3D Computer Graphics Training

Lesson 1 • Vectors and Transformations

Covers vector maths, dot/cross products, and matrix transforms. Provides the algebraic backbone for object movement, rotation, and scaling.

Lesson 2 • Geometry Primitives and Topology

Defines points, edges, faces, and mesh topology. Students understand how geometry is stored and manipulated in 3D software.

Lesson 3 • The Real-Time Graphics Pipeline

Traces geometry from CPU to screen through vertex, rasterisation, and fragment stages. Demystifies how 3D data becomes 2D pixels.

Lesson 4 • 3D Coordinate Systems and Space

Introduces Cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate systems in 3D. Anchors spatial reasoning needed for every subsequent modelling and rendering task.

Lesson 1 • Subdivision Surface Modelling

Introduces subdivision workflows for smooth, organic shapes with controlled edge loops. Connects low-poly cage design to high-resolution output.

Lesson 2 • Mesh Cleanup and Optimisation

Identifies and fixes non-manifold geometry, poles, and unnecessary edge loops. Ensures meshes are pipeline-ready for rigging, UV, and rendering.

Lesson 3 • Modelling from Reference

Establishes workflows for image planes, blueprints, and proportion matching. Produces accurate models aligned to real-world or concept references.

Lesson 4 • Modelling Software Interface Mastery

Orients students to viewport navigation, tool panels, and hotkeys in a 3D DCC application. Reduces friction so creative focus stays on modelling decisions.

Lesson 5 • Polygon Modelling Techniques

Covers extrude, loop cut, bevel, and inset operations for direct mesh editing. Students sculpt precise forms with full topological control.

Lesson 1 • Shader Node Graphs

Builds materials using node-based shader editors with BSDF and utility nodes. Node fluency enables complex, layered material creation.

Lesson 2 • Physically Based Rendering Theory

Explains energy conservation, microfacet theory, and the metallic/roughness workflow. Provides the physical foundation for all material decisions.

Lesson 3 • Texture Painting and Authoring

Covers hand-painting and procedural texture creation in dedicated texturing software. Produces unique, asset-specific surface detail.

Lesson 4 • Texture Map Types and Roles

Defines albedo, normal, roughness, metallic, AO, and emissive maps and their pipeline roles. Students know which maps to create and how they interact.

Lesson 1 • Seam Placement Strategies

Teaches principled seam placement to minimise distortion and hide seams on final assets. Directly impacts texture quality and artist efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Baking and UV Validation

Introduces normal, AO, and curvature baking tied to UV layouts. Validates UVs using checker maps and bake error analysis.

Lesson 3 • Unwrapping Methods and Tools

Covers angle-based, conformal, and project-from-view unwrapping algorithms. Students select the right method per mesh type for minimal distortion.

Lesson 4 • UV Layout and Packing

Optimises UV island arrangement for maximum texture space utilisation. Efficient packing directly improves texture resolution on final renders.

Lesson 1 • Light Types and Properties

Covers point, spot, area, directional, and HDRI lights with their physical parameters. Establishes the vocabulary for intentional lighting design.

Lesson 2 • Render Engine Configuration

Configures render engines (Cycles, Arnold, V-Ray concepts) for output quality and speed. Connects engine settings to final image fidelity.

Lesson 3 • Global Illumination and Ray Tracing

Explains path tracing, irradiance caching, and light bounces for realistic indirect light. Students configure GI settings for quality-performance balance.

Lesson 4 • Three-Point and Studio Lighting

Applies classic key, fill, and rim lighting setups to 3D scenes. Bridges cinematographic lighting theory with 3D software implementation.

Lesson 1 • Inverse Kinematics Setup

Implements IK chains with pole targets for limb control. IK dramatically simplifies animator workflow for arms, legs, and spines.

Lesson 2 • Rig Controls and Custom Properties

Adds custom bone shapes, colour groups, and property-driven constraints. Polished controls make rigs intuitive and production-ready.

Lesson 3 • Shape Keys and Blend Shapes

Creates morph targets for facial expressions and corrective shapes. Blend shapes complement skeletal rigs for nuanced surface deformation.

Lesson 4 • Skinning and Weight Painting

Binds mesh to armature and refines vertex weights for clean deformation. Weight quality determines whether the rig is animator-friendly or unusable.

Lesson 1 • Walk Cycles and Locomotion

Constructs bipedal walk cycles with correct weight shift and contact poses. Locomotion is the benchmark skill for character animation competency.

Lesson 2 • The 12 Principles in 3D

Applies squash/stretch, anticipation, follow-through, and secondary motion in 3D space. Principles transform technically correct motion into compelling performance.

Lesson 3 • Facial Animation and Lip Sync

Drives facial expressions and phoneme shapes for dialogue performance. Combines blend shapes and bone controls for expressive character acting.

Lesson 4 • Keyframing and the Dope Sheet

Sets keyframes on transforms and manages timing in the dope sheet editor. Timing control is the foundation of all animation quality.

Lesson 5 • Camera Animation and Cinematics

Animates camera moves with correct cinematic language and motion curves. Elevates animated sequences from technical exercises to storytelling tools.

Lesson 1 • Volumetrics and Atmospheric Effects

Creates fog, smoke, fire, and volumetric lighting using volume shaders. Atmospheric effects dramatically enhance scene mood and depth.

Lesson 2 • Portfolio Project and Presentation

Guides students through a complete hero project from brief to final deliverable. Produces a polished portfolio piece demonstrating full pipeline mastery.

Lesson 3 • Scene Assembly and Asset Management

Organises complex scenes with linked libraries, collections, and naming conventions. Scalable asset management prevents pipeline bottlenecks on large projects.

Lesson 4 • Procedural and Simulation Effects

Introduces particle systems, fluid, cloth, and rigid body simulations. Procedural effects add environmental realism without manual keyframing.