PERSONAL ONLINE ACADEMY
FOR 3D ARTISTS AND GAME DEVELOPERS
Your dream job becomes reality with the M3DS Academy.
REQUIREMENTS
No previous knowledge required.
DURATION
12 months per academy year
DEDICATION
14 hours/week
FORMAT
100% online with 1-on-1 mentorship
PRICE
$7,380 PER YEAR
PERSONALIZED, CUTTING-EDGE EDUCATION IN 3D ARTISTRY AND GAME DEVELOPMENT
With the completion of each Academy Year, you come closer to becoming an Industry Professional
Autodesk Maya certified 3D artist at the M3DS Academy generation of 2017, specialized in Game Design and Animation. Highly skilled in hard surface modeling, UV mapping, texturing and rendering. Currently one of 0.03% Top Rated Plus freelancers in the World on UpWork with over 8 years of extensive experience, having worked on over 150 different projects.
Dushko A.
I enrolled in the M3DS Academy in 2019, and it feels like it was just a few months ago, yet today my portfolio includes the biggest companies like Marvel Studios, HBO, Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV.
Viktor D.
M3DS Academy is ranked among the Top 50 Creative Media
and Entertainment Schools globally.
Top 50 Schools
The Rookies Global School
Ranking
Autodesk Authorized
Training Center & Partner
Unreal Engine Authorized
Training Partner
Program overview
In the 4-year academic program at M3DS Academy, students will embark on an immersive journey that equips them with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills across various domains of 3D art and game development.
Throughout this program, students will gain hands-on experience, collaborate on real-world projects, and receive personal mentorship. They will be well-prepared to pursue careers in games, films, product design, animation, and various other creative fields, armed with the skills and industry standard knowledge needed to succeed in a competitive job market.
Foundations of 3D Artistry
In this inaugural phase of Academy Year 1, you embark on an exciting journey to lay down the rock-solid foundations of your 3D artistry adventure. Over the course of the first four months, you will immerse yourself in the fundamental principles and practices of this captivating realm. Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to industry-standard software like Maya and Zbrush, you will gradually progress towards mastering essential skills in 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing. You’ll delve into the art of rendering in Maya, gain proficiency in proper topology, and explore the intricate world of UV mapping. Furthermore, you will step into the captivating universe of Substance Painter. As you move through these initial phases, you’ll develop a deep-rooted understanding of the art form and establish a robust foundation for your creative journey ahead.
FRAMEWORKS
- Introduction to Maya and Zbrush
- Basic 3D modeling and sculpting techniques
- Exploring the intricacies of rendering in Maya
- Proficiency in proper topology and UV mapping
- The art of Substance Painter
- Cultivating a strong foundation in the artistry of 3D creations
Advancing Your Craft
In this pivotal phase, you will elevate your artistic prowess to new heights. Over the course of the next four months, your journey will take you deeper into the world of 3D artistry. You’ll delve into the intricacies of character modeling, advanced texturing techniques, and prop concepting. Embracing the world of digital artistry, you’ll harness the power of Photoshop for concept art, diving into the art of crafting props from initial concept to final, stunning render. As you navigate through these advanced techniques, you’ll not only hone your technical skills but also nurture your unique creative process, unlocking your artistic potential.
FRAMEWORKS
- Mastery of character modeling techniques
- Advanced UV mapping techniques and UDIMs
- In-depth exploration of human anatomy in Zbrush
- Introduction to Photoshop for concept art and design
- The intricate art of crafting props, from concept to final render
- Cultivating your creative process and individual artistic style
Realizing Your Vision
In the concluding phase of Academy Year 1, you will transform your creative visions into tangible works of art. Across the final four months, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey of self-expression and artistic realization. You’ll venture into the captivating realm of Unreal Engine 5, mastering its intricacies with an introduction to blueprints, sequencers, level design, and the art of packaging your game for presentation. As you take the reins of game development, you’ll create your very own game, giving life to your artistic aspirations and setting the stage for a thrilling future in the industry. With the creation of two portfolio projects, you’ll not only showcase your mastery of 3D art but also leave an indelible mark on the world of digital creativity.
