Props. Weapons. Vehicles.

One Complete Hard Surface Pipeline.

Transform your ideas into reality and publish your first game

REQUIREMENTS

Cg fundamentals / equivalent art test

DURATION

12 MONTHS

DEDICATION

24 hours/week

FORMAT

100% online with 1-on-1 mentorship

PRICE

$11,450

Program overview

The Hard Surface Art Specialization is designed for students who want to focus on creating high-quality hard surface assets for games, film, and real-time applications. Throughout the program, you will develop a strong understanding of hard surface design, modeling, optimization, texturing, and presentation while following production workflows used by professional artists.

The specialization begins with the fundamentals of hard surface creation, covering modeling principles, topology, workflow optimization, and asset preparation. As your skills grow, you’ll move into intermediate and advanced techniques, learning how to tackle increasingly complex assets while maintaining clean and efficient production standards.

Along the way, you’ll learn professional UV workflows using RizomUV, allowing you to create optimized UV layouts for both simple and complex assets. Once the foundations are established, the program branches into two major sub-specializations: Weapons and Vehicles. These modules focus on the unique workflows, challenges, and standards required for each discipline.

The specialization concludes with a large portfolio project where you’ll choose to create a Prop, Weapon, or Vehicle of your choice, applying everything you’ve learned throughout the program to produce a polished, portfolio-ready piece.

The program culminates in the creation of your own game, complemented by an enticing trailer and a high-profile showcase at international festivals. Step into the future of game development with Game Development Specialization, which is:

• 100% online with 1 on 1 mentorship
• Taught by industry experts
• Constantly updated according to the latest industry standards
• With 24/7 access to all study materials forever
• Bonus Classes for further advancement
• Homework assignments with references
• Community-driven

Software we’ll provide

Unreal
Engine
Autodesk Maya
Maxon ZBrush
Substance Painter
Marmoset Toolbag
Blender
Photoshop

HARD SURFACE SPECIALIZATION

Structure and Formats

Hard Surface Fundamentals I

Learn the core principles and workflows used to create clean and efficient hard surface assets.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Hard surface modeling fundamentals
  • Clean topology and edge flow
  • Production workflows in Maya
  • Asset organization and scene management

Hard Surface Fundamentals II

Expand on the foundations by creating more complex assets and developing stronger modeling habits.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Advanced modeling tools
  • Shape language and design principles
  • Workflow optimization
  • Production-ready asset creation

Intermediate Hard Surface I

Begin working on more advanced assets while learning professional problem-solving techniques.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Complex hard surface forms
  • Mechanical construction principles
  • Non-destructive workflows
  • Asset breakdown and planning

Intermediate Hard Surface II

Gameplay begins with player control. This module focuses on responsive character systems and advanced input logic.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Complex asset production
  • Advanced detailing workflows
  • Optimization techniques
  • Presentation-ready asset creation

RizomUV Fundamentals

Learn professional UV workflows and optimization techniques using RizomUV.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Efficient UV unwrapping workflows
  • UV packing and optimization
  • Texel density management
  • Preparing assets for texturing

Weapon Creation I

Learn the foundations of weapon creation while following modern game art workflows.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Weapon blockouts and planning
  • Real-world references
  • Hard surface detailing
  • Production standards

Weapon Creation II

Build a complete weapon asset from start to finish using professional workflows.

FRAMEWORKS

  • High-poly to low-poly workflow
  • Advanced detailing techniques
  • Texturing and presentation
  • Portfolio-quality weapon creation

Vehicle Creation I

Learn the foundations of vehicle creation, construction, and design.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Vehicle blockouts and proportions
  • Mechanical construction
  • Reference gathering and planning
  • Large-scale asset workflows

Vehicle Creation II

Create a complete vehicle asset while applying industry-standard production techniques.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Advanced vehicle detailing
  • Optimization and modularity
  • Texturing workflows
  • Professional presentation

Portfolio Project Planning

Choose the direction of your final project and prepare for production.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Project selection
  • Reference gathering
  • Production planning
  • Instructor feedback and iteration

Portfolio Project Production

Begin creating your final portfolio piece while receiving continuous feedback from instructors.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Asset creation and development
  • Workflow refinement
  • Production milestones
  • Problem-solving and iteration

Portfolio Project Finalization

Complete and present your final portfolio project.

FRAMEWORKS

  • Final polish and optimization
  • Rendering and presentation
  • Portfolio preparation
  • Industry-ready delivery

Academy Graduates’ Portfolio

See what you can do after completing our Academy

Tez and Tpol character design
Animation

WHY CHOOSE M3DS?

Many artists in the 3D learning journey often struggle with where to start and which software to focus on, which can lead to losing their passion for this creative industry. This can result in taking courses that do not cater to their individual needs, leading to confusion and a lack of direction. At M3DS Academy, we understand the importance of structured programs in achieving success.

Our structure programs provide a solid foundation that leads to success stories. As evidence of our success, we are proud to be ranked among the Top 50 Creative Media and Entertainment Schools and Colleges worldwide in 2022 based on our students’ portfolios. Join us, and let us guide you on your journey to success in 3D learning.

The Roookies - Top Ranked School

UNREAL ENGINE AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTOR

Hi, I’m Simon Zafirovski, and I’m a Gold Level Unreal Authorized Instructor at M3DS Academy.

As an official Unreal Authorized Instructor, I help students learn Unreal Engine through professional workflows, practical knowledge, and industry-focused guidance. My goal is to make Unreal Engine more approachable, more understandable, and more useful for artists and developers who want to build real skills for games and interactive projects. At M3DS Academy, I’m passionate about helping students grow with confidence and unlock the full potential of Unreal Engine.

M3CONGold

Discover the
Perfect Financing Solutions for You

Financial constraints should never hinder your access to our academy. Select a payment plan that aligns with your needs. If you’re unsure which payment method works best for you, consult with us and find the most suitable financing solution.

Enjoy the flexibility of spreading your payments over a maximum of 12 monthly installments without any additional fees.

Next enrollment date: July, 2027

$955

Price for 12 installments

$1,275

Price for 9 installments

$1,910

Price for 6 installments

$3,815

Price for 3 installments

$10,305

Price for 1 installment (-10%)

Apply for Hard Surface Art Specialization

Ready to take the next step? The application process is simple and our Admissions Team is happy to answer any questions you might have. Fill out the application form and we will contact you to schedule a meeting.

EXPLORE

Academy Programs

Academy Year 1

Academy Year 2

Academy Year 3