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3D Modeling Foundations

Build comprehensive 3D modeling skills with a professional artist as your guide

Overview

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

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.

badge_mentor_bronze 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.  
badge_mastery_bronze 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.  
badge_community_bronze 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
certificate-bronze-03 Qualification Industry certificate  
trimesters-bronze-02 Study Load

20hrs/week

 
calendar-bronze Program Length

9 months

 
online-bronze-01 Delivery Mode Online live classes
Custom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
 
tuition-bronze-01 Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate
General entry requirements

 
start-date-bronze-02 Start Dates
January 6, 2025 February 3, 2025 March 3, 2025
 

Your Pathway to the Film and Games Industry

The 9-month Foundations Course is the first half of our Career Track, helping you pave your pathway into the creative industries. Gain foundational skills and knowledge that will prepare you for advanced industry training.

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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.

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
  1. Introduction to Modeling
  2. Modelling Tools and Workflows
  3. UV Layout and Texturing
  4. Prop Development
  5. Detailed Modeling
  6. Detailed Texturing
  7. Modelling Project
  8. Custom Modelling Techniques
  9. Intermediate Prop Modelling
  10. Scene Detailing
  11. Organic Modelling 
  12. 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
  1. Course Overview & Character Body Blocking
  2. Character Blockout Modeling
  3. Character High-Poly Sculpting
  4. Character Low-Poly Modeling & UV Mapping
  5. Look Dev and Presentation
  6. Project Finalization
  7. Modeling Project
  8. Modular Workflow for Environment Modeling
  9. Trim Sheets
  10. Trim Baking and Texture
  11. Environment Work Week
  12. 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
  1. Introduction to ZBrush
  2. Sculpting Foundations
  3. Navigation and Workflow Tools
  4. Fruit Sculpting Exercises 
  5. Organic Sculpting
  6. Introduction to ZModeler - Part 1
  7. ZModeler - Part 2
  8. IMM Brushes Introduction
  9. Curve Brushes
  10. Deformers & Refining Shapes
  11. Independent Sculpting Project
  12. Finishing Touches and Presentation

Download the Course Guide

Your creative journey begins here! Download our comprehensive course guide and discover the exciting educational opportunities that await you.
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

Don't Put Your Future On Hold

Financing shouldn't stand in the way of pursuing your dream career. No matter where you are in your creative learning journey, our financing options have been designed with you in mind.
Mentors

Learn Directly From Film & Game Mentors

To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. All 3D modeling classes are taught by professional 3D modelers with years of experience.

Student Testimonials

Get The Education Your Deserve

inside-out-2-poster

"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."

 

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Stephanie S |  3D Modeling

 
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"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."

 

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Danish A  |  3D Modeling

 
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"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

 
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"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

 
ollie-world

"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!"

 

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Kasia P  |  3D Modeling

 
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Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios

Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates, ensuring they are prepared for a successful career in the industry.  Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.

FAQ's

Questions? We Have Answers

What are the prerequisites for this course?

Age Minimum
T
he 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 MayaSubstance 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:

Discover More

Looking For Something Else?

Check out our full range of courses with study options for all skill levels, from short introductory courses, specialized industry tracks and accredited degrees and diplomas

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