this is so nice, it reminds me of some gears that I give to my students when I teach classes, is the model yours or can it be found on the internet?

Avoid Duplicate Names
In Maya, you can have duplicate names as long as they are in different hierarchies, but it’s still an error. Duplicate names break scripts and tools that modify rigs or setups. Always check for unique names!

#maya #rigging #3danimation

There’s no single “correct” naming convention. Each studio or artist develops their own. The important part is staying consistent so everyone can understand and work with the rig.

Think of it like a puppet: The model is the puppet itself, the wooden cross is the control system (what animators use), and the strings are the deformer system (modifying geometry). Animators don’t touch the strings, but they rely on them for realistic movement.

Deform System
Deformers determine how geometry behaves when posed. They handle skinning, muscles, corrective shapes, etc for natural or exaggerated motion. A strong deformer system ensures appealing shapes and smooth deformations.

The control system is the interface between animators and the rig. It includes controllers, sliders, and attributes to simplify posing. A good control system is intuitive and gives animators creative freedom without being overwhelming.

VFX Rigs
VFX rigs are designed for realism and seamless integration with live-action footage. They focus on natural movements and realistic deformations, often using muscle systems to achieve the most lifelike results.

#rigging #animation #3d

Videogame Rigs
Videogame rigs prioritize optimization and real-time performance. They are designed to run smoothly during gameplay with fewer controls than animation rigs. Game rigs need to support dynamic actions and focus on performance over detail for fluid interaction.

Animation Rigs
Animation rigs are designed for expressive control and natural deformations, focusing on storytelling. They feature detailed facial and body controls to convey emotions and exaggerated movements, sometimes even pushing anatomy to emphasize these expressions.

This division isn’t always strict—it often depends on the artist or even the studio. But if we try to generalize, this is a good way to understand the roles.

In the end, the balance between artistic and technical skills ensures the project’s success.

#rigging #animation #rigtip #3d

Technical riggers are the problem-solvers of the team. They create efficient setups for bodies and props, often focusing on rigging systems and workflows rather than details like skin or shape. They also develop scripts and tools to streamline production, ensuring rigs are optimized for the pipeline

Artistic riggers prioritize character appeal, focusing on the skin and shapes of facial and body rigs to bring personality and emotion to life. They aim for natural and expressive movements, collaborating closely with animators to enhance storytelling.

Each department relies on the work of the others. As riggers, we don’t just make rigs; we create tools for animators. Thinking about how your work will be used helps everyone—and the project—shine. Remember: the better we help each other, the better the final product.

#animation #rigging #pipeline