Overview

Learn 3D modeling with industry pros

Take your first steps towards becoming a 3D modeler with CG Spectrum's intensive online 3D modeling courses.

With an industry mentor as your guide, you'll learn to build polished 3D characters, creatures, assets and environments with ZBrush, Maya, and Substance Painter and kick-start your career with a strong portfolio.

Why learn 3D modeling at CG Spectrum:

  • Progress faster with mentorship from world-class artists
  • Get support and industry insights in our online community 
  • 1-on-1 or small group classes (max 4 students)
  • Flexible schedules and 100% online. Learn from anywhere!
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CG Spectrum graduates can be found working at film and game studios all over the world

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Learn 3D modeling from the experts

Progress faster with mentorship from talented digital sculptors and graduate with the skills to pursue a career in film and games. See how our courses work in the video below.

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Flexible scheduling

Plan 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 job skills studios are hiring for

Payment plans

Pursue your passion and start working sooner

Specialized online 3D modeling courses

Get more out of your education! Industry-approved curriculum, live weekly sessions with your mentor, personalized feedback on your work, plus a supportive online community cheering you on. 

3D Modeling Course Pathway

CG Spectrum's online 3D modeling courses are a complete study pathway to help you become a 3D modeler for films and video games! Discover how to create industry-standard models using ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter - powerful tools used by many studios. Gain speed and confidence, acquire critical job skills and graduate with a strong portfolio. 

3 MONTHS

Course summary:

This short course covers all the 3D modeling for beginners essentials: navigating Maya’s interface, understanding professional workflows, commonly used tools, and building 3D assets from scratch. You'll get to know the differences between film and video game models, learn high poly 3D modeling techniques and how to convert your models for video games, and add textures in Substance Painter. 

By the end of this course you'll know how to set up proper workflows in Maya, retopologize objects for clean line flow, create hard surface assets for film & games, and texture and present your work.

Note: This short course is also the first term of the Foundations of 3D Modeling Course, so you’ll be one-third of the way through if you choose to continue!

6-9 MONTHS

Course summary:

Build on your foundation with more complex exercises focusing on creature, character, environment and hard surface modeling.

Learn 3D character modeling for video games and film using human anatomy basics, and create a game ready, fully textured 3D character with hair, clothing, and accessories. Next, you’ll get an environment concept design and build a 3D environment from scratch. Finish off by texturing and lighting your environment for your portfolio.

In the last term, you'll apply your character modeling skills to digitally sculpt a creature 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. Finish with a few new pieces for your portfolio!

Note: The Introduction to 3D Modeling Certificate is embedded in this course. If you complete the 3-month introductory course, you'll be one-third of the way through if you choose to continue.

9 MONTHS

Course summary:

Learn advanced skills studios are hiring for and gain speed in Zbrush, Houdini, Maya and Substance Painter.

This advanced 3D modeling course you'll learn how to create a fully rendered character for film and for games. Using human anatomy principles you'll jump right into creating a character with believable form and proportions. Next, you'll learn how to retopologize your character to reduce poly-count and develop clean geometry while adding clothing, accessories and details to create a completely textured and rendered character for your portfolio.

Time to learn environment modeling for film and video games and have a go at building your own digital scene. Create a base mesh using procedural techniques in Houdini, explore organic modeling by creating rocks, trees, and foliage, and find out how to use them effectively in your scene. Discover proper UV unwrapping techniques to texture large environments. 

Your final term is dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation so you graduate ready for your career as a 3D modeler for film and games!

2 YEARS

Course summary:

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating creative odyssey with our Bachelor of Animation and VFX, specializing in 3D Modeling. In this immersive program, you'll dive deep into the captivating realm of digital artistry, where you'll master the intricate craft of 3D modeling.

As a 3D Modeling specialist, you'll become the architect of virtual worlds, shaping lifelike characters, intricate environments, and stunning visual effects that transport audiences to entirely new dimensions. Through a blend of theory and hands-on practice, you'll learn the art of creating mesmerizing 3D assets, from characters to props, that breathe life into animations and VFX projects.

By the time you graduate, you'll not only have a stunning portfolio showcasing your mastery of 3D modeling but also the skills, insights, and creative flair to thrive in the ever-evolving animation and VFX industry. Your journey to shaping the future of animation and visual effects begins here, where every stroke of your digital brush sparks a world of imagination!

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MENTORS

Learn 3D modeling from industry veterans

Get direct access to passionate industry professionals with years of experience working with major clients and studios.

Student Showcase

Student work that speaks for itself

With a focus on 3D modeling portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. 

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