Modeling an F1 Wheel in Maya

Model and render a fully realized Formula 1 steering wheel from an initial product concept sketch.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Getting Started

• Setting the project defaults
• Setting the scene units
• Customizing shelves
• Importing the reference image
• Checking the footprint in Alias Design
• Comparing different workflows

2. Creating the Main Body

• Using the Create Polygon tool
• Snapping polygons
• Creating quads with the Interactive Split tool
• Creating a solid with the Extrude tool
• Adding a chamfer using the Bevel tool
• Understanding the Insert Edge Loop tool
• Mirroring across the centerline with Duplicate Special
• Alternatives to Duplicate Special
• Understanding the Combine and Merge commands
• Using the Merge Vertex tool
• Using the software renderer for quick renders
• Using mental ray for higher-quality renders
• Understanding mental ray's Approximation Editor

3. Creating the Buttons

• Adding button recesses with Boolean operations
• Creating quads using the Interactive Split tool
• Creating the button base
• Creating the button indent
• Scaling the buttons

4. Creating the Handle

• The main footprint
• Creating quads
• Create a solid
• Fine-tuning the handle
• Mirror across the centerline

5. Additional Components

• Creating the paddles
• Modeling the rotary dial
• Modeling the center pad
• Modeling the digital display

6. Rendering

• Create an alpha in SketchBook Pro
• Rendering exercise
• Positioning lights and adjusting light attributes
• Render settings
• Comparing and saving renders

Conclusion

• Next steps