APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN • NEXT COHORT ENROLLING
BUILD PRODUCTION-READY HARD-SURFACE ASSETS

Shape believable 3D assets.
Work from reference to
finished hard-surface models.

Build clean mechanical forms and connect modeling decisions with UVs, surfaces, and presentation.

Practice subdivision modeling, edge control, curves, deformers, and booleans as you build hard-surface forms. Learn when to model or bake detail, prepare UVs in RizomUV, and connect high- and low-poly workflows. Refine one guided asset for your portfolio.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
About US$876.67 /month
9 monthly installments • US$7,890 total
Monthly plans remain at standard tuition.
PROGRAM TUITION
US$7,890 TOTAL
Pay in full or choose 9 monthly installments.
Apply Now
Apply Now
Time left for October applications
27
days
27
HRS
27
MIN
27
SEC
Accepted applicants choose from the next available one-to-one mentor openings.
Certificate
8+ hours
Easy
Hard Surface Fundamentals course thumbnail featuring hard-surface artwork.
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Study the geometry and preparation behind clean hard-surface assets, from blockout to final presentation.

BUILD PRODUCTION-READY HARD-SURFACE ASSETS

Hard-surface modeling, topology, high-to-low workflows, RizomUV, baking, texturing, materials, and presentation
Hard-surface artwork used as the temporary hero image for Hard Surface Fundamentals.
Best Game Development school in US and Eastern Europe
Character Creation
Environment Art
VFX Training
3D Animation
CG Fundamentals
The Students are our Portfolio
Autodesk Authorized Training Centre
Maxon Training Partner
Unreal Academic Partner Program
Ranked #1 Online Creative School in the World
Character Art
Environment Art
VFX Training
3D Animation
CG Fundamentals
The Students are our Portfolio
Autodesk Authorized Training Centre
Maxon Training Partner
Unreal Academic Partner Program
Top 15 Creative Schools in the World
Best Game Development school in US and Easter Europe
Character Art
Environment Art
VFX Training
3D Animation
CG Fundamentals
The Students are our Portfolio
Autodesk Authorized Training Centre
Maxon Training Partner
Unreal Academic Partner Program
Top 15 Creative Schools in the World
Best Game Development school in US and Easter Europe
Character Art
Environment Art
VFX Training
3D Animation
CG Fundamentals
The Students are our Portfolio
Autodesk Authorized Training Centre
Maxon Training Partner
Unreal Academic Partner Program
Top 15 Creative Schools in the World
Your first look inside

See where your
hard-surface art journey starts.

HARD SURFACE FUNDAMENTALS
OFFICIAL COURSE TRAILER

Help when he needed it

Simon says the organized path and quick, detailedanswers gave him a clear next step whenever hegot stuck.

A workflow built for studios

Aleksandra credits structured lessons and detailedassignment reviews with teaching her an industry-standard workflow.

Started with no 3D skills

Teodor built the foundation to createenvironments, characters, and game assets, plusthe confidence to keep improving.
Selected student work and reviews from across M3DS Academy programs.
Official Maxon ZBrushLIVE artist
Watch Story
M3DS alumni success story

From zero experience to AAA creature artist.

“I started at M3DS Academy with no previous 3D experience. The Academy gave me a strong foundation and a clear direction, but I still had to put in the work. I kept learning, applying mentor guidance, and building my portfolio to the standards expected by the industry.

‍

Today, I work on AAA games I genuinely love and share my sculpting process through official Maxon ZBrush streams. M3DS helped me find my path and understand how to keep moving forward. That foundation, combined with the work I put into it, became the start of my career. Now I’m continuing to grow as an artist, a professional, and through my own personal brand.”

Marko Lazov

Creature Artist at Mundfish
M3DS alumnus · Now a Character Art Mentor
at M3DS Academy
Official Maxon ZBrushLIVE artist
AA + AAA production experience
M3DS defining advantage

Daily 1-to-1 mentorship.
Your team. Your whole journey.

Clean hard-surface work depends on decisions about shape, edges, and geometry density. Your instructors help you review the model, resolve shading and UV problems, and refine the asset without losing its main forms.

12-hour

daily instructor availability window

1-to-1

personal guidance
personal start
01 / From day one
Start with a personal plan.

Review your modeling experience and set up the tools with your mentor. Begin with controlled forms and practical exercises before planning a more detailed hard-surface asset.

Setup + direction, included
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02 / Every day you build
Work with experts. Not onyour own.

Stay in direct communication with your instructors in your private Discord channel. Work through lessons, assignments, and project decisions together, with live 1-to-1 sessions for hands-on help when you get stuck.

