Discover the Power of non-destructive linear mesh edits! (AKA "Shape Keys")

Would you like to use Shape Keys on your character rigs?

What about adding an articulating mouth to the default cube?  You're in the right place.

This course is designed to teach you everything you need to know about using Shape Keys on your character rigs.

You will learn how to improve the dodgy weight painting deformation, automate corrective shapes and also how it's possible to make an arcing deformation out of 2 linear shapes. 

As an added bonus  you will even create a mouth out of Shape Keys on a simple cube character.

The Previous Rigging Course

Do I need to watch the other rigging course first?

No.  While this course follows on from RIG, the information is designed so that both courses are self contained.  More content is planned in this suite of rigging courses so there will be a buffet of valuable information to level up your skills when it time for you to do that.

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you should have a good understanding of:

• Creating shape keys for specific purposes
• The advantages and disadvantages of shape keys
• Creating corrective shape keys
• Connecting your shape keys to your controls
• Workflow tips for splitting shapes into sub-shapes
• Setting up a simple shape based mouth

Like all of Wayne's courses, the learning is designed with hands on exercises help you practice what you are learning and check your understanding before you run off to attempt these skills on your own projects.   We chose to include all 6 exercises in this stand alone course on Blender Market.  While you won't have access to Wayne's feedback without a CG Cookie subscription, you can certainly benefit a ton by working through each exercise to practice what you are learning as you go and see it in action.

How Shapes Work

Shapes are Additive

Before you can bend shape keys to your will, it's a good idea to learn how the actually work, and all the buttons you need to press to keep everything ship shape.

Corrective Shapes

Automate like a Pro

Learn how to create corrective shapes and how to activate them automatically (or not).  This will help you keep your models looking in any position.

Mouth Shapes

Put your shapes where your mouth is

You will create several shapes that work in concert with each other to be able to animate the mouth on this cute cube character.

Want more CG Cookie Courses?

If you get inspired and would like to become a CG Cookie member after purchasing this course, send a message to support@cgcookie.com and we will be happy to help you set up an annual membership while discounting the amount you paid for this course on Blender Market.  A membership will give you access to our instructors, our community and 100+ CG Cookie Blender courses.  Be sure to mention your Blender Market Order ID and we will take it from there.

For more information, visit cgcookie.com or head over to our Creator Profile here on Blender Market.

Meet Your Instructor

Wayne Dixon, CG Cookie

"Hey, guys! I'm the head animation instructor at CG Cookie. I have 18+ years of experience in animation, my mentors included some of the world's best animators from Dreamworks - and I love to teach Blender. I believe learning should be a fun adventure, so I make sure there's never a dull moment in my courses."