FRAMEWORKS
- Introduction to Unreal Engine 5 and its functionalities
- Mastering blueprints, sequencers, and level design
- Packaging your game for presentation and distribution
- Immersive game development using Unreal Engine
- Portfolio Project 03: Mini Game Development and Art Integration
- The culmination of your artistic journey, leaving a lasting mark on the world of digital creativity
Realizing Your Vision
The first four months of Year 2 are dedicated to honing your skills in the fundamentals of 3D artistry. You will delve into the intricacies of creating realistic hair, perfecting rigging techniques, and crafting stunning textures with ID maps. With a focus on character painting and advanced sculpting, you’ll discover the art of bringing digital faces to life. By the end of this section, you’ll have mastered the basics that form the foundation for your journey to become a 3D art virtuoso.
FRAMEWORKS
- Realistic Hair Modeling and Rigging
- Character Painting and Advanced Sculpting
- Texture Crafting with ID Maps
- Face Painting Techniques
- Monster Sculpting and 3D Printing
- Introduction to Marmoset Toolbag for Rendering
Dive into Unreal Engine and Environment Mastery
The next four months are an immersive dive into Unreal Engine and environment creation. You will learn the ins and outs of Unreal, covering everything from importing assets and creating master materials to sculpting landscapes and adding foliage. Discover the magic of lighting, camera manipulation, and post-processing to breathe life into your digital worlds. You’ll also experience the power of MetaHumans and understand how to incorporate them into your projects. By the end of this section, you’ll be well-versed in creating captivating environments in Unreal Engine.
FRAMEWORKS
- Unreal Engine: In-Depth Exploration
- MetaHumans Integration
- Landscape Creation and Foliage Design
- Advanced Lighting and Post-Processing
- Environment Blueprint Creation
- Rendering and World Building
Portfolio Showcase and Entry into Game Design
The final leg of Year 2 sees your artistic journey culminate in a grand portfolio showcase. After months of intensive learning and practical application, it’s time to put your skills to the test. You will embark on the creation of your very own mini-game project, demonstrating your proficiency in 3D art and game design. This project serves as a pivotal piece in your portfolio, showcasing your exceptional abilities to potential employers and collaborators on a global scale. Additionally, you will receive well-deserved certifications and diplomas, signifying your official mastery of Year 2’s curriculum. Furthermore, our expert mentors will provide personalized guidance, helping you pinpoint your areas of specialization, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey into Year 3’s 3D cinematic creation.
FRAMEWORKS
- Culminating Mini-Game Project
- Portfolio Showcase and Promotion
- Receipt of Certifications and Diplomas
- Specialization Advisory for Year 3
- Preparation for 3D Cinematic Artistry
Character Design and Animation Fundamentals
The first four months of the Academy Year 3 are dedicated to laying a solid foundation in character design and animation. This phase is all about understanding the intricacies of crafting characters that captivate audiences. You’ll immerse yourself in the art of character creation, exploring the essentials such as anatomy, personality, and the essence of uniqueness. Leveraging cutting-edge software like Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter, you’ll master the intricacies of sculpting, texturing, and enhancing your characters, ensuring they come to life with exceptional detail.
FRAMEWORKS
- Character Design Principles
- Anatomy Study
- Sculpting Techniques in ZBrush
- Character Animation Basics
- Character Texturing
- Animation Principles
- Introduction to Marvelous Designer
- Clothes Creation
- Substance Designer Introduction
Advanced Character Development and Storytelling
As you progress into the second phase, you’ll elevate your character development skills to new heights. These four months are dedicated to refining your design prowess. You’ll explore various artistic styles, ensuring your characters are diverse and captivating. The focus remains on maintaining consistency across your characters while pushing creative boundaries. In parallel, you’ll step into the realm of storytelling, a critical aspect of creating memorable cinematic experiences. Here, you’ll learn how to craft compelling narratives, create storyboards that bring your vision to life, and seamlessly integrate your characters into these stories.
