3D Modeling Foundations Course | Build Comprehensive 3D Skills

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.

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Our Difference

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Our mission is to ensure graduates are the best trained and best prepared for a successful career in their chosen field.

Industry Mentors Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros who bring real-world knowledge to the classroom, ensuring you're equipped with the skills that studios demand.

Outcomes Our goal is to make you job-ready. You'll graduate with technical skills and a deep understanding of the industry, making you a valuable asset to any studio.

Community Join an active community and network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Our strong industry connections can help you access job opportunities post-graduation.

Course Information

Everything You Need To Know

Quick Overview

Course Structure

What You'll Learn

Tuition & Payment

Qualification Industry certificate

Study Load

20hrs/week

Program Length

9 months

Delivery Mode Online live classes
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate
General entry requirements

Start Dates

January 6, 2025 February 3, 2025 March 3, 2025

Want to Take Your Education Higher?

Did you know that the subjects you complete in the career track courses can be used to apply for credit toward our accredited degrees and diplomas in the same discipline?

The skills and knowledge you build in any industry-certificate course can be transferred into academic credits through our Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer process. So, if you decide to take your studies to the next level, know that your prior learning will be recognized.

Compare your options and find out which course is right for you.

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Term 1: 12 weeks

Foundations 1: Foundations of 3D Art & Game Assets

Dive into 3D modeling and real-time rendering with Maya, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine 5. You’ll build foundational skills in scale, proportion, and asset creation before advancing to high-poly modeling, UV unwrapping, and PBR texturing. You’ll also import assets, set up materials, lighting, and renders in Unreal Engine 5 to complete your first game-ready asset.

What You'll Learn

Master Maya’s interface and essential modeling tools
Explore high-poly and low-poly modeling techniques
Create realistic textures in Substance Painter
Set up materials, lighting, and presentation shots in Unreal Engine

Weekly Breakdown

Introduction to Modeling
Modelling Tools and Workflows
UV Layout and Texturing
Prop Development
Detailed Modeling
Detailed Texturing
Modelling Project
Custom Modelling Techniques
Intermediate Prop Modelling
Scene Detailing
Organic Modelling
Presentation Techniques

Term 2: 12 weeks

Foundations 2: Introduction to Character & Environment Modeling for Games

Build 3D models for games, from characters to environments. Learn retopology, UV mapping, and modular workflows while mastering trim sheets and PBR texturing. Create game-ready characters and detailed environments, then bring them to life with materials, lighting, and rendering in Unreal Engine. Finish the term with a polished in-engine presentation of your work.

What You'll Learn

Model, retopologize, and UV game-ready characters for 3D environments
Master environment modeling using modular workflows and trim sheets
Apply PBR texturing techniques for realistic game assets
Present a polished character and full environment scene in-engine

Weekly Breakdown

Course Overview & Character Body Blocking
Character Blockout Modeling
Character High-Poly Sculpting
Character Low-Poly Modeling & UV Mapping
Look Dev and Presentation
Project Finalization
Modeling Project
Modular Workflow for Environment Modeling
Trim Sheets
Trim Baking and Texture
Environment Work Week
Environment Project Finalizing

Term 3: 12 weeks

Foundations 3: Foundations of Digital Sculpting with ZBrush

Learn the fundamentals of ZBrush and build a strong foundation in digital sculpting. Start with navigation, interface, and essential tools, then explore core sculpting techniques and subdivision workflows. You'll practice both organic and hard surface modeling using ZModeler, IMM, and Curve brushes, and deformers. By the end of the term, you will have a sculpted project to add to your portfolio.

What You'll Learn

How to apply new brush tools and techniques in ZBrush
How to create both organic and hard surface models
Effective use of ZModeler
Posing, rendering, and presenting a polished 3D sculpt

Weekly Breakdown

Introduction to ZBrush
Sculpting Foundations
Navigation and Workflow Tools
Fruit Sculpting Exercises
Organic Sculpting
Introduction to ZModeler - Part 1
ZModeler - Part 2
IMM Brushes Introduction
Curve Brushes
Deformers & Refining Shapes
Independent Sculpting Project
Finishing Touches and Presentation

Monthly

Upfront

SAVE 10%

Group Class

$1,222 USD/mo

$9,999 USD

CG Spectrum’s small group classes provide an ideal learning environment for aspiring artists to grow their skills and connect with peers. With a maximum of 4 students per class, the intimate setting ensures personalized attention from experienced industry mentors.

