Accelerating the Face-rigging Process in Maya
In this Maya tutorial, we'll explore node-centric, pose-based deformers as drivers for corrective blend shapes. Software required: Maya 2015, abAutoRig 6.0.3.
What you'll learn
In this Maya tutorial, we'll explore node-centric, pose-based deformers as drivers for corrective blend shapes. We'll learn how to accelerate the rigging process by using a free MEL script called abAutoRig.mel, as well as several code snippets and Python utilities to create a character rig, skin the model, paint weights, and apply corrective blend shapes. By the end of this Maya training, you'll have learned new strategies for completing the rigging process quickly and efficiently. Software required: Maya 2015, abAutoRig 6.0.3.
Table of contents
- Creating a Face Controller 5m
- Adding Attributes to the Face Controller 8m
- Rigging the Eyelids 11m
- Finishing the Eyelids 10m
- Controlling the Jaw with SDK 8m
- Continuing to Control the Jaw 10m
- Modeling Corrective Blend Shapes 11m
- Continuing Corrective Blend Shape Modeling 11m
- Mirroring Blend Shapes 6m
- Creating a Pose Reader 11m
- Using ekPoseReader.pyc 11m
- Creating Locator Drivers 8m
- Preparing for Facial Expression 11m
- Applying a Single Skin Mesh 8m
- Sculpting Expressions 11m
- Creating the Eyebrows 12m
- Finishing the Eyebrows 11m
- Sculpting the Mouth 9m
- Separating the Lip Shapes 10m
- Creating Complicated Lip Shapes 8m
- Sculpting Miscellaneous Details 8m
- Sending the Sculpts to Maya 12m
- Creating Pupil Blend Shapes 8m
- Modeling the Tongue Blend Shapes 12m
- Controlling Blend Targets 11m
- Creating Lip Twist Blend Shapes 12m
- Connecting the Ear, Pupil, and Tongue Shapes 9m
- Finishing the Rig 9m
About the author
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