What you'll learn

In this Maya tutorial, we will look at creating functional, efficient topology and learn how to utilize it to model a detailed character. Throughout these lessons we will take an in-depth look at some mixed polygon modeling techniques using Maya 2011. We'll focus on creating animation-friendly topology for our fantasy style character that will not only deform correctly but will also showcase detailed anatomy. By the end of this tutorial, we will have learned how to model clothes, props, books, candles, and a human skull while covering a wide variety of modeling techniques to produce detailed and accurate meshes. While this tutorial uses Maya 2011, the techniques used are transferable to any other polygon modeling software program. Software required: Maya 2011.