In just 24 sessions of one hour or less‎,‎ Sams Teach Yourself Maya‎(‎R‎)‎ in 24 Hours will help you master Autodesk Maya 2014 and use it to create outstanding 3D graphics and animations‎.‎ Using this book‎'‎s straightforward‎,‎ step‎-by‎-step approach‎,‎ you‎'‎ll master powerful Maya 2014 tools for modeling‎,‎ texturing‎,‎ rigging‎,‎ animating‎,‎ lighting‎,‎ rendering‎,‎ and more‎.‎ Every lesson builds on what you‎'‎ve already learned‎,‎ giving you a rock‎-solid foundation for real‎-world success‎!‎ Step‎-by‎-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common Maya tasks‎.‎ Quizzes and exercises test your knowledge of key Maya 2014 tools at the end of each hour‎.‎ Notes present interesting information related to the discussion‎.‎ Tips offer advice or show you easier ways to perform tasks‎.‎ Learn how to‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎* Get comfortable with Autodesk Maya 2014‎'‎s complex interface * Quickly access the Maya 2014 tools you need for any task * Efficiently manage your assets and files * Model with polygonal geometry and NURBS curves/surfaces * Unfold UVs and apply textures * Create node networks in the hypershade * Model highly realistic characters * Utilize relationships and make nodes work together * Rig your objects and characters for animation * Add animated movement to your scenes * Create and adjust cameras * Build diverse shapes with BlendShapes * Animate using dynamics and simulations * Script and automate common tasks * Improve realism with particles‎,‎ hair/cloth effects‎,‎ and more * Correctly light your scenes * Render your final imagery * Work effectively with film * Manage your projects and scene workflows more efficiently On the DVD‎:‎ The accompanying DVD contains how‎-to videos for dozens of key Maya 2014 tasks‎,‎ extensive sample art and models‎,‎ and additional bonus content‎.‎