3D Modeling Foundations
3D Modeling Foundations
Build comprehensive 3D modeling skills with a professional artist as your guide
Overview
Become a 3D modeler for the film and games industry
Start your journey as a 3D artist, learning modeling, digital sculpting, and texturing from film and game experts. This course teaches you industry-quality asset creation, using Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter to build 3D characters, environment, and props.
Why study 3D modeling with us:
- Start modeling in 3D without any prior knowledge
- Learn to use industry-standard tools
- Be mentored by a world-class industry expert
- Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes (max. 4 students)
Whether you want to work in film or games, 3D Modeling Foundations will train you in the latest tools and techniques used in top studios across the globe. And you'll be supported by your industry mentor every step of the way.
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 starting with the essentials: navigating Maya’s interface, understanding professional workflows, employing commonly used tools, and building 3D assets from scratch. Identify differences between film and video game models by learning high-poly 3D modeling techniques. Build a 3D prop from scratch, then convert it for video games and add textures in Substance Painter.
What You'll Learn
- How to set up proper workflows in Maya
- Create 3D models for film & games
- Retopolgize objects for clean line flow
- Texture using Substance Painter
Weekly Breakdown
- Introduction To 3D Modeling
- Texturing Process Basics
- Tool Box Modeling
- Modeling Hat and Rockets
- Belt Accessories
- Character Modeling: Body Form
- Character Modeling: Face And Details
- Character Modeling: Props And Assembly
- Character Texturing
- Character Final Assembly
- Baseplate Modeling
- Additional Modeling Elements
.Term 2: 12 weeks
Foundations 2: Core Modeling Principles
Build on your 3D modeling foundations with more complex exercises! Learn 3D character modeling for video games and film using human anatomy basics. Create a game-ready, fully textured 3D character with hair, clothing, and accessories. Next, you’ll get an environment concept design and use it to build a 3D environment from scratch. Finish off by texturing and lighting your environment for your portfolio.
What You'll Learn
- How to create 3D characters & environments
- Set up a basic scene for rendering
- Model organic & hard surface assets
- Apply lighting & rendering techniques
Weekly Breakdown
- Introduction to Character Modeling
- Character Modeling
- Clothing and Accessories
- Character UV and Texturing
- Hair in Maya
- Character Presentation
- Introduction to Environment Modeling
- Environment Basics - Modeling
- Environment Basics - Texturing
- Trees
- Making props
- Environment Presentation
.Term 3: 12 weeks
Foundations 3: Professional 3D Modeling & Industry Workflows
Apply your character modeling skills and digitally sculpt a creature of your own using Zbrush. Detail it with skin, scales, and fur using various industry techniques. Play with hard surface objects like weapons, armor, and vehicles, and practice creating clean, smooth surfaces. Find out how hard surface objects differ from organic models and learn how to pose and render your creature for presentation.
What You'll Learn
- How to apply new brush tools and techniques
- Gather reference to inform your models
- Use ZModeler for hard surface modeling
- Finalize a hard surface and creature model
Weekly Breakdown
- Introduction to ZBrush
- Creature Sculpting in ZBrush
- Sculpting Mid Level Forms
- Preparing a Sculpt for Production
- Creating Fine Details
- Texturing and Final Presentation
- Hard Surface Sculpting in ZBrush
- Rebuilding the Sculpt
- Creating the Collar
- Hard Surface Detailing
- Final Mesh and UVs
- Texture and Final Presentation
Course structure
Your pathway to the film and games 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.
