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Introduction to Rigging in Maya 2017

by Eric Kunzendorf

This course is an introduction to character rigging in Maya 2017 with an emphasis on bipedal rigging as an in-depth and specific example of the discipline. Software required: Maya 2017.

What you'll learn

Rigging a biped is a complex task, but it's still one of the most commonplace types of animations you'll be expected to know how to do. This course, Introduction to Rigging in Maya 2017, will present many techniques for rigging in Maya 2017 and integrate them with the gestalt of the character. First, you'll plan the rig features you intend to include in the final rig, including FK/IK switchable arms and back, stretchy spine, grouped foot, and shoulder controls. Next, beginning with the hips, you will work down the leg creating IK controls for the legs with knee pole vector and an "inverse grouped" foot. You'll also go over creating controls for the arms and fingers, as well as see an overview of skinning techniques focusing on binding and problem areas. When you're finished with this course, you'll be ready to create rigs while emphasizing feature-based planning as a beginning point to rigging while divining the individual needs of each rig. Software required: Maya 2017.

Table of contents

Course Overview
1min

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

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