Learning Paths

Maya: Core Skills

  • Number of Courses11 courses
  • Duration54 hours
  • Skill IQ available Skill IQ
  • Expanded

Maya is a high-end 3D software that is used heavily throughout the entertainment industry. It allows 3D artists to create the elaborate computer-generated environments and stunning digital characters seen in today’s blockbuster films and AAA game titles.

This learning path is designed to build a strong foundation for working with the major areas of this extremely robust application. While various industries and studios use Maya for slightly different purposes, the core tools and workflows remain the same, and the collection of courses in this path are designed to help you build those core skills.

Courses in this path

Beginner

The courses in this section will help you get familiar with the Maya interface. You'll learn how to model entire objects and prepare models for color and texture.

Maya 2019 Fundamentals: Overview and Modeling

  • by Justin Marshall
  • 4h 42m Duration
  •  (52)

Maya 2019 Fundamentals: UVs, Materials, and Textures

  • by Eddie Russell
  • 3h 44m Duration
  •  (27)

Maya 2019 Fundamentals: Rigging and Animation

  • by Mark Masters
  • 4h 5m Duration
  •  (20)

Maya 2019 Fundamentals: Dynamics, Lighting and Rendering

  • by Eddie Russell
  • 4h 54s Duration
  •  (13)

Intermediate

Now that you know how to model and construct 3D forms in Maya, these intermediate courses will show you how you can bring models to life through animation and shading.

Maya Modeling Fundamentals

  • by Justin Marshall
  • 6h 2m Duration
  •  (65)

UV Mapping Workflows in Maya

  • by Eddie Russell
  • 3h 32m Duration
  •  (57)

Introduction to Rigging in Maya 2017

  • by Eric Kunzendorf
  • 7h 26m Duration
  •  (73)

Maya Shading and Texturing Fundamentals

  • by Eddie Russell
  • 3h 52m Duration
  •  (44)

Maya 2018 Animation Fundamentals

  • by Mark Masters
  • 2h 51m Duration
  •  (43)

Advanced

In this section, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the more advanced concepts of creating dynamic particle simulations and realistic lighting effects for your Maya scenes.

Maya nParticle Fundamentals

  • by Peter Gend
  • 6h 47m Duration
  •  (51)

Fundamentals of Arnold for Maya

  • by Eddie Russell
  • 6h 39m Duration
  •  (63)

Learn with the best

Justin Marshall
Justin Marshall
Justin thrives as a lead modeling author at Pluralsight. Growing up, Justin found a deep interest for the computer graphics industry after watching movies like Jurassic Park, Toy Story, and The Abyss. His ambition would lead him to work at Sony Imageworks in Los Angeles on movies like Monster House and Surf's Up. Justin has also had numerous articles, tutorials, and images published in 3D World and 3D Artist. As an author, Justin enjoys collaborating with fellow authors, especially on project... more
Eddie Russell
Eddie Russell
Eddie began teaching creative professionals over ten years ago for Digital Tutors. In 2014 Digital Tutors was acquired by Pluralsight and he continued his focus on creating high quality training for artists in both the film and games industries. With a background in graphic design and illustration Eddie has always been focused on visual appeal. This can be seen through his courses in which he shares secrets for achieving production level quality for concept art, illustrations, textures, mater... more
Mark Masters
Mark Masters
Mark started out with an interest in animation at an early age, and it eventually transformed into a passion for the subject. Mark made an impact on the industry quickly, working for Pluralsight (Digital-Tutors) as an Animation and Rigging Instructor. After his time at Pluralsight, he joined Steelehouse Productions as a 3D Animator, where he worked on a wide range of projects. Currently, he is working as an animator on the popular children's series Floogals for NBC Sprouts. Apart from that, he's... more
Eric Kunzendorf
Eric Kunzendorf
Eric Kunzendorf has been teaching computer graphics and animation at the college level for the last two decades at such varied institutions as Jacksonville University, the New Hampshire Institute of Art, the Atlanta College of Art, and the School of Visual Arts’ Savannah campus. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Art history from Columbia University and a Masters of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from the University of Georgia. Eric has contributed to several works including "Mastering Maya 8.... more

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