FRAMEWORKS
- Diverse Character Creation
- Exploring Art Styles
- Sculpting and Texturing Mastery
- Narrative Development
- Effective Storyboarding
- Scene Sketching and Composition
- 3D Environment Creation in Unreal Engine
- Mood and Atmosphere Establishment
Cinematic Production and Promotion
The final phase of the Academy Year 3 marks the beginning of cinematic production. You’ll now bring all your characters, environments, and storytelling expertise together to create a cinematic masterpiece. The focus shifts to animating your characters within the cinematic world you’ve meticulously designed. Your characters will come to life, conveying emotions and depth through their movements. In parallel, you’ll realize the environments and settings, ensuring they enhance the overall storytelling and mood. After finalizing your cinematic project, you’ll explore avenues to showcase your work at prestigious international festivals. As a testament to your accomplishments, you’ll receive certificates and diplomas, symbolizing your successful transition to the next level of your 3D animation career.
FRAMEWORKS
- Character Animation Integration
- Environment Realization
- Finalizing Cinematics
- Global Promotion
- Recognition and Certification
- Sound Design and Effects Integration
- Cinematic Editing and Sequencing
- Promoting Your Cinematic Work
- Festival Submission and Presentation
- Career Transition and Advancement
Mastering the Engine and Gameplay Description
The final phase of the Academy Year 3 marks the beginning of cinematic production. You’ll now bring all your characters, environments, and storytelling expertise together to create a cinematic masterpiece. The focus shifts to animating your characters within the cinematic world you’ve meticulously designed. Your characters will come to life, conveying emotions and depth through their movements. In parallel, you’ll realize the environments and settings, ensuring they enhance the overall storytelling and mood. After finalizing your cinematic project, you’ll explore avenues to showcase your work at prestigious international festivals. As a testament to your accomplishments, you’ll receive certificates and diplomas, symbolizing your successful transition to the next level of your 3D animation career.
FRAMEWORKS
- Blueprint Visual Scripting Essentials
- Blueprint Node Logic and Flow
- Character Creation
- Gameplay Mechanics
- Debugging and Troubleshooting
- Version Control with GitHub
- Gamepad Integration
- Multiplayer Game Scripting
Concept to Visualization
In this section, students will transition from conceptualization to visualization, bringing their game ideas to life. They’ll focus on honing their narrative development skills, crafting compelling storylines, and storyboarding to establish visual direction. Concept art creation will play a pivotal role in shaping characters and environments, ensuring coherence and aesthetics in their games. Additionally, they’ll delve into the intricate process of character sculpting, rigging, and environmental asset modeling, preparing to integrate them seamlessly into gameplay. By the end of this section, students will have a clear and vivid visual direction for their game projects.
FRAMEWORKS
- Game Concept Ideation
- Narrative Development
- Storyboarding
- Concept Art Creation
- Character Sculpting and Rigging
- Environmental Asset Modeling
- Animation and Gameplay Integration
- Environmental Lighting and Atmosphere
Shaping the Future of Your Game
The final section is dedicated to promoting, showcasing, and celebrating students’ game projects. They will learn the art of crafting compelling game trailers that entice and captivate potential players. Building effective marketing strategies will be a key focus, empowering students to reach a wider audience. They’ll also explore community building and networking in the game industry, essential for their future careers. As they prepare for international recognition, they’ll gain insights into festival submissions and the intricate process of game publishing. This section culminates in a grand celebration of their game’s journey and achievements, marking their transition into the thriving world of game development.
FRAMEWORKS
- Trailer Production
- Marketing Strategies
- Building a Fan Community
- Presentation Skills
- Networking in the Game Industry
- Festival Submissions
- Game Publishing
- Post-launch Support
A New Beginning
Explore the benefits of enrolling in this academy.
