How to Learn Autodesk Maya 8 Foundation
Autodesk Maya 8 is an amazing program that will allow you to manipulate your own three-dimensional creations and it makes it easier to convert your creations into animations. Because the program allows you to do so much, it can seem intimidating to learn, but learning it is important for anyone who wishes to create three-dimensional objects. There are some great ways to learn this amazing program, however.
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Instructions
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Look for classes you can take at your local university or community college. There are usually some courses that you can take at night or online to ensure that you can fit it into your schedule. However, be careful about which Maya class you take. Because Maya 10 has been released, your school may only offer a course covering that. It would still be a good idea to take a Maya 10 course if you own Maya 8, though, because the programs are not too different, and you can learn at least the basics of Maya in a Maya 10 course.
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Search through an online database like Google or YouTube for tips and pointers on Maya 8. YouTube is a great place to watch videos of other people finishing projects using Maya. That way you can see exactly what it is you need to do to finish a task.
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Visit your local library or bookstore to find books that are specific to Maya 8. "Maya 8 at a Glance" by George Maestri and Mick Larkins is a great example. The books will allow you to see how to use Maya 8 as well as walk you through examples.
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Purchase the Autodesk Maya 8 program. Open it on your desktop and begin to use it. Do not be concerned with accomplishing anything specific the first time you use it, but don't be afraid to click various buttons and experiment with what everything can do. Make sure you understand that by clicking "Alt" + "left mouse" you can pivot around your design. By clicking "Alt" + "middle mouse" (that's the middle button on your mouse that is commonly referred to as a scroll) you can slide the image from side to side. By using only the center scroll, you can zoom in and out.
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Tips & Warnings
With an Mac computer, you can use "Apple" instead of "Alt."
References
- Photo Credit 3d image by jaschin from Fotolia.com
