Chapter 3

Modeling I

Creating 3D models in computer graphics is an art form and a discipline unto itself. It takes years to master and requires an understanding of form, composition, anatomy, mechanics, and gesture. It’s an addictive art that never stops evolving. With a firm understanding of how the tools work, you can master the art of creating 3D models.

The Autodesk® Maya® software supports three types of surfaces: polygon, NURBS, and subdivisions. Each is quite different and has its strengths and weaknesses. Polygon models are constructed by attaching flat geometric shapes together to form a volume. There are few restrictions when working with polygons, and for this reason they are more popular than NURBS as a modeling tool. A NURBS surface ...

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