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Create 3d Characters Create 3d Characters
  • Updates
  • Training
    • By Popularity
    • By Date Added
    • By Course Skill Level
    • By Speciality
    • Legacy Old Training
  • Zoo Tools
    • Zoo Tools Pro 2
      • Zoo 2 Information Help
      • Zoo2: Hive Auto-Rigger
      • Zoo2: API Documentation
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Jan 25

New Version – Zoo Tools Pro 2.7.4

We're  excited to announce the release of Zoo Tools 2.7.4, which includes new features such as Lights, Shaders, and Selection Set marking menus and tools for managing multiple attributes and color adjustments across many selected objects. Plus, many more enhancements. We are continuously working on adding support for VRay and native Maya lights,... read more →
  • January 25, 2023
  • Andrew Silke
  • Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades
Dec 16

Harvey Newman Zoo Tools Pro Review

Renowned animator Harvey Newman conducted a review of the Zoo Tools software and put the Natalie rig to the test. "In today's video, we are having a look at An Incredible Set of MAYA Tools for Every Occasion - Zoo Tools...now I don't know about you, but I didn't really... read more →
  • December 16, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tutorials, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 16

New Version – Zoo Tools Pro 2.7.3

In the latest release of Zoo Tools, version 2.7.3, we have added four new templates to the Hive Auto-Rigger, and have made several other enhancements. One of the new features is the automatic snapping of new objects to vertices, edges, or faces upon creation. The focus of this version is... read more →
  • December 16, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades
Dec 13

Focus Puller – Tool Overview

The Zoo Focus Puller tool instantly creates a depth of field rig for controlling focus and bokeh in Maya. This automates an annoying time consuming Maya setup. Focus Puller supports Arnold, Redshift, Renderman. Support for VRay is planned. Each render has different settings for controling the amount of depth of... read more →
  • December 13, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tool Overviews, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 13

Lo-Fi Tutorial – Viewport Lighting, Render & Library

This tutorial that shows how to present your models both in the viewport and render in a raytrace renderer like Arnold. Add your own assets such as the free community rigs here into the Zoo Tools Pro library for Maya. You can also see how to convert lambert shaders to... read more →
  • December 13, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Assets/Presets, Tutorials, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 08

Lo-Fi Tutorial – Constraints For Animators (Intermediate)

This tutorial shows how to use constraints on referenced rigs, for intermediate animators.
  • December 8, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tutorials
Dec 08

Lo-Fi Tutorial – All Animation Tools (Professional)

Here's an overview of all our animation tools in Zoo Tools Pro for Maya.  This one is aimed at professionals/experienced animators.
  • December 8, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tutorials, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 06

Tortoise Walk – Animation Cycle – Hive

Another tortoise animation built with the Hive Auto-Rigger; this cycle is also included in the new Maya Scenes Pack  included with  Zoo Tools Pro and the site subscription.   See All Rigs: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-tool-maya-scenes/   Zoo Tools Pro: https://create3dcharacters.com/zoo2/
  • December 6, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • art, Assets/Presets, Hive, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 05

Hive Auto-Rigger – New Skirt Template

Zoo Tools has been updated to 2.7.3 and the Hive auto-rigger now has a skirt template. Hive Auto-Rigger: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-hive-autorigger/ See All Rigs: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-tool-maya-scenes/ Zoo Tools Pro: https://create3dcharacters.com/zoo2/ Buy Zoo Tools Pro: https://create3dcharacters.com/buy/
  • December 5, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 02

Mirror Hive Animation (Natalie) – Animation Cycle Tools

Mirror Animation on Hive rigs, this time with Natalie, just select one side select and go! We also support all objects and other rigs too. See the tool page for more. This cycle is also included in the latest Maya Scenes pack.  This cycle is based on the famous Felix... read more →
  • December 2, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tool Overviews, Zoo Tools Pro
Dec 02

Sir Moustache Walk Animation Cycle – Hive

This Sir Moustache rig and animation cycle is included in the new Maya Scenes Pack  included with  Zoo Tools Pro and the site subscription.   See All Rigs: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-tool-maya-scenes/   Zoo Tools Pro: https://create3dcharacters.com/zoo2/
  • December 2, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • 3d Art, Assets/Presets, Hive
Dec 02

Tortoise Trot On Spot Animation Cycle – Hive

This Tortoise rig and animation cycle is included in the new Maya Scenes Pack  included with  Zoo Tools Pro and the site subscription.   See All Rigs: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-tool-maya-scenes/   Zoo Tools Pro: https://create3dcharacters.com/zoo2/
  • December 2, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • 3d Art, Assets/Presets, Hive
Nov 30

New Rigs Added To Our Assets Pack.

