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Foundations of 3D Modeling Course

Learn 3D modeling from industry pros and kickstart your film and games career
Overview

Learn 3D modeling essentials

Progress faster with career training taught by industry pros

Learn 3d modeling and digital sculpting from the best and start building realistic props, creatures and environments using Maya, ZBrush and Substance Painter. You'll be guided by an industry expert with years of experience working on blockbuster films and video games.

Why study 3D modeling at CG Spectrum:

  • Start modeling in 3D without any prior knowledge
  • Learn to use Maya, ZBrush and Substance Painter
  • Be mentored by a world-class industry expert
  • Choose 1-on-1 or small group classes

[more]More[/more]

At CG Spectrum you receive a higher level of personalized training. You'll learn the latest tools and techniques used by top studios and be guided every step of the way by your industry mentor. With online classes you can learn from the comfort of your own home, in your own time.

Start your journey as a 3D artist with CG Spectrum!

 

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Qualification

Certificate

Study duration

9 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner to Intermediate

Prerequisites

Basic computer skills and min. computer specs

Delivery

Weekly online classes, feedback and support

Software

ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter

Start date

Jul 10, 2023
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Why study with us

Learn 3D modeling basics from industry pros who have worked on major films and games

Our expert-led digital sculpting programs prepare you for an exciting career in the industry. Unleash your creative potential while building practical job skills studios are looking for.

Flexible Scheduling

Plan your studies around your work and family commitments

Industry Mentors

Learn from experts who have worked on major films and games

Job-Ready Skills

Build practical and relevant job skills that studios are looking for

Payment Plans

Pursue your passion and start working sooner with flexible payments
Curriculum

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

Term 1: 12 weeks

Introduction to 3D Modeling

Learn 3D modeling for beginners 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.

  • How to set up proper workflows in Maya
  • Create 3D assets for film & games
  • Retopologize objects for clean line flow
  • Texture using Substance Painter
  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
Term 2: 12 weeks

Character & Environment Modeling

Build on your foundation 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.

  • How to create 3D characters & environments
  • Set up a basic scene for rendering
  • Model organic & hard surface assets
  • Apply lighting & rendering techniques
  1. Introduction to Character Modeling
  2. Character Modeling
  3. Clothing and Accessories
  4. Character UV and Texturing
  5. Hair in Maya
  6. Character Presentation
  7. Introduction to Environment Modeling
  8. Environment Basics - Modeling
  9. Environment Basics - Texturing
  10. Trees
  11. Making props
  12. Environment Presentation
Term 3: 12 weeks

Creature & Hard Surface Modeling

Apply your character modeling skills and digitally sculpt a creature of your own using Zbrush. Detail it with skin, scales and fur using various 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 how to pose and render your creature for presentation.

  • 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
  1. Introduction to ZBrush
  2. Creature Sculpting in ZBrush
  3. Sculpting Mid Level Forms
  4. Preparing a Sculpt for Production
  5. Creating Fine Details
  6. Texturing and Final Presentation
  7. Hard Surface Sculpting in ZBrush
  8. Rebuilding the Sculpt
  9. Creating the Collar
  10. Hard Surface Detailing
  11. Final Mesh and UVs
  12. Texture and Final Presentation
Course structure

Your pathway to the industry

Dive right into the full study pathway and be industry ready in 18 months.

Pathway illustration for 3D Modeling (Full pathway)
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Mentors

Have an experienced industry artist as your mentor

To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All digital sculpting classes are taught by industry mentors with years of experience at top studios working on feature films and video games.

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.

Read full bio

Dept. Head of 3D Modeling

Known for Pacific Rim

Hong Chan Lim's Work
Hong Chan Lim

Hong Chan Lim

Hong is a Principal Lead Character Artist at Blizzard focusing on character and creature art. He also worked as an artist at Google and Amazon, and a 2D/3D artist at Atari.

Read full bio

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Overwatch 2

Rajbir Dhalla's Work
Rajbir Dhalla

Rajbir Dhalla

Australian based 3D artist Rajbir has worked at D-Neg, ILM, Digital Domain and Rising Sun on features like Spider-Man: Far from Home, Thor: Ragnarok, Alien: Covenant, Logan, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Godzilla.

Read full bio

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Alien: Covenant

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. Ehsan loves to share his expertise and, along with mentoring at CGS, he has participated on panels such as GDC to help educate and inform emerging game artists.

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Redfall

David Cunningham's Work
David Cunningham

David Cunningham

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Enola Holmes

Matteo Sala's Work
Matteo Sala

Matteo Sala

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for The Batman

Hamish Beachman's Work
Hamish Beachman

Hamish Beachman

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Jungle Cruise

Matt Clapperton's Work
Matt Clapperton

Matt Clapperton

Before becoming the senior environment artist on Apex Legends, Matt worked at EA, Digital Domain, ILM, MPC, Method and Cinesite on films like Aquaman, Ratchet & Clank and triple-A game FIFA 2017.

Read full bio

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Aquaman

Hamza Javed's Work
Hamza Javed

Hamza Javed

ILM Modeler and Digital Artist, Hamza's worked on blockbusters like Ford v Ferrari, Spider-Man: Far from Home, Captain Marvel, Tomb Raider, Thor: Ragnarok and Logan.

Read full bio

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Captain Marvel

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.

Read full bio

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Penguins of Madagascar

Liz Hubley's Work
Liz Hubley

Liz Hubley

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Call of Duty: WWII
Pricing

Small Class

The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.

  • Max. 4 students per course
  • Affordable high-quality education
  • Network while you learn
Pricing

1-on-1 Private

Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.

  • Maximum level of mentor interaction
  • Greater flexibility to schedule classes
  • Customized learning experience

 

Monthly
$1,185 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,199 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 25%

Upfront
$7,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Monthly
$1,485 USD

(9 x payments)

Save 10%

Per Term
$3,999 USD

(3 x payments)

Most popular

Save 25%

Upfront
$9,999 USD

(1 x payment)

Need help deciding?

At CG Spectrum our aim is to provide the most affordable solution for you to meet your career goals.  Talk to one of our admissions managers about our payment options and find out what's right for you.

Explore Your Options

Frequently asked questions

Got questions? We've got answers

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

Please note: Term 1 of this program is the exact same curriculum as the Introduction to 3D Modeling Certificate. So if you've already completed the introduction course, you may skip to term 2.

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 by the student in the last term and can be reimbursed for the cost by the school.

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.

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 increase your hiring potential, the advanced 3D modeling course is recommended. It covers more complex techniques and includes an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation to prepare you for junior 3D modeling jobs such as:

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

High quality student work that speaks for itself

With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. See what they are creating.

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Studios that hire our students

Our commitment to job-outcomes and focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.

Weta Digital
Ubisoft
Dreamworks
EA
Industrial Light. & Magic
Sony Pictures Animation

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!

Andi E
Andi E
3D Modeling

Exceeded all my expectations!

CG Spectrum is an excellent online college. I had the best modeling course there!

Samaya M
Samaya M
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
Pronoy D
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
Michelle V
3D Modeling