex modeling techniques that focus on proper model topology. Learn professional workflows as you work with Autodesk Maya.

After learning the basics of Maya’s UI and tools, students will practice creating complex shapes and models. Once students are comfortable with basic modeling concepts, advanced skills and techniques will be taught as students model their own human character and create textures before rendering their final model. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of career paths and studio roles while engaging in a collaborative process.

Course Guide

The Course Guide contains all information required to deliver this Digital Media Academy Pro course. 

 

 

Standards Alignment

This course is aligned to national and international standards for technology education. Standards include: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), International Baccalaureate , UK National Curriculum, New Zealand Curriculum, and more!

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to…

1

Use 3D modeling programs such as Autodesk Maya and Mudbox

2

Create 3D models: both organic and inorganic

3

Develop UVs and understand how to apply textures to models

4

Plan and execute projects so they can create anything they imagine!

Students will create...

1

A wide variety of 3D objects in Autodesk Maya and Mudbox

2

Simple and advanced models made of polygon primitices and using box modeling techniques

3

Complex models such as a biped and humanoid

4

Sculptures of characters or creatures using Mudbox's toolset

5

A complex character, creature, prop, vehicle, or environment with textures and lighting


Career Pathways 

Producer, Director, Filmmaker, Animator, 3D Modeler, Graphic designer, Video Game Developer

Here is the course outline:

Unit 1: Maya 3D Modeling

Introduction to 3D modelling tools and techniques

4 sections
Lesson 1.1: Maya User Interface and Camera Controls
Lesson 1.2: Basic Object Manipulation
Lesson 1.3: Maya Modeling Tools
Lesson 1.4: Intro to texturing, lighting, and rendering

Unit 2: Mudbox Sculpting

Understanding Mudbox

4 sections
Lesson 2.1: Sculpting with Mudbox
Lesson 2.2: Dynamic Tessellation
Lesson 2.3: UV Texture Mapping
Lesson 2.4: Texture Painting in Mudbox

Unit 3: Lighting and Textures

Add lighting and textures and begin your final project

4 sections
Lesson 3.1: Painting Specularity
Lesson 3.2: Exporting Textures and Building Arnold Shaders
Lesson 3.3: Lighting and Rendering
Lesson 3.4: Final Project Planning

Unit 4: Final Projects

Advanced techniques in Maya

3 sections
Lesson 4.1: Extrusion and Stroke Demo
Lesson 4.2: Mirroring Geometry
Lesson 4.3: Texturing and Lighting

Unit 5: Project Rendering

Render and present your final project

2 sections
Lesson 5.1: Rendering
Lesson 5.2: Create a Portfolio

Student Showcase

Now it's time to show off your projects!

2 sections
How to Lead a Student Showcase
Student Showcase