4 students max class size

Students are assigned mentor

Group interaction & collaboration

Private 1:1

$1,711 USD/mo

$13,999 USD

Learning 1-on-1 with CG Spectrum provides personalized guidance from industry experts, tailored feedback, and flexible scheduling. This focused approach helps students master skills, build competitive portfolios, and prepare for careers in games, film, and animation.

Private dedicated mentor

Students choose their mentor

More dedicated time per week

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.

Known for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Pierre Debras

Known for Arcane

Fiona Wong

Fiona is a Lead Environment Artist at Framestore in Canada, working in feature films and TV with over 7 years of experience in the industry and most recently, on Thor: Love and Thunder.

Known for Thor: Love and Thunder

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.

Known for Pacific Rim

Anna Beganskaya

Since 2015, Anna has worked as a 3D character artist at Riot Games, Sirship Syndicate, and Blizzard, on titles including League of Legends (merch), Darksiders Genesis, Heroes of the Storm, and Ruined ...

Known for Heroes of the Storm

Shaun Stephenson

Shaun’s 20+ year 3D career includes roles as a lead artist, technical artist, 3D modeler, and environment artist. He’s worked at EA, ILM, Lucasfilm, Ubisoft, 2K, and Digital Domain. He also has ...

Known for Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Dylan Ekren

Known for Ralph Breaks the Internet

Tamer Eldib

Working across film, TV, and games, Tamer has held multiple roles as a modeler and generalist. Currently working as a CG Supervisor, recent projects include Marvel's What If…? and The Expanse.

Known for The Mandalorian

Nick Barone

Known for World of Tanks

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, ...

Known for The Batman

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 ...

Known for The Last of Us Part II

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.

Known for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

"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-Soong-500x500
Stephanie S | 3D Modeling

"Having unlimited access to industry experts offers a treasure trove of learning opportunities for aspiring artists.

Learning new or different software is not the hard part. What matters is making the most of whatever tools you know in the most effective manner. That is how my education helped me in my career, delivering results in the smartest way possible with whatever options available."

danish-anwar-3d-modeling-1
Danish A | 3D Modeling

"Having a mentor definitely helped! It was awesome to have someone I could reach out to when I was stuck.

Getting the weekly feedback also helped in terms of what to improve and what to focus on next. In Term 3, we learned Unreal Engine; I implemented the knowledge I gained in that course to my Advanced 3D Modeling Course to create some additional renders that demonstrated my understanding of using and integrating game-ready assets into an actual game engine.

benjamin oman
Benjamin O | 3D Modeling

"I got a job offer at a major feature film studio before even graduating!

Studying at CG Spectrum gave me the opportunity to network with industry artists while I was learning, and coupled with the amazing course, I was able to secure a position in the industry. Now I'm working on amazing projects in my dream job!"

and-edirisingh
Andi E | 3D Modeling

"I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!

I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!"

kasiap-headshot
Kasia P | 3D Modeling

FAQ's

Questions? We Have Answers

What are the prerequisites for this 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 3D modeling software and hardware requirements?

Software:

Students can sign up for an educational license for Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter for their whole course.

Zbrush Core will need to be purchased for use in the last term.

Instructions for how to obtain an educational license for this software will be provided upon enrollment.

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

Hardware:

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

You will also require a compatible graphics tablet with a stylus (see Digital Art Equipment for some recommendations).

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

This course gives you an excellent understanding of 3D modeling fundamentals, and depending on your level of commitment, skills, and portfolio pieces, you may be ready to start applying for entry-level artist positions.

To further hone your skills and increase your hiring potential, the 3D Modeler Specialization is recommended. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and building your portfolio to prepare you for junior 3D modeling jobs such as:

Students also gain access to additional career services to support them in their job hunt. The CG Spectrum community is another great resource—you can network and find out about game development job vacancies through graduates and mentors already working in the industry.

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

EXPLORE 3D MODELING CAREERS

3D Modeling Foundations

Become a 3D modeler for film and games with training from industry pros

Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.

Everything You Need To Know

Your Pathway to the Film and Games Industry

Want to Take Your Education Higher?

Foundations 1: Foundations of 3D Art & Game Assets

Foundations 2: Introduction to Character & Environment Modeling for Games

Foundations 3: Foundations of Digital Sculpting with ZBrush

Download the Course Guide

Group Class

Private 1:1

Don't Put Your Future On Hold

Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors

Ehsan Ebrahimzadeh

Pierre Debras

Fiona Wong

Bryan Bentley

Anna Beganskaya

Shaun Stephenson

Dylan Ekren

Tamer Eldib

Nick Barone

Matteo Sala

Del Walker

Ehsan Ebrahimzadeh

Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios

Questions? We Have Answers

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