Daily personal mentorship, included
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Lifetime student portfolio promotion
Your work stays in the spotlight.
03 / Beyond graduation
Your portfolio. Promotedfor life.

M3DS helps you refine and present your student work. You leave with clear feedback, a finished project, and practical next steps for continued development.

Lifetime portfolio promotion, included
Hard Surface Fundamentals curriculum

Built for beginners who are ready to
learn by producing real work.

Months 1–2 · Hard-surface foundations

Build your 3D foundation.

Break references into simple forms and practice subdivision modeling. Explore density balance, normals, edge control, curves, deformers, and booleans.
Technical skills
Reference analysis, form design, proportion, clean modeling, and topology fundamentals
Software used
PureRef · Maya · ZBrush
What you finish
A resolved hard-surface blockout with clean primary forms
Stage 01
Month 3 outcome
A resolved hard-surface blockout with clean primary forms
Months 3–4 · Production modeling

Learn how studios create.

Develop high- and low-poly versions and decide which details to model or bake. Use RizomUV to unwrap, pack, and prepare the asset for texturing.
Technical skills
High-to-low workflows, detailing, RizomUV, baking, and production-ready topology
Software used
Maya · ZBrush · RizomUV · Marmoset Toolbag
What you finish
A clean, unwrapped, and baked hard-surface asset
Stage 02
Project 01
A clean, unwrapped, and baked hard-surface asset
Months 5–7 · Texture and integrate

CREATE worlds and
characters.

Connect material and surface detail with the modeled forms. Prepare the asset for real-time use with attention to naming, texture preparation, pivots, and collision.
Technical skills
PBR texturing, material definition, decals, wear, engine integration, and lighting
Software used
Substance 3D Painter · Marmoset Toolbag · Unreal Engine
What you finish
A textured, game-ready hard-surface asset
Stage 03
Months 5–7 · Texture and integrate
PBR texturing, material definition, decals, wear, engine integration, and lighting
Connect material and surface detail with the modeled forms. Prepare the asset for real-time use with attention to naming, texture preparation, pivots, and collision.
Months 5–7 · Texture and integrate
A textured, game-ready hard-surface asset
Connect material and surface detail with the modeled forms. Prepare the asset for real-time use with attention to naming, texture preparation, pivots, and collision.
Technical range
PBR texturing, material definition, decals, wear, engine integration, and lighting
Months 8–9 · Polish and present

Choose your path.
Finish your final project.

Inspect shading, surfaces, and presentation as a whole. Resolve mentor feedback, refine the asset, and prepare final renders and technical breakdowns.
Technical skills
Final polish, critique, revision, rendering, breakdowns, and portfolio presentation
Software used
Your established hard-surface toolset
What you finish
One complete hard-surface portfolio asset
Stage 04
Months 8–9 · Polish and present
Plan your hard-surface asset
Choose a manageable reference and break the object into forms, parts, and details before starting the final model.
Months 8–9 · Polish and present
Build your final project
Develop one asset through modeling, preparation, surface refinement, and presentation, applying critique at each stage.
Your result
One completed hard-surface portfolio asset, supported by modeling, UV, high-to-low workflow, and presentation practice.
Study pace

One curriculum.
Two ways to study.

Admissions helps you choose · 100% online
Standard pace

20 hours/week

Finish in about 9 months
Intensive pace

30 hours/week

Finish in about 9 months
Industry-standard software

Learn the tools inside a complete production workflow.

The exact tool mix changes as your skills develop and is selected for your final project direction.
Autodesk Maya +
XGen
Maxon ZBrush
Substance 3D
Painter
Substance 3D
Designer
Unreal Engine
Marmoset
Toolbag
PureRef
Everything inside Hard Surface Fundamentals

One program. Everything a beginner needs to finish.

Learn the tools inside a complete production workflow.

Work through modeling and UV exercises before combining the steps in one portfolio asset. Practice choosing efficient geometry and preparing the model for the stages that follow.
One tuition
Your training, personal mentorship, production tools, and portfolio support - in one program.
visual
01 / Learn by making

Practice clean hard-surface workflows.

Use focused exercises to test subdivision, booleans, curves, and edge control. Connect those modeling choices with UV preparation, baking decisions, and engine integration.
visual
02 / Work you can show

One finished hard-surface asset.

Plan and refine a focused asset with mentor guidance. Show its form, surface detail, and technical preparation through final renders and breakdowns.
03 / Daily personal guidance

Daily personal 1-to-1mentorship

Work directly with your instructors everyday, with weekly planning, ongoing Discord communication, and live 1-to-1 help - all included.

04 / Ready to start

Software access and setup

Get installation help plus educational accessor an approved free option for each tool. Exact access is confirmed before enrollment.

