Building Your Foundation
in 3D Artistry

Fast-track your career with M3DS’s world-class academy.

REQUIREMENTS

No previous knowledge required.

DURATION

12 MONTHS

DEDICATION

14 hours/week

FORMAT

100% online with 1-on-1 mentorship

PRICE

$7,380

Program overview

Are you passionate about venturing into the dynamic world of 3D artistry?
Academy Year 1 offers a 12 month immersive program for aspiring 3D artists, covering modeling, animation, texturing, and more. Guided by industry experts, you gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, preparing you for freelance careers in gaming, film, product design, and more. Year 1 graduates can find success on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Completing both Academy Year 1 and Year 2 enhances skills and portfolio quality, paving the way for larger projects and greater success. Explore the program structure and start your journey to becoming a sought-after freelance 3D artist today!

Academy Year 1 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

Maya
ZBrush
Substance
Painter
Marmoset
Photoshop
Unreal
Engine

ACADEMY YEAR 1

Structure and Formats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Graduates’ Portfolio

See what you can do after completing our Academy

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.

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: January, 2024

Apply for the Academy Year 1

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 Year 2

Academy Year 2

Academy Year 3

Academy Programs