Maya2009 Tutorials

1.How to make a lava lamp in Maya. http://www.3dtotal.com/tutorial/maya/creating_a_lava_lamp_in_maya/lava_lamp_07.php





In this tutorial is about how to create a lava lamp with different tools.The tutorial contains 8 pages, it shows every details of modeling, lighting and something about rendering.
Firstly, the tutorial begins with build models by using polygons. Then it teaches how to resize different parts by setting the divisons values. In order to make it smooth, mentions that we can select smooth tool under the Mesh. Also this tutorial shows how to set light, such as Point Light and Spot Light. By setting the intensity value we adjust the brightness of the lamp. Finally, it shows how to make texture like glass and liquid (Page 6)


I think throught this tutorial I learn more about modeling, and I can apply those skills in other scenes.For example, to create an jelly form object like the blobs inside the lamp, also modeling an Electric Cord is very useeful for us to make something like electrical appliance.

2.Create Fireworks Effects

http://www.cg.com.tw/online/video.asp?vr=HD&sw=Maya2009_Particles&sn=001&vw=960&vh=738&tt=Maya2009

This tutorial is mainly talking about how to use particles to generate afireworks performance. That's something that I haven't learnt before. The tutorial shows the whole work progress step by step.

Just click some buttons, you may see the amazing effective. To adjust the "Create Fireworks Effects Options" ,there are different forms of fireworks effects. I find that it is aneffeective way for us to create fireworks, as it's better than using keyframes to set the motion of fireworks.

I think it's easy to follow the steps in the tutorial,everyone can try that. Thus, I believe that we can apply the same skills to make something similar, such as snowing.

3. Modeling Coca Cola Bottle

http://www.cgarena.com/freestuff/tutorials/maya/cocacola/coca-cola_bottle.html

Form this tutorial, we can learn something about UV mapping,modeling and rendering. It mentions that in order to make the model look like the real one, we can set up an Image Plane for the side view in Maya, it will help you to trace outline of the bottle easily.

Using the EP curve to draw lines, then apply the revolve tool, you can get a specific shape like the coca cola bottle. Also in this tutorial, it will cover about the usage of edges,extrude, and the function of bump map in Maya. I think we can plaec the photo of object for mapping, and it can make our model looks like a real one.

Then I also know something about rendering, to adjust the render setting and we can control the quality of the render pictures.

Eventually, I think I can apply the above skills to my assignment,for example, I will use bump map to decorate my models(the roof of the temple, texture of a robot,etc).

If you want to know more , you can visit those Maya tutorials website:

http://www.3dtotal.com/, http://www.cg.com.tw/Maya/index.htm......