US$4,630 comparable software value
Based on commercial pricing for the paid tools used across the program.
05 / Present your work

Portfolio presentation support

Select, polish, and present your strongest work with instructor guidance. Build a clear portfolio for the roles you want to pursue.

06 / Final rendering

M3DS render - farm access

Use the Academy render farm for high-quality renders of eligible enrolled projects, without relying only on your own computer.

Included for enrolled students
07 / People around you

3D artist community

Learn inside the M3DS Discord communitywith hundreds of artists. Ask questions, share progress, and keep going when work gets hard.

08 / Keep learning

Lifetime lesson access

Keep access to the program lessons and learning files, so you can return to the steps when you need them.

09 / Protect your work

Server storage and backup

Keep program work supported by the Academy storage and backup system while you learn.

10 / Completion proof

M3DS Certificate of Completion

Earn your certificate by completing the program requirements. Train with an Autodesk Authorized Training Center and Unreal Engine Academic Partner.

See What Our Students Create

Discover the incredible work crafted by our students — from 3D models and
animations to game environments and digital art.

Child wearing a red hat riding a green dragon with wide open mouth above fluffy clouds.Police car with flashing lights blocking entrance of dimly lit tunnel with chain-link fence and warning signs.Cartoon Spiderman with dog ears holding a wooden mallet on a blue surface with teal background.Dimly lit rustic kitchen with a fireplace, pots, wooden barrels, and clay vessels.Close-up of a terrifying monster with sharp teeth, yellow eyes, and a gaping mouth.Wooden balcony and rooftop with a rooster weather vane under blue sky with mountains in the distance.Child wearing a red hat riding a green dragon with wide open mouth above fluffy clouds.Police car with flashing lights blocking entrance of dimly lit tunnel with chain-link fence and warning signs.Cartoon Spiderman with dog ears holding a wooden mallet on a blue surface with teal background.Dimly lit rustic kitchen with a fireplace, pots, wooden barrels, and clay vessels.Close-up of a terrifying monster with sharp teeth, yellow eyes, and a gaping mouth.Wooden balcony and rooftop with a rooster weather vane under blue sky with mountains in the distance.
Three stylized characters: a muscular frog holding a pole, a small armored turtle, and a bird with keys.Fantasy character with purple hair, metallic armor, and staff with feathers on dark background.A fantasy village with timber houses, a bridge, sheep, waterfalls, and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.Close-up of ornate golden sword hilt with a red gem and Game of Thrones text below.Ancient statue of a warrior in an overgrown stone archway with sunlight shining through mist.Elderly warrior with long gray hair and beard wearing tattered armor and holding a weapon.Three stylized characters: a muscular frog holding a pole, a small armored turtle, and a bird with keys.Fantasy character with purple hair, metallic armor, and staff with feathers on dark background.A fantasy village with timber houses, a bridge, sheep, waterfalls, and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.Close-up of ornate golden sword hilt with a red gem and Game of Thrones text below.Ancient statue of a warrior in an overgrown stone archway with sunlight shining through mist.Elderly warrior with long gray hair and beard wearing tattered armor and holding a weapon.
Testimonials

WHat our students say

Hear from students who turned their passion into careers. Our hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world projects have helped them land roles at top studios worldwide.
Watch Story
Cartoon elf wearing green clothes and hat, smiling with hands on hips.

Nikola Temnikov

Nikola says that it has been a wonderful journey, learning a lot throughout the experience and continuing to develop their skills.
Man sitting at a laptop in a circular cutout frame on a white background.

Bekim K.

Bekim says that he attended CG Fundamentals and loved every part of it. He highlights the detailed lessons, personal guidance, feedback, and encouragement to work on his own projects. He also appreciates how the instructors took the time to answer his questions and help him understand difficult topics.
Purple circular icon with a white letter T in the center.

Teodor Mihajlov

Teodor says that he attended CG Fundamentals and found the whole program well-structured and focused on practical learning. With no previous 3D experience, he says the course gave him the confidence to create realistic environments, game-ready characters, and game assets.
Dark green circle with a white uppercase letter M centered inside.

Mihail Danilovski

Mihail says that M3DS Academy provided expert training in 3D design and game development, with a modern curriculum and valuable hands-on experience.
White tuning fork icon inside a teal circle on black background.

Jane Dzingov

The student says that Academy Year 1 was an excellent experience and that he would recommend it to everyone. He especially highlights the great instructors and their important role throughout the learning process.
Watch Story
simon

Simon Pulo

Simon says that joining M3DS Academy was one of the best decisions he made toward his goal of becoming a successful 3D and concept artist. He highlights the well-organized program, steady progress, helpful tutors, and especially the academy’s long hours of fast and detailed support.
Portrait of a man with a beard and glasses wearing a white shirt with a black pattern.