We've upgraded our Maya Scenes Pack included with Zoo Tools Pro. New Sir Moustache and Tortoise rigs, built with the Hive auto-rigger. See All Rigs: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-tool-maya-scenes/ Zoo Tools Pro: https://create3dcharacters.com/zoo2/
  • November 30, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Assets/Presets, Zoo Tools Pro
Nov 25

Mirror Hive Animation – Animation Cycle Tools

Mirror Animation on Hive rigs, just select one side select and go! We also support all objects and other rigs too. See the tool page for more. Cycle Animation Tools: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-tool-cycle-animation-tools Hive Auto-Rigger: https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-hive-autorigger/
  • November 25, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Tool Overviews, Zoo Tools Pro
Nov 24

Hive Auto-Rigger – Fix Elbow

Hive auto-rigger comes with the fix-elbow feature that maintains single axis rotation on elbows, super handy for animating FK arms. https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-hive-autorigger/
  • November 24, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Zoo Tools Pro
Nov 23

Hive Comprehensive Training Released

Head over to the Hive auto-rigger page for brand new training. https://create3dcharacters.com/maya-hive-autorigger/
  • November 23, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Tutorials
Oct 27

New Version – Zoo Tools Pro 2.7.2

Zoo v2.7.2 has been released and comes with new Cycle Animation Tools, the Hive Spline Spine has had a large upgrade, and we've made a stability pass with lots of work on the Thumbnail Browsers, Hive Auto-Rigger, and more. We've two new tools, Cycle Animation Tools and Hive Mirror Paste Animation; the Hive Spline... read more →
  • October 27, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades
Oct 20

Hive Upgrage – Lower/Upper Stretch

 Hive Auto-rigger now has upper/lower stretchy, and we've upgraded all our demo rigs. Lower and upper stretch is available on all limb components, Legs, Arms, and VChains. Subscribers can download the new pack update from the Zoo Tools Pro installer page.
  • October 20, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Tool Overviews, Zoo Tools Pro
Oct 17

Maya Scenes Update 1.9 – Hive Demo Rigs

We've just updated all of our Hive Auto-rigger demo rigs.  Nat and Zoo Mannequin now have the new Spline Spine component. All rigs have upgraded limbs with stretchy upper/lower legs/arms. And new rig start scenes ready to animate are included. Subscribers can download the new pack update from the Zoo Tools Pro... read more →
  • October 17, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tool Overviews, Zoo Tools Pro
Oct 03

New Version – Zoo Tools Pro 2.7.1

This version adds the Spline IK Component to the Hive Auto-Rigger which dramatically upgrades all of our default templates (Biped, Natalie, Zoo Mannequin). An Asset Pack upgrade is coming soon with upgraded demo rigs. The new Spline Spine is a versatile hybrid IK/FK spine targeted at both realistic and toon rigs for bipeds and quadrapeds.  The spine can... read more →
  • October 3, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades
Aug 30

New Assets 2.8 & Maya Scenes 1.8 : Folders, Rigs, HDRIs, Shaders

Our Maya Scenes and Assets/Presets have had a large update to match with the latest Zoo Tools 2.7.0 .  These new packs upgrades our Hive rigs, adds new shaders from polyhaven.com, calibrated skydomes, all assets now have folder organisation inside of our browsers and more!   Maya Scenes 1.8 –... read more →
  • August 30, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Assets/Presets, Hive, Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades
Aug 03

Free 3d Generalist Course: Mindset – Days 5 to 7

This three part series is about drills, tenacity and finishing. Drills is about creating a large volume of work. Tenacity is about the mastery curve and how to trust in practice and keep working hard. Finishing is about polishing off your art while paying attention to the details. The following... read more →
  • August 3, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tutorials
Aug 03

Free 3d Generalist Course: Introduction – Days 1 to 4

Andrew is starting a free Maya generalist 3d course on his personal youtube channel! This low quality course will cover a large amount of 3d material from beginner and up the levels. Classes will be improved and added to create3dcharacters.com over time. The first videos cover the introduction, talent, work... read more →
  • August 3, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Tutorials
Jul 20

New Version – Zoo Tools Pro 2.7.0

Zoo Tools Version 2.7.0 brings the Hive Auto-Rigger out of Alpha and into Beta. Hive now supports support dynamic names with a new tool window Hive Naming Convention which further improves game engine support and helps match various studio name conventions. Please note that older Hive rigs will need to be rebuilt as they are no longer... read more →
  • July 20, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Hive, Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades
Jun 05

New Version – Zoo Tools Pro 2.6.9

This version of Zoo Tools introduces Custom Space Switching for the Hive Auto-rigger and V-Ray is now supported in the HDRI Skydome Browser . The Zoo Tools Shelf now has colored icons that distinguish between tools with and without UIs. We’ve tweaked several other tools, and this version has addressed many bugs. To keep track of our V-Ray supported tools you can see this Google... read more →
  • June 5, 2022
  • Andrew Silke
  • Zoo Tools Pro, Zoo Tools Upgrades

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