Academy Year 1

Discover how to

create the games

that you love playing

TRANSFORM YOUR GAME IDEAS INTO REALITY

APPLY NOW

Experience required

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Duration

12 months

Dedication

14 hours / week

Format

Online with 1 on 1 mentorship

Price

3,690$

Program overview

Are you passionate about venturing into the dynamic world of 3D artistry? Look no further than Academy Year 1, our immersive 12-month program meticulously designed to equip you with the expertise and capabilities required to thrive as a certified freelance 3D artist.

Throughout this transformative program, you'll delve deep into the realm of 3D modeling, animation, sculpting, texturing, and much more, honing your craft through practical exercises, real-world examples, and impactful final projects. Guided by industry experts, you'll master the very software and tools employed by seasoned professionals, ensuring that you stay at the forefront of industry trends and technologies.

By enrolling in Academy Year 1, you'll not only gain hands-on experience with indispensable software but also cultivate the confidence that comes from knowing you're acquiring skills that are not just relevant but also cutting-edge. Upon graduation, the door to a remote freelance career in diverse sectors, including game development, film production, product design, 3D printing, and fashion, will swing open. Many of our accomplished alumni have achieved remarkable success on renowned freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.

For those seeking a truly comprehensive education, we strongly recommend completing both Academy Year 1 and Academy Year 2. This dual-pronged approach enriches your skill set and elevates the quality of your portfolio, opening doors to more substantial projects and unparalleled success. Explore our program's structure and take the first step toward realizing your dream of becoming a highly sought-after freelance 3D artist today. Your journey begins here.

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community driven

Where you'll have the opportunity to interact with all the students enrolled in any academic course

Unlimited access

to classes 24/7, indefinitely.

homework

Assignments with references

bonus classes

For further advancement

1on1
Mentorship

on Discord at any time Mon-Friday

Academy Year 1
Structure and Format

Module 1

The Foundation

In the inaugural month, we lay the foundation of your 3D adventure. It begins with an exploration of basic modeling, sculpting, and rendering techniques in industry-standard software like Maya and Zbrush. These skills will form the cornerstone of your journey. As you delve into the intricate world of 3D, you'll discover that every polygon, every brushstroke, and every rendering is a brushstroke on the canvas of imagination.

FRAMEWORKS

Introduction to Maya
Basic Modeling Techniques
Shading and Rendering
Introduction to Zbrush
Basic Sculpting Techniques
Rendering

Module 2

Elevating Your Craft

By the second month, you'll be well on your way to mastery. Dive deeper into modeling, sculpting, and the critical aspects of good topology and retopology. As you become proficient in UV mapping, you'll understand the importance of structure in 3D art. It's not just about creating models; it's about crafting digital sculptures that breathe life into virtual worlds.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya: Deformers
Proper Topology
Retopology
UV Mapping
Zbrush: Zspheres
Hard Surface Techniques
Zremesher

Module 3

Advancing into the Artistry

In the third month, your artistic prowess will flourish. Advanced UV mapping and modeling techniques will become your allies. Dive into the intricacies of the human body blockout, and take your first steps into the enchanting world of Substance Painter. It's here that you realize that 3D art is more than just technical skills; it's an art form where pixels come to life.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya: Advanced UVs and UDIMs
Advanced Modeling Techniques
Zbrush: Human Body Blockout
Substance Painter: Introduction
Basic Texturing Techniques
Baking

Module 4

The Power of Conceptualization

With the fourth month comes a journey into the realm of prop conceptualization. Discover the art of Photoshop, learning its tools and drawing techniques. Simultaneously, start collecting references for your inaugural portfolio project. It's the moment where imagination meets the digital canvas, and your ideas take shape as concepts.

FRAMEWORKS

Photoshop - Introduction

Basic Drawing Techniques
Tool Mastery
Prop Conceptualization

Full Model Pipeline

Maya -> Zbrush -> Substance Painter

Portfolio Project 01

Crafting Your Prop from Concept to Final Render

Module 5

Crafting Your Portfolio

Month five brings you to a pivotal moment: your first portfolio project. Using your gathered references and ideas, you'll conceptualize and design your own prop. Through meticulous modeling, detailing, and texturing, you'll bring your creation to life, ready to showcase in your portfolio. Here, your digital artistry transcends mere images; it becomes tangible, ready to captivate and inspire.

