Product Description
Create positively dazzling effects with the unique insights and practical advice in this innovative guide from a working professional Maya artist. Need to create plasmatic energy by lunch? Animate a field of sprouting daisies before tomorrow’s meeting? Fashion a force field by Friday? With Maya’s flexible toolset and the unique tutorials in this book, you’ll learn how to solve real-world problems, improvise, and finish your professional assignments on time and with flair.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 11 reviews)

Could be more advanced

While containing some interesting ideas, I strongly wished it had been more in-depth and advanced. Many of the techniques used are rather simple and obvious. Unless this is one of the first Maya books you read, you'll probably know at least half of the contents.

There is some good material here: Keller shows the readers how to use things in some unobvious ways and challenges them to look for solutions in unexpected (and fast) ways. If you're a beginner, some of these techniques may help ingrain things you've learned, but haven't had much cause to use, making you a better vfx person.

I'd recommend this to self-learners who are looking to extend their knowledge, but aren't ready for more technical material. If you're already comfortable with visual effects, this book probably isn't for you.
January 18, 2008

what can I say?

not really worth the money I spent, there a few things that are worth taking note, but not what you would expect with a title like that, the online forums and tutorials are one's best bet to learn neat fx.

October 18, 2007

Great idea for effects artist that want to go beyond the basics

This is one of the best effects books I've purchased. It's not intended for people that just start out with effects, it's meant for people that want to learn to do actually work. I like the realworld format of the book, with projects that are similar to what you would get in actual production. Great Book!
July 23, 2007

A must have for Maya users.

This book is a must have for Maya users who are interest in becoming VFX artists or Generalists.
I've bought many Maya books and I must say that I feel I've gotten the biggest bang for my buck with one.
Looking forward to Eric Keller's next book.
Rudy Sarzo
June 10, 2007

Interesting read

Its not as boring as other manuals, and it explains how to accomplish things, while bringing the ideas of how to use them in better situations. I really enjoy the reality of client speak that is presented in it.
May 30, 2007

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting
by Lee Lanier

Maya Professional Tips and Techniques
by Lee Lanier

Mastering Maya 8.5
by John Kundert-Gibbs, Mick Larkins, Dariush Derakhshani, Eric Kunzendorf

Learning Autodesk Maya 2008: The Special Effects Handbook
by Autodesk Maya Press

Stop Staring: Facial Modeling and Animation Done Right
by Jason Osipa