lpCreateCustomTool_v2.py

Just uploaded a new revision v2.1

Bugs fixed:
           - Maya restarted. Whenever maya restarts, an exported scripts needs to import the proper      
              libraries.
           - Duplicate attribute controls. Controls common to both transform and shape nodes were created        
              twice.
           - Instance in the scene. If object in created script wasn't in the scene when the script is called,      
              script would error. Check for object existence now only occurs after the reload button is
              pressed.

The tool is more stable now, the script itself is lighter and more elegant too.
Enjoy!

Download new version @ http://www.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/scripts-plugins/character/c/create-custom-tool

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lpCreateCustomTool.py

Just uploaded a pretty cool tool to help anyone in any discipline speed up their workflow. This tool gives the user the means to create their own set of tools with controls to manage any maya node's attributes. I outlined below the basic workflow for creating your own tools.

I also uploaded a demo video @ https://vimeo.com/66616563

You can download the script @ http://www.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/scripts-plugins/c/create-custom-tool

Steps:

Basic workflow:

1. Select and load object into the UI
2. Select attributes to create controls for
3. Create Tool or Export script
4. Create Tool to generate a test window of what the final tool will actually look like
5. Add or remove controls if needed
6. When satisfied with the tool's contents, export script
7. Select and drag script to the shelf
*Note: created tool will work with any object of the same tye of the object the tool was created with (for)

Using new created tool with multiple objects 

1. Click tool in the shelf
2. Type in the object field the name of the object in the scene you want to control
3. Click reload to load attributes for object
*Note: at any point you can change object being controlled just by changing the name in the object field and clicking reload

4. Add or remove controls as needed with the Add Controls button

In the Add Controls window:
      Move attributes to and form using the 'arrow' button
      < to remove
      > to add

*Note: left list is list of all atttributes associated with the current object. right list is list of current attributes being controlled.

I hope you enjoy it!
Any feedback will be very appreciated!

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nCloth simulation Test

Posted a small nCloth sim test for a motion captured sprint animation.

Check it out @ https://vimeo.com/65689310

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lpConnectAttr.py Tutorial

Check out this new tutorial I posted on creating a useful little tool for maya with an user friendly interface to connect attributes between two objects.

This will show you how to get started making your own tools and gui's for them, and get you exploring the maya commands to create your scripts.

Video: https://vimeo.com/65476449

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Maya Muscle Tutorial

I posted a tutorial on how to use maya muscle to create muscle systems and setup a simple muscle deformer on geometry to mimic flexing and stretching of a muscle and by interacting with the skin geometry create muscle sliding.

Bicep muscle deformer on arm model

Video goes through workflow using primitive geometry and at the end shows a more complete version working on an actual arm model I did, done using the same workflow.

This demo was done to show some of the components of maya muscle and muscle objects, and how to customize your own shapes to deform. In another video I'll demo how to setup using the more advance muscle building tool to customize with more control muscle objects.

Video: https://vimeo.com/65464654


Enjoy!

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Facial Rig work in progress

Wanted to document the work in progress of a facial rig Im working on.
I did a quick demo of the rig and an animation test.

Demo: https://vimeo.com/65383946
Anim Test: https://vimeo.com/65348425

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The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expressions

I wanted to post an awesome book for anyone interested in understanding more about facial expressions. Filled with tons of amazing reference drawings, its a great guide for the artist wanting to learn how to draw expressions, the animator wanting to learn how to animate expressions and of course the setup artist wanting to learn more about how to make believable expressions. I have this now always nearby whenever doing face rigs, it never hurts to have extra reference.

Here is a nice review I found on the book with some media on it.

http://www.parkablogs.com/content/book-review-artists-complete-guide-facial-expression

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