Introducing Maya 2009

Chapter 7. Maya Shading and Texturing

Shading is the Maya term for applying colors and textures, known in Maya as shaders. A shader defines an object's look—its color, tactile texture, transparency, luminescence, glow, and so forth.

Topics discussed in this chapter include:

• Shader Types

• Shader Attributes

• Texturing the Axe

• Textures and Surfaces

• Texturing the Red Wagon

• Working with and Creating UVs

Maya Shading

After you model your objects, Maya assigns a default shader to them with a neutral gray color. This is to allow them to render and display properly. If no shader is attached to a surface, an object cannot be seen.

Shading is the proper term for applying a renderable color, surface bumps, transparency, reflection, shine, or similar attributes to an ...