Xeniversity: The Latest and Greatest Place to Learn
As some of you might know, I am a huge Maya enthusiast and have been toiling away for ages learning the software to the best of my abilities as time will allow. I’d often wished there were a teacher within SL that would be willing to sit me down and explain certain things to me about sculpting for Second Life, specifically. Learning the Maya software in itself is fantastic, but without the proper knowledge of how to model specifically for Second Life, well… things were a little complicated. Thankfully, my prayers were definitely answered.
Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of taking Xenius Revere’s in-world Maya classes.
I had heard that the creator of this truly gorgeous skybox would be offering modeling AND texturing classes (in two separate class sequences) and I just had to jump on the opportunity. I was not disappointed. In three, two hour long classes, I had successfully learned how to properly texture a sculpt, how to make basic NURBs shapes, how to use deformers to shape a NURBs sculpt, and how to create oblong sculpts. Xenius wasted no time in setting forth the basic, was AMAZING in answering questions and explaining his workflow, and was just an overall fantastic instructor to be in a class with. I came away from the classes feeling inspired, with renewed hope and a new skillset I could not WAIT to try out.
Xen takes on small groups of people (eight at a time) and walks them through live-video feed action of the modeling and texturing processes of Maya. Students are encouraged first to watch and then to follow along in Maya, so you are not only observing but also participating, hands on, in the class. But the best part is… these classes are specifically geared to teach you Maya for in-world use. So EVERYTHING that you learn, down to how to export the sculpt map properly, is useful for Second Life content creation. Xen even went as far as to provide the sculpt-map exporter script, explain how to set it up, provided relevant Maya scene files when the class called for them, and took the time to answer any and all questions that came up in the class. He never left a question to hang without an answer. The classes are conducted over SL voice as well, so there are no typing hold-ups either!
Basically… when Xenius told me that he’d just opened registration for his Maya 151 and 152 classes, I said, “I’ll be right there.” I simply cannot wait to dive into the intermediate set of classes, and when those are done, I’m sure I won’t be able to wait for the advanced classes as well. The combination of relevant information, excellent instruction and an overall fun classroom experience, I give Xeniversity’s classes two thumbs up and encourage ANYONE who wants to learn Maya for Second Life to sign up and take these classes.
Due to demand, Xen has opened up a second section of his beginner modeling class, Maya 101, which will begin September 2nd and run every Wednesday for 3 weeks (the last class is on the 16th) beginning at 1PM SLT until 3PM SLT. There is a second class on this day, at 4PM SLT, but it’s all full! So if you’re looking to learn basic Maya modeling… the 1PM class is definitely for you. Also, don’t be shy! Sign up for the Maya 102 class as well (basic texturing). Both classes will take place on different days, and you can combine your homework assignments as well (YES, there is HOMEWORK!) so you really are getting the most out of the experience by taking both at the same time. This is what I did, and I didn’t find it hard to follow along, plus the ability to combine modeling and texture learning somehow just made the learning experience much smoother and more satisfying. If you are an intermediate learner, Maya 151 and 152 (intermediate modeling and texturing classes beginning this September 4th!) are definitely something you want to give a look!
I really, really really want to praise the hell out of Xen and what he’s doing for the SL content creation community. And I have every faith that once you’ve taken a class, you will too.
Check out Xeniversity’s website and class schedule, and don’t forget to join the in-world group for the latest announcements, class sections and class scheduling. And if you’re ready to sign up, don’t hesitate! Hit Xeniversity to register at the Kiosk!
