Books for "beginners"

# 1 02-04-2014 , 06:54 AM

Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012

Posts: 9

Hi,

I would like to get a bit beter with maya and since I spend quite some time in the train between home and university, I would like to use a book. user added image

I know that in many cases, videos are better for learning stuff like maya but the problem is, you can't read them... .. user added image

I heard good things about the mastering maya series but I have two questions with this: Since they get released annually, should I go for the latest book or is there something else to consider? The other question is if this series fits my current leve. I think a to basic book would be a waste of time but I also don't want to stumble across some unknown terms I don't know. So I think the book should start on a low level but I am fine when it speeds up soon. user added image

Here is a model I worked on, so you know what I already can do. This maybe seems quite complex for the start but it took me some time and most shapes here are also quite basic.
https://i1328.photobucket.com/albums/...psde1fcc47.jpg

That's it. I hope I didn't missed anything. user added image

Thanks in advance!

Greetings

Quote

# 2 02-04-2014 , 08:58 AM

Lead Modeler - Framestore
Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: UK

Posts: 6,287

Your model is off to a good start.

what area do you want to study with Maya, modelling? If it modelling then really most books from Maya 2011 to now will be fine, there arent many changes in terms of modelling and uv tools though the coming release of Maya 2015 has some nice new features. However as I suggested from 2011 should be fine. You will find what tools work best for you over time and you will find you may use around 8 'tools' regularly when making a model, I know I do. Split polytool, combine, separate, add edgeloops, merge, set to face, reverse normals and delete history...

learn the fundamentals thoroughly, get to know what you want and need to do, the rest will follow easily....

Jay

Quote

# 3 02-04-2014 , 09:15 AM

Subscriber
Join Date: Jul 2012

Posts: 112

Hi,
I agree with Jay. The Mastering Maya Series gives you a very good knowledge far beyond beginners level for a lot of aspects of Maya Works.
Since the changes between the years in Maya since 2011 are minor it is sufficient to go with the 2011 version. You may even find the "Introduction to Maya" helpful as well, esp if you have not started yet with lighting, texturing and rendering.
It helped me a lot to go step by step after the instruction along a project. Despite I still prefer the Videos as better option esp. with explanation of a tutor. But for the train between home an university you would need at least a pad ;-). Enjoy the study. The model looks great!

Quote

# 4 02-04-2014 , 10:34 AM

Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012

Posts: 9

Hi!

Thanks for your detailed responses! Realy helpfule. user added image

So I think I will get my hands on one of the mastering maya books.

Regarding Digital Tutors and similar: I am thinking about trying their service for a month. Is it worth the money?
Through my university, I have free access to a german provider which is similar to DT. However, these videos are realy slowly since the tutors seem to think, that they make tutorials for people how work with PCs for their first time. (I saw tutorials where the tutor explained how to close a window, who would guess I have to use the X? user added image

)

But I didn't heard anything bad about DT, do they have a student discout? ;D

Greetings and thanks again!

Quote