3D Modeling Essentials

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3D Modeling Essentials

Short 3D modeling course for beginners taught by top film and game experts

Overview

Harness the tools and techniques to start your journey as a 3D modeler

In this online 3D modeling course, you'll learn how to create digital assets using Maya and Substance Painter. You'll be mentored by an industry expert with years of experience working on blockbuster films and best-selling video games.

Why study 3D modeling with us:

This short course will introduce you to hard surface and organic modeling techniques. You'll create stylized 3D assets from scratch and understand the difference between film and video game modeling.

introduction-to-3d-modeling-overview

Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

3 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner

Start date

September 9th, 2024
October 7th, 2024

November 4th, 2024

Delivery Mode

Weekly live online classes
Video lectures
Mentor feedback
Access to vibrant community

Get in touch

Connect With Us Today!

Get in touch and let's work together to meet your goals.

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How would you describe yourself?

How would you describe yourself?Currently working in the film or games industryLooking for a career changeLooking for info for my son or daughterStill studying or recently graduated from other courseYear 10-12 Student or Recent Grad

Skill Level (Dropdown)

What is your skill level?BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced

When I'd like to start

When would you like to start?I'm ready now2-3 months3-6 months+6 monthsUnsure

Message

Curriculum

An industry-approved curriculum to get you started in the world of 3D modeling

Term 1: 12 weeks

Foundations 1: Essentials of 3D Modeling

Learn 3D Modeling Essentials starting with the essentials: navigating Maya’s interface, understanding professional workflows, commonly used tools, and building 3D assets from scratch. Identify differences between film and video game models by learning high poly 3D modeling techniques, then converting it for video games, and adding textures in Substance Painter.

*This short course is equivalent to the first term of the 3D Modeling Foundations course. If you continue your learning journey, you'll be eligible to join the Foundations course from Term 2 onwards.

What you'll learn

Weekly breakdown

  1. Introduction To 3D Modeling
  2. Texturing Process Basics
  3. Tool Box Modeling
  4. Modeling Hat and Rockets
  5. Belt Accessories
  6. Character Modeling: Body Form
  7. Character Modeling: Face And Details
  8. Character Modeling: Props And Assembly
  9. Character Texturing
  10. Character Final Assembly
  11. Baseplate Modeling
  12. Additional Modeling Elements

Career Track

Your pathway to the industry

This short course is equivalent to term one of the Foundations course. On completion of the Essentials course, if you decide to progress further with your studies, you'll enroll straight into term two of the corresponding Foundations course which means you'll already be one-third of the way through your studies! Continue your learning journey towards an exciting career in the industry by enrolling into the Foundations Career Track.

Pathway illustration for Essentials 3 Month Course

Foundations Course

Mentors

Build 3D modeling skills with an industry expert as your guide

These expert 3D modelers, who've worked in film and games, have the skills, knowledge, and industry insights to support you during your studies.

Bryan Bentley's Work

Bryan Bentley

Bryan Bentley

Bryan's award winning experience includes lead positions at ILM and Rhythm & Hues working films like The Golden Compass, Rango, Pacific Rim, and Transformers 2 and 3.

Curriculum Manager of3D Modeling

Known forPacific Rim

Anton Tenitsky's Work

Anton Tenitsky

Anton Tenitsky

First a texture artist at Nickelodeon, then a 3D character artist at Gameloft, Anton is ahead of the curve when using emerging software for real-time graphics and film production.

Mentor of3D Modeling

Known forPenguins of Madagascar

David Cunningham's Work

David Cunningham

David Cunningham

David is a Lead Hard Surface Modeler and Career Coach at DNEG and has worked on projects including Snowpiercer, Enola Holmes, and Moonfall.

Mentor of3D Modeling

Known forEnola Holmes

Matteo Sala's Work

Matteo Sala

Matteo Sala

Matteo is a Senior Character and Creature Modeler at Framestore, London. With a background in traditional sculpture and creature design, he can bring a character from the concept stage to a final, production-ready asset.

Mentor of3D Modeling

Known forThe Batman

Ehsan Ebrahimzadeh's Work

Ehsan Ebrahimzadeh

Ehsan Ebrahimzadeh

Ehsan has worked as an environment artist for video games since 2009 and is currently a Senior Environment Artist at Arkane Studios, working on Redfall.

Dept. Head of3D Modeling

Known forRedfall

Del Walker's Work

Del Walker

Del Walker

Senior Character Artist at Naughty Dog, Del has worked in the industry for 13 years at studios including Rocksteady, Respawn, and Creative Assembly. He is also a BAFTA Committee Representative and Judge.

