This Maya tutorial shows how to create a 3D envelop, skin and structural elements from hand drawn curves or data generated curves. The 3D shape is lofted and extruded from curves drawn in Photoshop or Illustrator.

In Photoshop, go to Layers > create separate layers, draw shapes that will be later connected together
Select the white area above the curve with the Magic Wand tool. Go to Paths > create a path.
Go to File Export > Path to Illustrator, save as an Illustrator file.

In Maya, go File > Import > File type > Illustrator or Best Guess Select curves two by two as object, GREEN selection, go to Surface > Edit Curve > Rebuild curves, check the settings in the window below

Choose selection as objects (GREEN), select the curves two by two. Go to Surfaces > Loft, select Polygon in the options window

Download pdf Creating a free form 3D structure in Maya