Introduction to Autodesk Maya Training Course

Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Virtually Online Live & On-Site

Introduction to Autodesk Maya Training Course Description:

Introduction to Autodesk Maya training thoroughly covers the texturing, lighting, and rendering capabilities of Maya that help new users make the most of this sophisticated application, as well as broaden the horizons of existing, self-taught users. In this Autodesk Maya training course, you will learn about the Autodesk Maya user interface, and you’ll learn to work with lighting, shading, and polygon and NURBS modeling. You will receive an introduction to Mental Ray in Maya, and you will learn to work with the UV Texture Editor.

Prerequisites for Attending Autodesk Maya:

Basic computer knowledge is recommended. Experience with 2d-Paint and any non-linear editor is a plus.

Job Roles that Use Autodesk Maya:

Artists
Digital Designers
Professional Designers

Projects that Use Cinema 4D:

Create 3D Applications
Game Development
Architectural Design
Product Design

Locations for Introduction to Autodesk Maya:

In Person at ThinkB!G’s Office in Columbia, MD (next to the Columbia Mall)
Online Live from Anywhere
Private Custom Training On Site or at Your Location
Project Based Training On Site or at Your Location

Times for Introduction to Autodesk Maya:

In Person & Online Live: 8:30AM-3:00PM ET / 5:30AM-12:00PM PT (30 Minute Lunch)
Private Custom & Project Based Training: Your preference
*Please click the Dates To Register tab above to see all dates & times available.*

Autodesk Maya Training Includes:

Hands-On Training Led by Certified Instructors
Print and/or Digital Courseware
Certificate of Completion
Continental Breakfast Every Day (In Person Only)
Catered Gourmet Deli Lunch Every Day (In Person Only)
Unlimited Snacks and Refreshments (In Person Only)
Notebook & Pen (In Person Only)
Free Parking (In Person Only)

Software Versions:

ThinkB!G open enrollment classes are taught on the most current version of software whenever possible. To request a specific version, please Contact Us or call us at 301-362-2250.

Autodesk Maya Training Course Reviews:

“It was great that training was able to come to us for private session. [The Instructor was ] very knowledgeable, good at time management and keeping students on track. The instructor gave expertise level instruction, I am impressed with his knowledge and ability to relate the material to beginners.” – Brittany C., FCPS

“The Maya instruction definitely presented topics and was able to fill in knowledge gaps in a way online tutorials haven’t been able to. Would love to make it back for the advanced class!” – Rick H. NSA

“Looking at Maya, it’s easy to be intimidated by the interface alone. I came in to this class and learned more than I believed I would learn after only day 1, and by the end of my training I feel very confident to model and do basic levels of animation in Maya. The instructor was very knowledgeable and shows the do’s an do-not’s of using the software, and most importantly, was very patient while trying to learn. Additionally, the agenda is set so if you didn’t fully understand how to do something say on Day 1, you will learn how to do those steps again on future days while still moving ahead with the agenda (i.e., repetition of using the modeling tools). I highly recommend this Maya training class and I look forward to future Maya classes to further my 3D modeling and animation capabilities.” –Brandon S. – Department of Defense

View More Reviews

Related Training and Certification Courses:

Autodesk Maya Advanced
After Effects Advanced
After Effects Intro

Introduction to Autodesk Maya Training Outline

1. Intro to Computer Graphics & 3D Art
Computer Graphics
The Stages of Production
The CG Production Workflow
Core Concepts
Basic Film Concepts

2. Jumping in Headfirst, with Both Feet
You Put the U in UI
Project Overview: The Solar System
The Pre-production Process: Planning
Creating a Project
The Production Process: Creating and Animating the Objects
Hierarchy and Maya Object Structure
The Solar System, Resumed
Outputting Your Work: Playblasting

3. The Autodesk Maya 2017 Interface
Navigating in Maya
Exploring the Maya Layout
Building a Decorative Box
Mapping the Box’s Reference Planes with Hypershade
Organizing Workflow with the Layer Editor
Modeling the Decorative Box
Editing the Decorative Box Model Using Shelf
Continuing the Decorative Box Model
Finishing the Decorative Box Model

4. Beginning Polygonal Modeling
Planning Your Model
Polygon Basics
Poly Editing Tools
Putting the Tools to Use: Making a Simple Hand
Creating Areas of Detail on a Poly Mesh
Modeling a Catapult
Suggestions for Modeling Polygons

5. Modeling with NURBS Surfaces & Deformers
NURBS! NURBS!
Using NURBS Surfacing to Create Polygons
Converting a NURBS Model to Polygons
Editing NURBS Surfaces
Patch Modeling: A Locomotive Detail
Using Artisan to Sculpt NURBS
Modeling with Simple Deformers
The Lattice Deformer
Animating Through a Lattice

6. Practical Experience
Evaluating the Table Lamp
Modeling the Base
Creating the Lamp Stem
Modeling the Lampshade
Making the Toy Airplane
Using Maya File References
Finishing the Toy Airplane
Updating the File Reference

7. Autodesk Maya Shading & Texturing
Maya Shading
Shader Types
Shader Attributes
Shading and Texturing the Table Lamp
Textures and Surfaces
Textures and UVs for the Red Wagon
Photo-Real Mapping: The Decorative Box
For Further Study

8. Introduction to Animation
Keyframe Animation: Bouncing a Ball
Throwing an Axe
Replacing an Object
Animating Flying Text
Rigging the Locomotive, Part 1
Animating the Catapult

9. More Animation!
Skeletons and Kinematics
Skeletons: The Hand
Inverse Kinematics
Basic Relationships: Constraints
Basic Relationships: Set-Driven Keys Application: Rigging the Locomotive
Creating a Simple Character Rig

10. Autodesk Maya Lighting
Basic Lighting Concepts
Maya Lights
Light Linking
Adding Shadows
Ray tracing Soft Shadows
Mental ray Lighting
Mental ray Physical Sun and Sky
Lighting Effects
Lighting the Table Lamp and Decorative Box
Further Lighting Practice
Tips for Using and Animating Lights

11. Autodesk Maya Rendering
Rendering Setup
Previewing Your Render: The Render View Window
Reflections and Refractions
Using Cameras
Motion Blur
Batch Rendering
Rendering the Wine Bottle
mental ray for Maya
Render Layers
Final Gather
Ambient Occlusion
HDRI
Displacement Mapping the Decorative Box
Rendering the Lamp and Decorative Box

12. Autodesk Maya Dynamics & Effects
Overview of Dynamics and Maya Nucleus
Rigid and Soft Dynamic Bodies
Animating with Dynamics: The Pool Table
Fun Dynamics: Shoot the Catapult!
Particle Dynamics
Emitting Particles
Animating a Particle Effect: Locomotive Steam
Introduction to Paint Effects
Toon Shading
Getting Started with Cloth
Customizing Maya

Disclaimer:

All course objectives and outlines are a guide for students. To ensure student satisfaction, these course topics and order may be modified or added to ensure the latest information is covered to support real world use of the technology.

“Great help, great intro to Maya getting a first time look into the program capabilities.” – Curtis H., FCPS

“This has been an incredible experience. The instructor’s lessons were very linear and thorough for an introductory course.” – Cliff C., FCPS

“I learned tips and tricks for a more efficient pipeline and higher quality end product. Amazing environment, very sociable people, and quality training.” – Andrew H., DOD

We have instructors ready to teach this class, but we do not currently offer it on our open enrollment schedule. If you are interested in this class, please fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly about your training options!