This title consists of book and CD-ROM. This book takes a unique approach to modelling as it breaks down character creation using an easy-to-follow formula that makes the learning process less daunting. The author presents an overview of modelling basics and then shows how to block out the body, shape body parts, add details, and create joints and controls using Maya 8. By the time you have finished the book, you will have created a figure that is textured, rigged, and ready to be animated. This book helps: understand the building blocks of modelling, including quads, edge loops, normals, UVs, and mapping; discover how 'modelling by formula' eases the character creation process; find out how to create a UV layout that makes texturing easier; and, learn how to place joints and controls and skin your character so it deforms properly when animated. The companion CD contains the images from the book, Maya files to help build the character, AVI movies that show the modelling process in real time, and Mel scripts for installing a character modelling tool menu that can improve the user's workflow.