3D Modeler Training

Lesson 1 • Primitive Objects and Basic Transforms

Teaches creation and manipulation of geometric primitives using move, rotate, and scale tools. Primitives form the starting point for all complex models.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to Polygon Mesh Anatomy

Explains vertices, edges, faces, and normals as the building blocks of mesh geometry. Understanding mesh anatomy prevents errors in later modelling stages.

Lesson 3 • Understanding 3D Space and Coordinates

Introduces X, Y, Z axes, world vs. local space, and grid systems. Builds spatial intuition essential for all subsequent modelling tasks.

Lesson 1 • Core Polygon Editing Tools

Covers extrude, inset, bevel, loop cut, and bridge tools for shaping geometry. These tools are the primary vocabulary of polygon modelling workflows.

Lesson 2 • Edge Flow and Topology Principles

Teaches intentional edge loop placement for deformation, subdivision, and animation readiness. Good topology prevents shading artifacts and rigging problems.

Lesson 3 • Organic Polygon Modelling Basics

Introduces polygon-based organic form construction using sculpt-friendly topology. Prepares meshes for subdivision and sculpting workflows introduced later.

Lesson 4 • Hard-Surface Modelling Project

Applies polygon tools to build a mechanical object from reference. Reinforces tool selection, topology discipline, and iterative refinement under realistic constraints.

Lesson 1 • Subdivision Surface Fundamentals

Explains Catmull-Clark and simple subdivision algorithms and their effect on mesh shape. Understanding subdivision math prevents unexpected surface deformation.

Lesson 2 • Controlling Subdivision with Edge Loops

Teaches support loop placement to sharpen edges and maintain form under subdivision. Precise loop control is the primary technique for subdivision modelling.

Lesson 3 • Crease Tools and Weighted Edges

Covers crease weighting as an alternative to support loops for edge sharpness. Creases reduce polygon count while preserving sharp features.

Lesson 1 • Organic Form and Anatomy Sculpting

Applies sculpting tools to build believable organic forms using anatomical reference. Anatomical understanding directly improves character and creature asset quality.

Lesson 2 • Dynamic Topology Sculpting

Covers dynamic tessellation that adds geometry where needed during sculpting. Dynamic topology enables freeform detail without pre-planned mesh density.

Lesson 3 • Sculpting Interface and Brush System

Introduces sculpting mode, brush types, pressure sensitivity, and symmetry settings. Brush mastery is the foundation of all sculpting speed and control.

Lesson 4 • Multires and Subdivision Sculpting

Teaches sculpting across multiple subdivision levels for controlled detail layering. Multires preserves low-poly form while adding high-frequency surface detail.

Lesson 1 • Retopology Principles and Planning

Establishes why retopology is needed and how to plan edge flow before drawing polygons. Planning reduces rework and ensures deformation-ready topology from the start.

Lesson 2 • Automated and Semi-Automated Retopology

Covers auto-retopology tools and their limitations compared to manual methods. Automation accelerates production but requires manual correction for animation meshes.

Lesson 3 • Manual Retopology Techniques

Teaches face-by-face polygon drawing over a high-poly surface using snapping tools. Manual retopology gives maximum control over edge flow and polygon placement.

Lesson 4 • Normal Map Baking Workflow

Bakes high-poly surface detail onto low-poly meshes using cage-based projection. Normal maps transfer sculpted detail without increasing real-time polygon count.

Lesson 1 • Physically Based Rendering Texture Maps

Explains albedo, roughness, metalness, normal, and AO maps in PBR workflows. Each map type controls a specific light interaction property in modern renderers.

Lesson 2 • Advanced UV Mapping Strategies

Covers multi-tile UDIMs, overlapping UVs for mirrored geometry, and atlas layouts. Advanced UV strategies maximise texture resolution across complex assets.

Lesson 3 • Procedural Texturing Fundamentals

Introduces node-based procedural texture creation for resolution-independent surfaces. Procedural textures reduce manual painting time and enable parametric variation.

Lesson 4 • Texture Painting and Layered Workflows

Teaches layer-based texture painting using masks, generators, and smart materials. Layered workflows enable non-destructive, iterative texture development.

Lesson 1 • Skinning and Weight Painting

Teaches automatic skinning and manual weight painting to control mesh deformation per bone. Accurate weights prevent mesh collapsing and interpenetration during animation.

Lesson 2 • Shape Keys and Corrective Morphs

Covers blend shape creation for facial animation and corrective deformation at joint extremes. Shape keys supplement skeletal deformation where bones alone are insufficient.

Lesson 3 • Armature and Bone Hierarchy Setup

Covers bone creation, parenting, and naming conventions for character and mechanical rigs. Proper hierarchy is the structural foundation of every functional rig.

Lesson 4 • Forward and Inverse Kinematics

Explains FK and IK chain setup and when each is appropriate for limb control. IK simplifies animator control of extremities; FK suits arcs and follow-through.

Lesson 1 • Lighting Fundamentals for 3D Rendering

Covers three-point lighting, HDRI environment lighting, and area light placement for asset presentation. Lighting choices directly determine perceived material quality in renders.

Lesson 2 • Turntable and Portfolio Presentation

Produces rotating turntable animations and multi-angle beauty renders for portfolio use. Presentation quality directly affects professional perception of modelling skill.

Lesson 3 • Real-Time Preview in Game Engines

Exports assets into a real-time engine for interactive presentation and client review. Real-time preview validates material behaviour under dynamic lighting conditions.

Lesson 4 • Camera Setup and Composition

Teaches focal length, depth of field, and compositional framing for asset renders. Camera settings communicate scale and focus attention on key design features.