Understanding lighting, color, and composition -- Applying the correct Maya light type -- Creating high-quality shadows -- Applying the correct material and 2D texture -- Applying 3D textures and projections -- Creating custom connections and applying color utilities -- Automating a scene with sampler nodes -- Harnessing the power of math utilities -- Improving textures through custom UVs, maps, and sliders -- Prepping for successful renders -- Raytracing with Maya software and mental ray -- Working with global illumination, final gather, and mental ray shaders -- Texturing and lighting with advanced techniques.