Real-time 3D Essentials
Learn the basics of real-time 3D online with support from industry artists
Learn 3D essentials with this beginner's real-time 3D course. Your industry mentor will introduce you to the core principles of 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and animation using Unreal Engine, Maya, and Substance Painter.
Benefits of studying with us:
- Unreal Academic Partner & Unreal Authorized Training Center
- Mentorship from industry pros
- Job-focused curriculum and 100% online
- Private 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)
This course is the perfect launching pad into the expansive world of digital art and design. It equips you with the fundamental skills necessary for mastering the art of creating stunning 3D visuals.
Master Your Skills. Master Your Future.
Whether straight out of high school, changing careers, or upgrading skills, our career-focused virtual film making courses help you build practical job skills that are required in the industry.
Industry Mentors
Learn from the best! Our instructors are seasoned industry pros and 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.
Qualification
Industry certificate
Study Load
20hrs/week
Program Length
3 months
Delivery Mode
Online live classesCustom video lectures
Personalised mentor feedback
Skill Level
Beginner to Intermediate
No entry requirements
Start Dates
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.
Simon Warwick
Simon has been working in the game industry since 2005, and was credited as the only technical cinematic animator for Batman: Arkham City at Rocksteady Studios.
Known for Batman: Arkham Knight
Carl Shedd
Carl has worked in the industry professionally for over 17 years. He started his career at Gearbox Software and is currently a World Building Director at Gearbox Software.
Known for Borderlands franchise
Jon Robins
Jon currently works as a Lead Character Technical Artist at Striking Distance Studios where he loves solving problems and helping teams in as many ways as he can.
Known for Marvel's Avengers
Jack Brown
Known for Avengers: Age of Ultron
Igor de Sousa
Known for Star Wars Squadrons
Paul Eliasz
Paul is an Unreal Engine Specialist and CTO of UMEWE COLLECTIVE, working in game development, VR, and Virtual Production. He’s consulted for top companies, including Bentley and Netflix, and mentors ...
Known for Bentley
Addison DeBolt
Known for Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Victoria Lyons
Known for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Lightfoot Buckeyne
Known for Immortals of Aveum
Get The Education Your Deserve
"One of the best decisions I've ever made for my career.
I've learned and grown so much throughout this program and I loved the resources in the CG Spectrum community, such as finding new job opportunities and meeting other students and mentors. I took advantage of everything CG Spectrum had to offer and as a result, I landed my dream job at my dream company (Dreamworks). Thank you CG Spectrum!"
Tiffany L | 3D Animation
"The career program was invaluable!
I knew changing careers would have included things such as resumes, applications, networking, etc. The biggest thing I needed to understand was the nuances of the animation industry, etiquette for approaching recruiters, and what type of roles there were. These sessions really helped guide me, and explained how to approach my showreel and the subsequent application processes."
James B | 3D Animation
"I’d take the course again if I could!
I can’t praise CG Spectrum enough for the quality of teaching and dedication to their students. Mark was by far the best mentor I’ve ever had. He really took the time to help design the course around what it is that I wanted to get out of it. I’ve studied other animation courses in the past, but none even come close to the depth and speed of development as CG Spectrum."
Ned C | 3D Animation
"To better understand the industry, I enrolled at CG Spectrum.
There I was able to create a demo reel and build connections with professionals that ultimately led me to my first opportunity as an animator at Sony Imageworks. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to CG Spectrum’s Career Development Manager. She was the person who guided me through the entire application process. I honestly believe I would not have gotten this opportunity without her help."
Jasmeet S | 3D Animation
"CG Spectrum has been an instrumental part of my growth.
CG Spectrum has helped me sharpen my skills, acquire new ones and strengthen my character animation abilities. This is an invaluable experience for anyone looking to take their skills to the next level."
Phil M | 3D Animation
"It's been extremely helpful for my portfolio and my confidence as an artist!
I've learned so much about not only animation, but the thought process an artist goes through when creating a piece."
Shravani K | 3D Animation
"Getting access to industry mentors is huge.
There's a world of information out there, but nothing compared to talking to someone in the know. CG Spectrum was one of those places. I really liked the 1-on-1 format. It was the first time I had an experienced animator open my scene file. It was what I needed to get over some technical hurdles."
Kyle D | 3D Animation
"I learned more in 9 months than other students do in 2 years.
The level of education I have received is unlike any other school I've come across. What separates CG Spectrum from other schools is that the mentors are not only talented professionals in their own right, but they also care about your success as an artist both in school and after you graduate. CG Spectrum is incredible, I cannot recommend it enough."
David N | 3D Animation
Get The Education Your Deserve
"The CG Spectrum training solidified my skills using Unreal Engine.
Having used it briefly before, and feeling overwhelmed by how big the range is of what you can do using the engine, the training taught me the areas I would need for virtual production very well. I now feel confident with the skills I have gained."
Simran M | Real-Time 3D & Virtual Production
"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 O | 3D Modeling
"Hands down the best decision I've made for my career.
The learning material and staff were great, and having an industry mentor was an invaluable asset that really helped me get my break in the VFX industry."
Alan R | VFX Compositing
"My experience at CG Spectrum was second to none, and taught me so much more than I initially anticipated.
My mentor took me from being barely computer literate to an animator working at a studio in only a year and a half. The information and level of teaching at CG Spectrum will absolutely not be found anywhere else."
Kieran | Animation
"I have never experienced such an explosive evolution in my art since attending CG Spectrum.
I have learnt an incredible amount, not only from my amazing mentor Eric Wilkerson but from the entire CGS community. Being part of such an amazing program has opened my eyes to techniques that have streamlined my process and increased my confidence tenfold."
Oliver H | Concept Art & Illustration
"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
"CG Spectrum is the perfect place to gain focus, understanding, an encouragement for your journey.
If you are looking for a supportive place to gain or hone skills in game design or other verticals, CGS is a fantastic and worthy place to dive in."
Shaul H | Game Design
"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!"
Kasia P | 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!"
Andi E | 3D Modeling
Join Our Alumni at World Class Studios
Our mission is to train highly skilled graduates ensuring they are prepared for a successful career. Take the first step towards joining our alumni at world-class studios creating work that inspires.
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