FRAMEWORKS

Portfolio Project 01

Collecting References
Consultations with Your Mentors
Portfolio Project Preparation
Streamlined Workflow
Revision Process
Rendering Techniques
Promoting Your Portfolio Project

Module 6

Expanding Your Horizon

As you reflect on the journey so far, the sixth month introduces you to character modeling and rigging in Maya, along with the nuances of human anatomy and posing in Zbrush. These skills open doors to a world of possibilities in 3D artistry.

Our commitment to your success goes beyond these six months. With M3DS Academy, you aren't just acquiring skills; you're joining a vibrant and passionate community of artists and professionals. As you navigate this program, you'll gain access to continuous mentorship, personalized guidance, and a platform to showcase your creations.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya

Character Modeling
Zunwrap
Introduction to Rigging

Zbrush

Human Anatomy
Posing

Module 7

Sculpting Life

Your journey through the intricacies of anatomy continues as you delve into the fascinating world of faces, skulls, and the art of facial expressions. Embrace the fundamental rigging techniques that breathe life into your 3D creations. In Maya, master the art of cloth creation and the magic of Ncloth simulations. Simultaneously, embark on a captivating journey into stylized texturing in Substance Painter, where every brushstroke adds character and depth to your creations.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya

Basic Rigging Techniques
Ncloth Simulations

Zbrush

Sculpting a Skull
Advance Sculpting (Face)

Substance Painter

Stylized Texturing

Module 8

Crafting Environments

This month is all about honing your artistic skills. Discover the art of effective reference gathering and the impact it has on your creative process. Explore the world of isometric modeling in Maya, a unique perspective that adds depth to your creations. Halfway through the month, you'll embark on your second portfolio project, where you'll breathe life into your own character from concept to final render.

FRAMEWORKS

Pureref

Proper Reference Gathering

Maya

Isometric Modeling
Working in 3/4
Cameras
Shading & Materlials
Rendering

Module 9

The Creation Unveiled

In this ninth month of the Academy Year 1, you'll dive into Portfolio Project 02, where you'll create your own character from concept to a stunning final render. You'll receive personalized mentorship to discover your unique creative style, whether you prefer stylized or realistic art. Our expert instructors will guide you in crafting a compelling portfolio, and you'll have the opportunity to showcase your work internationally. This month marks a significant step in your artistic journey, with our unwavering support.

FRAMEWORKS

Portfolio Project 02

Creating Your Own Character From Sphere to Final Render
Personalized Mentorship and Guidance
Discovering Your Unique Creative Style
Expert Direction for Stylized or Realistic Art
Crafting a Compelling Portfolio
Showcasing Your Portfolio Project
Internationaly Promoting Your Work

Module 10

Enter the Unreal World

Prepare to take your 3D artistry to the next level as you venture into the captivating realm of Unreal Engine. This dynamic platform introduces you to its vast potential through an introduction to its interface, blueprints, sequencers, and level design. Unveil the magic of creating and packaging your own game, where your artistry becomes interactive and immersive.

FRAMEWORKS

Unreal Engine

Dive into the basics of Unreal Engine
Acquainting yourself with navigation
Blueprints
Sequencers
Level Design
Character Blueprints and Abilities

Module 11

Crafting Your Game

As you advance towards the culmination of Academy Year 1, an exciting chapter begins - the Development Program. This phase marks your initiation into the realm of game design, utilizing the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. Your journey through this stage is a gradual unfolding of knowledge and hands-on experience, carefully structured to equip you with the tools and skills needed to create your very first video game. Each step along this path provides you with invaluable insights, from the fundamentals of Unreal Engine to the intricacies of game development, ensuring that you emerge from this phase as a proficient game designer ready to bring your creative visions to life.

FRAMEWORKS

Unreal Engine 5

Master the fundamentals of Blueprints
Visual scripting method native
Connecting the Character Blueprint
Animation Blueprints
Level Sequences

Module 12

The First Ultimate Challenge

Your artistic journey reaches its zenith as you embark on Portfolio Project 03: Crafting a Mini Game. This endeavor serves as the ultimate test, allowing you to apply all your acquired skills to create your own game. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of game development using Unreal Engine.

As a final demonstration of your prowess, you'll design your own game within Unreal Engine, integrating your artistic creations seamlessly. This is your opportunity to showcase your newfound skills, and it's just the beginning of your creative journey.

FRAMEWORKS

Portfolio Project 03

Conceptualization and Design
3D Art Creation
Game Development
Storytelling and Narrative
Playtesting and Iteration
Presentation and Documentation
Promoting your Portfolio Project

ACADEMY YEAR 1
STUDENTS PORTFOLIO

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.