Video Tutorials
Sometimes the best way to learn is to see how others tackle the same problem...
Below are are collection of different video tutorials, on topics that some animators or people interested in rigging may find useful. If you have an idea for a new tutorial then why not contact me and let me know

Using Constraints: Part 1


Part 1: A detailed tutorial on how to use constraints and props, especially useful for animators
Click on the image to watch the tutorial
Using Constraints: Part 2


Part 2: A tutorial showing how you can setup constraints and props for fast animation
Click on the image to watch the tutorial
Maya Vehicle Rigging

This series of video's covers the principles of rigging a vehicle in Maya, and culminates in the creation of a dynamic simulation for the vehicles suspension, allowing it to automatically react to changes in the terrain. The vehicle model and the suspension scene files used in the tutorials are included as part of the training.

This project is almost 3 ½ hours long, and is now available as part of a much larger compilation training disk covering many different topics. Maya Vehicle Rigging is available from the 3dbuzz.com store for an unbeatable $14.95

 

Maya Vehicle Rigging Tutorial Contents:

  • 1. Intro
  • 2. Sticky wheels (29 Mins)
    • Learn different methods to make the wheels automatically roll along the ground
  • 3. Suspension setup (26 mins)
    • Setting up the suspension ready for dynamic simulations
  • 4. Chassis control (21 mins)
    • Make the chassis pitch and yaw in reaction to the movement of the suspension
  • 5. Basic rig (11 mins)
    • Working out what the rig actually needs to accomplish in order to react correctly
  • 6. Organize the scene (10 mins)
    • Always important - do this part well and the final rigging is much easier
  • 7. Rigging part 1 (52 mins)
    • Setup of the rig
  • 8. Rigging part 2 (27 mins)
    • Finalize the rig and troubleshoot any problems
  • 9. Adding dynamics (12 mins)
    • You've covered the theory, now its time to add the dynamic suspension
  • 10. Animate! (14 mins)
    • It's time to animate your scene and watch the vehicle react to the terrain
  Also included on the disk is the vehicle model and the suspension rig

Maya Rigging Video Tutorial: Piston and Spring (1 of 4)

This series of 4 tutorials shows you how to model and rig an automated piston with a damping spring, the sort of shock absorber you'd get on a vehicle. Created using Maya 7.0

Maya Rigging Video Tutorial: Piston and Spring (2 of 4)

Part 2 of this 4 part series

Maya Rigging Video Tutorial: Piston and Spring (3 of 4)

Part 3 of this 4 part series

Maya Rigging Video Tutorial: Piston and Spring (4 of 4)

The final part in modeling and rigging this simple piston

Maya Rigging Video Tutorial: Piston and Spring (4 of 4)

This short 4 minute video tutorial will show you how to model a knurl effect in Maya. You can achive a similar result with a Bump map, but this is a modeling technique for when you need a close up shot of the surface. Created using Maya 7.0

Maya Modeling Video Tutorial: Silencer Details (part 1 of 2)

Part 1: This short 7 minute video tutorial will show you how to model a divet from a reference photo of a silencer. Created using Maya 7.0

Maya Modeling Video Tutorial: Silencer Details (part 2 of 2)

Part 2: This short 5 minute video tutorial will show you how to take the previously modeled section of the silencer and use it to complete the main silence body. Created using Maya 7.0