Mentor of3D Modeling

Known forBatman: Arkham Knight

Frequently asked questions

3D Modeling Essentials course FAQs

Learn more about the prerequisites for this course and the 3D modeling careers you could explore in the future. For general questions about studying at CG Spectrum, visit the main FAQ page or contact us.

What are the prerequisites for the 3D Modeling Essentials course?

Age Minimum
The general minimum age to be able to enroll in our industry certificate courses is 16. We require parent or guardian consent during the enrollment process for applicants under 18.

Students under 16 will require a further assessment before they can officially enrol. This may include an interview with a course advisor and the creation of a study plan to ensure they have considered how they will manage a college-level workload.

English Proficiency
We expect our students to have a good understanding of written and spoken English. There’s no specific ’level'; however, you must be able to understand video tutorials in English (no subtitles) and speak with your mentor in English during your live Q&A session.

Computer Literacy
To be successful in this program, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).

What are the software and hardware requirements?

Software:

Students can sign up for an educational license for Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter. Instructions for how to obtain an educational license for the required software will be provided upon enrollment.

Hardware:

You will need a dedicated graphics card, and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter. A minimum of 32GB RAM is ideal.

Please note: as the software we use is regularly updated, please check the specs against the latest available version at the time of enroling.

What 3D modeling careers can I explore post-graduation?

This short course will get you started on your creative journey, but in a competitive industry, we advise continuing your studies with the full career track.

The 3D modeling career track includes the 3D Modeling Foundations and 3D Modeler Specialization. It is designed to better prepare you for a job in the industry and help increase your employment opportunities.

The career track ensures you build strong foundational skills before moving on to more complex techniques and workflows. You will also dedicate time to career development and preparing a polished portfolio while you gain invaluable industry insights.

Some of the junior 3D modeling jobs you could pursue after completing the full study pathway include:

Discover more about these 3D modeling jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:

EXPLORE 3D MODELING JOBS

I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience at CG Spectrum.

I recently finished Introduction to 3D Modeling course. I went in with about a year’s worth of other online 3D modeling courses, but nothing compared to CG Spectrum. I learnt so much from this course, and I had an amazing mentor (Anton Tenitsky) who pushed me to perfection. It was the best decision I made in order to pursue my end goal. I took the next step and enrolled in the advanced course!

Luis M
3D Modeling

CG Spectrum seemed too good to be true. Looking back, it was the best decision.

Every mentor and staff member has been so hands-on and directly involved in my learning. Co-Directors of top box office movies and supervisors of major Netflix TV shows are giving me feedback on my projects. Students also have access to a strong community, and an awesome career class to prepare you for your dream job.

Stephanie S
3D Modeling

You're not just another number.

I always dreamed of breaking into the entertainment industry and since joining CG Spectrum I realised it's not an unachievable dream. CG Spectrum has a way of mentoring students that I hadn't experienced before. My mentor was always pushing me in order to become industry-ready. Mentors are always available for feedback and take a proactive approach to teaching. Studying online makes for a more dedicated and uninterrupted learning experience.

Stephen C
3D Modeling

I've just accepted an internship role at Pixar!

As my final semester of the Advanced 3d Modeling course is coming to an end, I've just accepted an internship role at Pixar! I've learned so much over the past year and am thrilled to have the skills now to make a career change for my dream job. I'm excited to begin this new phase of my journey—thanks so much CG Spectrum!

Michelle V
3D Modeling

One of the best learning experiences of my life.

In less than a year I was able to achieve results I could never imagine!

Pietro T
3D Modeling

The course material covers a lot in a shorter time frame.

I was really happy with the constructive feedback given to me by my mentor for a 1-on-1 Introduction to 3D Modeling program. The industry tips and workflows recommended helped me get a more robust understanding of workflow fundamentals. I'd recommend CG Spectrum for the calibre of training.

Pronoy D
3D Modeling

Connect With Us Today!

Get in touch and let's work together to meet your goals.

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How would you describe yourself?

How would you describe yourself?Currently working in the film or games industryLooking for a career changeLooking for info for my son or daughterStill studying or recently graduated from other courseYear 10-12 Student or Recent Grad

Skill Level (Dropdown)

What is your skill level?BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced

When I'd like to start

When would you like to start?I'm ready now2-3 months3-6 months+6 monthsUnsure

Message

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