Publisher 3DNY recently announced two new MediaBooks geared toward Maya users — “Maya Multi-Pass Rendering” and “Maya Head Design & Modeling” — and three pro-level workshops that will be held this summer.
3DNY concentrates on educational MediaBooks and seminars aimed at those in the graphics arts industry. The company’s MediaBooks are digital books that come on DVDs and complement instructional text with how-to videos and software simulations.
“Maya Multi-Pass Rendering” covers what 3DNY calls “the secret workhorse of 3D.” Multi-pass rendering (MPR) allows artists to produce more robust 3D images by adding elements, such as shadows and reflections, in successive passes over the image. This MediaBook covers MPR toolsets and advances features and offers two tutorials that apply what has been learned. It will be available in July for US$129, although you can pre-order it now for $89.
System requirements call for a PowerPC G3 or faster processor, Mac OS X, 128MB RAM, QuickTime, a display capable of 1024 x 768 resolution and 24-bit color, and a DVD drive.
“Maya Head Design & Modeling” explores using Maya to create a detailed human head, complete with realistic features and facial expressions. Author Joseph Menna takes users step-by-step through the process of creating a head, complete with video demonstrations on the mouth, teeth, nose, eyes, and ears. Advanced topics tackle proper function of various facial features during animation and other important tips. It will also be available in July for $99, with a $79 pre-order price. System requirements are the same as the ones for “Maya Multi-Pass Rendering.”
3DNY has also partnered with Maine Workshops to offer three pro-level classes that will be held on their Rockport campus this summer. “Digital 3D Animation & Modeling,” a one-week class, covers the use of digital 3D in modeling, illustration, and animation projects for a variety of media. “Professional Certificate in 3D Digital Modeling & Animation” is a 12-week course that explores not only the history of 3D digital graphics but also their use in storytelling. “TeenToons — 3D Digital Animation” is a one-week class for high school-age students who want to work on character design and story development.
3DNY encourages interested animators to register now, as space is limited for all three classes. Tutition is $1,195 for “Digital 3D Animation & Modeling” and “TeenToons — 3D Digital Animation,” which includes access to a workstation, a textbook and handouts, and a DVD of completed class projects. “Professional Certificate in 3D Digital Modeling & Animation” is $10,000, plus a $1,500 lab fee.