Portfolio Promotion
We take immense pride in showcasing the promotion portfolios worldwide of our talented students.
Career Opportunities
100% of our graduates are hired after finishing the academy. Some of them work for Marvel Studios, Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney, Activision, 4A Games etc.
Industry Experience
Work with our team to gain industry standard experience, applicable in many studios worldwide. Learn proper workflows, communication and discipline.
After completing the academy,
you’ll be prepared for a career in many industries:
Game Developer
VFX Artist
Animator
Rigging Artist
Technical Artist
Creature Artist
Hard Surface Artist
Concept Artist
CG Instructor
Environment Artist
Product Designer
Lighting Artist
Layout Artist
Game Designer
Level Designer
After completing the academy,
you’ll be prepared for a career in many industries:
Game Developer
VFX Artist
Animator
Rigging Artist
Technical Artist
Creature Artist
Hard Surface Artist
Concept Artist
CG Instructor
Environment Artist
Product Designer
Lighting Artist
Layout Artist
Game Designerr
Level Designer
What Our Graduates Say About Us
Read about our students’ experiences
Mario Stojanov2023-09-06 M3DS Academy is an exceptional learning platform. The courses are well-structured, the instructors are knowledgeable, and the community is supportive. I've gained valuable skills and insights that have truly enriched my professional journey. Highly recommended! Petar Cacanoski2023-08-24 M3DS is the perfect academy for anyone interested in learning 3D design. The instructors go out of their way to help and guide you through the learning process and they're passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills with you. All of the lessons are well thought out and teach you something useful. All in all, a great place to begin your journey into the world of 3D. Teodor Mihajlov2023-08-23 I have attended Academy Year 1 % 2 here and I can say the whole program was on point! The classes were all focused on important learning that I could implement in wherever my creativity took me to. The instructors were very detailed and helpful, and whenever I would hit a wall they would help me out throughout the whole year. And just to note before M3DS Academy I had no experience in the 3D world, and after I completed now I feel confident in creating fully realistic environments, game-ready characters, game assets etc... If you would like to learn and receive the best education to enter the 3D world, this is where you should go! Џингов. Јане2023-08-22 Academy Year 1 was an excellent experience. I am glad that I took part and I am recommending this to everyone. Also, a big shout out to the great instructors who take a big part of the whole learning process. Mihail Danilovski2023-08-22 Outstanding academy! Expert training in 3D design and game development. Cutting-edge curriculum, and amazing hands-on experience. A top choice for aspiring 3D artists and game developers. Bekim K2023-08-21 I attended Academy Couse 01 & 02. Loved every part of it. They really put everything on the lessons, on teaching, and they make sure you go through and understand every detail. It's amazing how they also encourage you to work on your own projects and give you advices on how to make everything better. I 'annoyed' them with so many questions, however, the not just answered all of them but they made sure I understand by sending even screenshots and even video where I was doing something wrong. And since I was one of the lucky ones to attend live, the atmosphere there was so nice and they went to each student to see who is doing what and advice and help on the times when one would get stuck somewhere. Another thing is that they give homework and they literally tell if something doesn't look right, and if you forget a homework, they write and ask for them. I highly recommend to take the courses with M3DS Academy, and work with these guys because they are really great people. Bekim K. Nikola Temkov2023-08-21 It's been wonderful journey, I learned a lot here, and I'm continuing to do so!
Student Testimonials
Studios that have hired our graduates
Our alumni, now game industry pioneers, return to cultivate the next generation.
Explore Financing Options At M3DS Academy
Academy Price per Year
$7,380
Academy Year 1-4 bundle
$29,520
Don’t want to pay full price at once?
Pay in installments!
Academy Price per Year
$7,380
Academy Year 1-4 bundle
$29,520
The Architects of our Academic Program
Crafted by Industry Titans
Book a free consult with Our Admissions Officer
Fill out the contact form to schedule a free consult with our Admissions Officer and discover the best career path for you. If you are under 16, your parents have to contact us.