Maya Basics - Model & Texture a Cereal Box

In this super basic tutorial we show how to do very basic modelling and texturing in Autodesk Maya and Photoshop to create a Cereal Box. This tutorial is divided into two parts - the Maya part, where we create the box and UV it (above), and the Photoshop part (below), where we do the texturing. 

How to Texture Dice in Autodesk Maya

 

In the free video tutorial above we tackle a super simple modelling and texturing exercise - how to create a die (single of dice), bevel it, and texture it, downloading a texture map from the web. The tutorial is aimed at complete beginners who have never used Autodesk Maya before. In addition, you can follow the steps outlined below, including - for extra sophistication - how to add a bump map (not covered in the video above).

Learn Basic Texturing in Maya for Free!

Here at Animation Apprentice we focus primarily on character and creature animation - we don't dig deep into the rest of the 3D animation pipeline - there just isn't the time. But we do expect our students to master the basics of the Maya pipeline, so as to be able to make a killer demo reel (or even a short film).  Fortunately, for those who want to expand their skills beyond animation, there are now many, many free resources on the web, especially at YouTube, to learn many of the basic disciplines in Maya.

Student Showcase - Steve Woodhouse

3D render by Steve Woodhouse

Animation Apprentice student Steve Woodhouse has posted some excellent architectural renders recently. This kind of 3D work is highly complementary to the study of animation, and a great addition to his digital skillset. Animators are increasingly expected to have a working understanding of the rest of the CG pipeline, especially in smaller studios, where multi-tasking is often necessary. And, of course, if you are making your own film, then a knowledge of the whole process is more or less essential.

Free Textures! www.cgtextures.com

Free textures at www.cgtextures.com

Need free textures for your shot? Look no further than www.cgtextures.com.  It's a site packed with textures - all of them completely free.  Of course, animators don't need to be texture artists, and there is no need to produce final, lit, finished renders of your work. But, increasingly, a good understanding of the whole CG pipeline is a great asset for any digital artist - animators included.  Here at Animation Apprentice we encourage all our students to acquire general CG skills. Animation is our primary focus - but we still like to keep half an eye on the rest of the digital skillset.