Introduction to Maya 2026 Volume 1 by Eric Keller

Ready to jump into Maya 2026? This workshop is your perfect starting point. Eric Keller, a seasoned pro with over two decades of Maya experience, breaks down the software’s essentials. You’ll learn not just what you need to know to build cool 3D stuff, but also what you can safely ignore for now, cutting through the overwhelm for beginners.

🎯 What you’ll learn

• Navigate the Maya interface and workspaces like a pro.
• Understand and set up Maya projects and preferences.
• Master essential editors like the Outliner, Attribute Editor, and Channel Box.
• Work with cameras, geometry, and basic scene lighting.
• Preview Arnold renders and textures directly in the viewport.
• Optimize your workflow with Toolbox options and Viewport 2.0.

✅ Requirements

• Skills: No prior Maya experience needed.
• Tools: A computer capable of running Maya 2026.
• Hardware: A stable internet connection for accessing course materials.

📝 Description

This workshop is designed to get you comfortable with the core functionalities of Autodesk Maya 2026. Eric Keller guides you through the interface, explaining the purpose and use of key editors like the Outliner and Attribute Editor. You’ll learn how to set up your projects correctly and utilize viewport options for efficient scene setup, including camera settings, shading, and basic lighting. The course also touches on essential modeling tools and workflow tricks, preparing you for more advanced topics in subsequent volumes.

Eric emphasizes practical application, showing how to preview renders and textures within the viewport. He also covers useful tools like Blue Pencil and Soft Select, helping you avoid common beginner mistakes and build a solid foundation for professional 3D work. The lessons are structured for both sequential learning and independent review, making it flexible for different learning styles.

🧑‍🎓 Who this course is for

• Absolute beginners looking to learn Maya from scratch.
• Junior artists needing a refresher on core Maya interface and tools.
• Anyone curious about the foundational elements of 3D modeling and scene creation in Maya.

🧑‍🏫 About the Author

Eric Keller is a seasoned CG artist with over twenty-five years in the industry, specializing in modeling for film, TV, and VR. He’s worked on major projects like “John Wick: Chapter 4” and “Aquaman.” Eric has also been a respected instructor at Gnomon, teaching Maya and ZBrush, and has authored popular books and tutorials. His goal is to demystify complex software and provide clear, practical guidance for artists.

🏁 Final Result

By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a strong understanding of the Maya 2026 interface and its fundamental tools, enabling you to confidently start building basic 3D models and scenes. This foundational knowledge is crucial for tackling more advanced modeling, animation, and rendering techniques in future workshops.

CANONICAL METADATA (PRIORITY)

Use the following exact values for the YAML frontmatter. DO NOT invent or use placeholders for these fields:
– title: “Introduction to Maya 2026 Volume 1”
– author: “Eric Keller”
– categories: [“Gnomon”] (This MUST be the first category)
– publisher: “Gnomon”
– URL: “https://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/workshops/introduction-to-maya-2026-volume-1”