Introduction to 3D Modelling in Maya

Week 1

Regarding 3D Modelling, Autodesk Maya software is the industry standard, which is why the first class started with an introduction to 3D modelling in Maya and a brief introduction to its interface.

The introduction began with an overview of the course and how it will help students gain knowledge and equip them with the skills required and needed in a prospective 3D artist for this industry. This module is practical in its approach and has project-based assignments meant to make the students more comfortable with the software (Autodesk Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, etc.) The module will cover all the related aspects involved in the modelling process such as 3d modelling, sculpting, UV mapping, shading, texturing, lighting and rendering.

3D Creation Pipeline Mind Map  

Week 2

For the second half, we did workshops designed and created to understand the various modelling aides available in Maya such as the deformers (Bend, Flare, Sine, Squash, Twist). We experimented with a few non-linear deformers and learned how each output can defer with different values.

This was created with just a cube. I scaled the cube and used the twist deformer on it. I experimented with the values and made the twist, as seen in the image above. This was made from a reference image of a twisted metal fence. After twisting it, we were advised to select the top edges and the side edges and press B. this added a bevel to the edges which smoothed out the rough surface and gave it a better and cleaner look.

We tried this with a couple more deformers like squash and stretch. This time I tried testing with it in my own way and after tweaking the values I created this short animation using a cube and the deformer. It was honestly surprised to see how unique the modelling aides are in Maya that help simplify and help with the process of 3D modelling. Here is the playblast of my squash and stretch animation.

Wave Deformer animation playblast,

For the last part, we were given a hard surface 3D model of exercise equipment. The task was to model it by using tools that we had learned earlier. Although at first glance the object looked incomplex and easy to model, however, there was more to it than just using the right tools. After we were done modelling it, many of us didn't know what was wrong with our model until later we saw the thoroughly detailed tutorial of the same object being modelled but this time by following professional and industry standards of modelling in Maya. The process of modelling was the same but it was the techniques that were used that made the model much more defined and detailed.

  

To improve and speed up the modelling process, we have access to the canvas 3D Modelling workshops wherein there are several modelling tutorials which go in depth about modelling and are easy to follow. These tutorials and workshops help with making the most of our independent study hours.  

One such tutorial was on how to model a USB drive in Maya

Not only did the tutorial teach new tools but also specified the reason behind using that particular tool, which helped me get to know the modelling tool Maya had to offer. It was very detailed and extremely easy to follow.