Product Description

Discover the concepts and techniques required to rig engaging CG character models with Maya in this unique book and DVD package. The stunning color images show just what you can achieve, and the detailed step-by-step tutorials show exactly how to achieve them.

Every technique and tip is backed up with practical tutorials, using the models, student work and tutorial assets on the companion DVD to offer a crash course in this vital skill. With Cheryl Cabrera you'll learn about:

Designing your first Biped Character; Creating your first Biped Character - Modeling Basics, Biped Character Facial Expressions, Texturing Basics; Skeleton setup for a Biped Character Joint Placement; Control Rig setup for a Biped Character - IK and FK; Wrapping up the setup; Skinning your Character

* Use simple NURBS and polygon modeling in Maya for greater flexibility in your workflow
* Create control rig setups for a biped character - both IK and FK
* Put your new skills to work with the models and tutorial assets on the free DVD!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #392360 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 408 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780240520827
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"A recommended resource for newcomes to character and rigging workflow. 8/10" ... 3D World

Customer Reviews

Excellent rigging foundation book.
This is a great book. I've been rigging for 10+ years and have read almost every rigging book out there (including Body Language, (just ok)). This is the best book I've read for rigging beginners. I am reviewing the rigging section specifically. The way this book differs from all the rest is that it's structured like a class which is incredibly valuable. Key concepts are introduced clearly and concisely at first and then we proceed to a step by step tutorial applying the concepts to a character you are rigging throughout the book. Foundation level rigging know-how is introduced in a very clear and methodical fashion. Basic rigging concepts that beginners need but most lack. The book has excellent and clear screenshots, superior printing quality, flowcharts, illustrations, it's well written and has color coded pages. It would function well as an instructor guide as well as a self contained course. The student work and anecdotes are a great touch. I'm sorry but based on this book I think Cheryl (I don't know her) knows what she is doing as both as an educator and as a rigger. Good attention to detail and a patient easygoing style of writing. I felt compelled to write this after reading the "riddled with flaws" review which is inaccurate and seems to carry a hint of personal animosity. This is a great book and I've finally been able to recommend a book about learning to rig to my coworkers and friends who always ask. This one. Encore!

Light rigging book for beginners.
I don't feel like the title is misleading like a previous reviewer. The book is INTRODUCTION to Maya rigging and it does just that. It's a light read and the concepts are perfect for beginners. I do agree that a little too much of the book is spent on modeling. Perhaps a better title would have been "Introduction to Complete Character Creation". You might not get much out of it if you are already proficient with common Maya Character Setup methods. I always recommend this book to animators that don't have much interest in rigging nor do they care about the actual explanations of concepts but want to rig their own creations for the purpose of animating them.

If you are looking for deeper content like creating "stretchy" limbs, Maya Muscle, and setting up multiple character pipeline workflow tips, pickup BODY LANGUAGE: ADVANCED CHARACTER RIGGING.

Fantastic Introduction to Rigging
This book provides a wonderful starting point to learn rigging. It goes through detailed step by step instructions on rigging a biped, but instead of just providing a paint by numbers approach, it also covers the theory behind rigging. This foundation should provide you with the skills to not only rig another biped, but also be able to problem solve your own unique rigging challenges.