Hi! I've put together a checklist for you on how to prepare a model for rigging in Maya. Enjoy!

Checklist:

Topology. If necessary, add edge loops in the required places. You can add edge loops using the Multi-cut tool.
To move the edge loop, you can set Transform Constraint: Edge Slide.
Checking normals. The normals should be unlocked (apply Unlock Normals operation), smoothed (apply Soften Edge operation) and not flipped. For last one use the Reverse operation.
All operations are in the Mesh Display menu.
Symmetry. Symmetry can be checked using the abSymMesh script.
If the object is not symmetrical, but the topology and sides are identical, then it can be mirrored with the Edit Mesh menu>Symmetrize operation.
If the topology of the sides is different. For example, if you added edge loops to one side, then use Mesh menu>Mirror operation
Mesh density. If necessary, add iterations of smoothing to objects (Mesh menu >Smooth operation), moreover, so that all the objects of the character have the same mesh density.
Check object names, if they are named randomly, then it is necessary to rename all objects into easy-to-understand names.
Check the scale of the character and the units of measurement. For example, a humanoid character must be 5,9 ft or 180 cm tall, etc.
Apply Freeze Transformations to all mesh objects. If some objects need to keep the orientation of the axis of rotation, such as feathers, then for these objects we use Freeze Transformations only to translate and scale.
Clear the scene. Delete history for objects. Remove unnecessary nodes, such as shapeOrig from geometry (they are created after applying deformers), unnecessary materials, animation curves, etc.

This checklist is just the first step. In my workshop 'Rigging in Maya | Quick Start' you will learn the entire process of preparing and rigging a character in detail.

The workshop has two parts.

The first part of the workshop, where you will powerfully improve your basic rigging skills in 4 lectures, even if you have never created a character rig!

As a result of completing first part of the workshop:

✔ Customize your Maya interface
✔ Speed up your rigging workflow
✔ Learn how to prepare a model for rigging
✔ Learn how to create cartoon deformations
✔ Learn to create a setup with various tools and methods
✔ Learn how to create procedural animation with MASH
✔ Learn how to create animator-friendly controls
✔ Learn how to structure a rig and prepare for animation

Student's rocket rig demo as a result of the first part of the workshop.

As a result of completing second part of the workshop:

At the end of the workshop, you will be able to rig production-quality characters and props from scratch, which will allow you to take freelance or get a job as a rigger in the studio.

Rigging in Maya | Quick Start Student Rigging Demoreel 2024

Testimonials

"Most insightful rigging course I have ever done! I was looking for something to take my existing skills to pro level and this is exactly what I needed! Looking forward to moving to the second Part. Thank you!!!"
Zeynep Fisher

"Better than 90% of rigging courses out there. It's pretty thorough and easy to understand"
Matt Neputin

"Anton Parygin’s course is nothing short of exceptional. As someone eager to expand my rigging expertise in Maya, this course was a game-changer, offering invaluable insights that not only refined my technical skills but also significantly boosted my employability"
Yats Manuel

Do you want to power up your rigging skills and learn how to rig production quality cartoon characters? Enroll in our workshop and upgrade your basic rigging skills in Maya to a professional level👇

More about the first part of workshop:
https://riggingpro.gumroad.com/l/rimqs1-eng/

More about the second part of workshop:
https://riggingpro.gumroad.com/l/rimqs2-eng/

Gumroad Day Sale! Extra discount available today only!

FREE tutorial 'What are Transform and Shape nodes and how to create complex controls in Maya?'.

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