Repeat the same steps for the side view, only this time, bringing in 'maleRef_side.jpg'. In the Attribute Editor, scroll to the Image Plane tab and reduce the Alpha Gain to 0.8. Next go to View > Image Plane > Import Image and select 'maleRef_front.jpg'. Go to View > Default View to reset the camera. Open up a clean scene in Maya and navigate to the front view.

You can download the references and Maya scene files here. For this tutorial, we'll be using two reference images, one for the front view and one for the side. If you haven't, I suggest you check out what they have on offer, as they have some fantastic resources. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title.For this tutorial, I have been given permission by the awesome folks at 3dscanstore to use a couple of images from their Male reference library. Companion CD included with the images from the book, Maya files to help build the character, AVI movies that show the modeling process in real time, and Mel scripts for installing a character modeling tool menu that can improve the user’s workflow! With this book understand the building blocks of modeling, including quads, edge loops, normals, UVs, and mapping discover how “modeling by formula” eases the character creation process find out how to create a UV layout that makes texturing easier learn how to place joints and controls and skin your character so it deforms properly when animated. By the time you’ve finished the book, you’ll have created a figure that is textured, rigged, and ready to be animated. The author presents an overview of modeling basics and then shows how to block out the body, shape body parts, add details, and create joints and controls using Maya 8. Maya 8 Character Modeling takes a unique approach to modeling as it breaks down character creation using an easy-to-follow formula that makes the learning process less daunting.

Maya character modeling