Model a Low Polygon Character in Autodesk Maya 2018

Name: Model a Low Polygon Character in Autodesk Maya 2018
Rating: 4.3 (69 reviews)

Creating a character using 2k poly or less

(69 ratings)

262 students

Created by Eric Kunzendorf

Last updated 12/2017

English

English [Auto]

What you'll learn

Set up a character schematic in the modeling workspace.
Model characters using simple cylinders and extrusions
Model hands using cubes and cylinders
Explore how this low poly modeling technique works with UV mapping
Map individual groups of polygons with different aiStandardSurface shaders
Make shaders that have different subsurface scattering effects
Use Skydome and studio lighting techniques to enhance surfacing effects

Requirements

You should have a basic familiarity with Maya's modeling interface.
This is a beginning to intermediate level course.
Ideally students should complete the Create and Render a Wooden Toy Car in Autodesk Maya 2018 if you are new to Maya or 3D in general.

Description

In this course, we are going to explore low polygon modeling techniques as they apply to a “simple” (and I use that term in quotes) character. Working in low polygon’s means we get to pare down the generally complex character modeling process into a sub-2000 polygon character. Many of these techniques can be "scaled up" to use on characters with higher polygon budgets, but in this era of smartphone games, having the ability to model in lower polygon counts is very relevant and useful.

Who this course is for:

Any 3D artist who is interested in character modeling from a low polygon standpoint.
Any 3D artist who wants to learn more about the Arnold aiStandardSurface material

Eric Kunzendorf

Associate Professor of Animation at Jacksonville University

4.2 Instructor Rating
113 Reviews
480 Students
3 Courses

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.

Most recently, Eric has completed courses for Pluralsight (formerly Digital Tutors), a company that has been delivering video courses in Animation and Digital Art on CD, DVD and online for over a decade. Eric has also contributed to several books including “Mastering Maya 8.5”, “Mastering Maya 7”, “Maya 5 Savvy” and “Maya: Secrets of the Pros Vol. 1”. His animations, “Final Project Assignment” and “Mime In A Box”, have made appearances at the Siggraph Computer Animation Festival in 1999 and 2000 respectively. His 2004 animation "The Secret Life of Netsuke" won first place in SEDAF-the Southeastern Digital Arts Festival. His animation “Courage” appeared in the 2010 CitrusCel animation festival in Jacksonville, Florida. Most recently, his animation “Lathe of God” appeared in the 2013 CitrusCel animation festival in Jacksonville, Florida and the 2013 Blue Plum animation festival in Johnson City, Tennessee. He has also exhibited computer-generated prints on the regional and national level.