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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 the film and games industry

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. 

 

3d-modeling-diploma-overview-01-1
Qualification

Industry Certificate

Duration

9 months

Commitment

20 hrs weekly

Skill level

Beginner to
Intermediate

Start date

December 2nd, 2024

January 6th, 2025

February 3rd, 2025

Delivery Mode

Weekly live online classes
Video lectures
Mentor feedback
Access to vibrant community
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Why study with us

Build strong foundations in 3D modeling that will prepare you for the industry

Our expert-led digital sculpting programs prepare you for an exciting career in film and games. Harness 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

Foundations 1: Essentials of 3D Modeling

Learn 3D modeling starting with the essentials: navigating Maya’s interface, understanding professional workflows, employing commonly used tools, and building 3D assets from scratch. Identify differences between film and video game models by learning high-poly 3D modeling techniques. Build a 3D prop from scratch, then convert it for video games and add textures in Substance Painter.

  • How to set up proper workflows in Maya
  • Create 3D models for film & games
  • Retopolgize 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

Foundations 2: Core Modeling Principles

Build on your 3D modeling foundations 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

Foundations 3: Professional 3D Modeling & Industry Workflows

Apply your character modeling skills and digitally sculpt a creature of your own using Zbrush. Detail it with skin, scales, and fur using various industry 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 learn 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 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.

Pathway illustration for Essentials 3 Month Course

 

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.

FIND OUT MORE
Mentors

Study with 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 professional 3D modelers with years of experience.

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.

Curriculum Manager of 3D Modeling

Known for Pacific Rim

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.

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.

Dept. Head of 3D Modeling

Known for Redfall

David Cunningham's Work
David Cunningham

David Cunningham

David is a Lead Hard Surface Modeler and Career Coach at DNEG and has worked on projects including Snowpiercer, Enola Holmes, and Moonfall.

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Enola Holmes

Matteo Sala's Work
Matteo Sala

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, production-ready asset.

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for The Batman

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.

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Penguins of Madagascar

Del Walker's Work
Del Walker

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 Judge.

Mentor of 3D Modeling

Known for Batman: Arkham Knight
Student Showcase

See the amazing art our students are creating

With a focus on industry tools and techniques, we help students build their competitive edge with high-quality work they can add to their portfolios.

benjamin-oman-3d-model-alumon-feat

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
Frequently asked questions

Got questions? We've got answers

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).

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.

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.

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

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:

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