This learning path offers a step-by-step approach for aspiring Maya artists who have never used Maya before to get a jump start on learning this powerful program. So whether you're completely new to 3D or are a 3D veteran who is wanting to switch to Maya for the first time, following this learning path will give you a more general approach to learning all aspects of the 3D pipeline within Maya. Throughout the tutorials in this learning path you will walk through the fundamental aspects of modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, dynamics, lighting, scripting and rendering. After completing this learning path you will have a solid understanding of the various aspects of a 3D pipeline as well as a general understanding of how to move around within Maya.
Questions? See FAQ's
14 Courses
43h 19m
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Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Common Questions
Q: What can I expect to get out of this learning path?
A. This learning path will teach you the overall fundamentals of moving around and working within Maya. If you've never touched Maya before and you're looking for a place to start, this is the learning path that you'll want to start with first. After finishing this learning path, you will have a solid understanding of how to move around inside of Maya as well as knowledge of each aspect of the 3D production pipeline.
Q. Are there any tutorials that I should watch before starting this learning path?
A. Before starting this learning path, we would recommend that you watch our Visual Guide series to first learn some of the essential terms and definitions that you'll encounter in this learning path.
Q: What is a learning path? How do I use them?
A. Learning paths are a series of courses organized into levels for easier organization. We recommend that you start with the first course in level one and work your way through all of the courses and levels sequentially.
Q: Do I have to follow along with the tutorial? Can I work on my own project?
A. The ultimate goal is to be able to transfer the techniques and tools you've learned in this learning path to your own projects. While everyone learns at a difference pace, we recommend a three-step process before trying to apply the techniques to your own projects. The first step is to watch each tutorial and take notes along the way. Secondly, watch the tutorial and follow along trying to replicate each step in the tutorial. Lastly replicate the project from the tutorial on your own trying not to watch the tutorials as much as possible. This helps to ensure that you not only are able to replicate what was taught in the tutorial but that you understand the techniques and tools that were used so you can then transfer them to your own projects.
Q. What if I have questions while going through this learning path?
A. We have set up a community specifically as a place for you to ask technical questions. Our community is frequented by the Digital-Tutors instructors, staff members, moderators and other helpful members that can answer your questions as you learn Maya. You can get to the community by clicking on the "Connect" tab at the top of the site or by clicking here.
Q: What if the version of Maya in the tutorial is different than what I have? Can I still follow along?
A. Yes! While there are certainly new tools and features that get added with each new version of Maya, a majority of the core techniques taught are the same and can be transferred easily from version to version. Just keep in mind that due to file version differences it may not be possible to open project files that were created in a newer version of Maya if you're using an older version. And of course you can always post questions on our forums if you ever come across something that looks different in your version of Maya than in the tutorial.
Q. What if I don't use Maya? Can I follow along in my favorite 3D software?
A. While we recommend using Maya to follow along with this learning path, nearly all of the core fundamentals can be ported between any software with a little understanding of the software that you're porting the techniques to. However if you find it difficult to transfer to your preferred software, we have a variety of other learning paths for other software. Check out the Learning Paths page to see the learning paths for your favorite software.
Q. Where do I go after completing this learning path?
A. After completing this learning path you will have a good understanding of the various aspects of the 3D pipeline and how they work within Maya. From here we have a number of learning paths that focus on specific aspects of each of the areas in the 3D pipeline. For example, if you found that you want to learn more about modeling then you can follow along with our Maya Modeling learning path.
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