Mario Stojanov

The student says that M3DS Academy offers well-structured courses, knowledgeable instructors, and a supportive community that helped enrich their professional journey.
Watch Story
aleksandra

Aleksandra Jankova

Aleksandra compares her experience at M3DS Academy to an exciting journey through 3D design. She highlights the well-organized lessons, continuous instructor support, detailed feedback, and structured workflow that accelerated her learning. She also appreciates the opportunities to build her portfolio, grow professionally, and participate in competitions such as The Rookies.
petar

Petar Cacanoski

Petar says that M3DS is a great place for anyone interested in 3D design. He highlights the helpful and passionate instructors, well-structured lessons, and practical knowledge gained throughout the course.
Watch student work

Student SHowcase 2026

Explore selected student work and the learning experience without leaving this page.

The students areour portfolio.

We treat your progress as a shared responsibility, from your first exercise through your final project and portfolio presentation.
students works
image

Master your creative craft.
‍

Unreal Engine Partner

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The Rookies Global School Rankings

#1 Ranked Online School

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Master your creative craft.
‍

oFFICIAL mAXON ZBrush Partner

image

Industry Recognized 3D Art Training

Autodesk Training Center

Recognized by Industry Leaders

Proven. Recognized. Trusted.

Our programs are backed by official partnerships, global rankings, and recognition from the companies and organizations shaping the future of digital art, game development, and entertainment.

Featured In Leading News Outlets

logos

Studios that have Hired our graduates

Our Graduates Have Worked At

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Films and games our students worked on

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M3DS defining advantage

We do not stop at graduation.
We stay until you get hired.

Hard Surface Fundamentals develops the habits behind clear forms and manageable geometry. Learn to evaluate edges, shading, and UVs, then use those checks to improve a finished asset.

01

Build the work

Develop one complete hard-surface portfolio asset with structured mentor guidance.

02

Prepare to apply

Polish your portfolio, positioning, and applications.

03

Get hired

Complete the program with a finished project and a clear plan for what to improve next.
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Turn tuition into career leverage

One complete investment.
Build a skill set designed to earn for years.

A focused hard-surface program combining practical modeling workflows, direct mentor feedback, and one finished portfolio asset.
Pay-once tuition
Best value

US$13,352

Complete program · Save 10%
Annual salary of junior
artists

US$70,000

After finishing the program ·About 5.2× tuition
9 monthly installments
About

US$876.67

Per month · US$7,890 total
WHY START NOW

Start with expert mentors.
‍Build toward your first 3D job.

Learn why a surface pinches, when extra geometry helps, and when detail belongs in a bake. Instructor feedback helps you solve those problems and carry cleaner modeling habits into your next asset.
Apply this month at no cost, then book an Admissions call to confirm your study plan and next available start.
01 / Start date

Confirmed by Admissions

Based on one-to-one mentor availability.
02 / Your first real productionproject

About Month 3

Choose your portfolio challenge and finish a production - ready 3D model.
03 / Full program target
Intensive pace
30 hours/week
About

16 months

Standard pace
20 hours/week
About

9 months

04 / Your job target

a stronger hard-surface portfolio

Personal mentorship, portfolio refinement, and application guidance continue until you get hired.
Same complete program in every plan

Choose the payment schedule that works for
you.

Prices shown here are rounded to whole dollars. Admissions confirms the exact payment amounts and dates before you enroll.

One Time payment
Best value
Save 10%

$7,890

single payment
1 payment total
Standard tuition: US$7,890
9-month plan
About

$876.67

per month
9 payments total
Program total: US$7,890
12-month plan
About

Ask Admissions

per month
12 payments total
Only approved schedules are offered
6-month plan
About

Ask Admissions

per month
6 payments total
Only approved schedules are offered
3-month plan
About

Ask Admissions

per month
3 payments total
Only approved schedules are offered

01

Choose a plan

Pay in full or choose 9 monthly installments.

02

See the exact dates

Admissions shows you when each payment is due.

03

Apply and confirm availability

If accepted, book an Admissions call to confirm your payment plan and next available start.
Before you apply

You see the exact dates and amounts.

Admissions confirms your complete payment schedule before you enroll.
Time left for October applications
27
days
27
HRS
27
MIN
27
SEC
Admissions

Month

Fully booked
Admissions

Month

Fully booked
Admissions

Month

Open now
Apply after January 24 and your application moves to the November application period. If the nearest mentor start fills, Admissions offers the next available opening.
Questions before you apply?

Get clear answers before you choose.

See how the curriculum, project, mentorship, software, tuition, and start process work.

Do you guarantee that I will get a junior 3D job?

The program includes structured portfolio guidance, project critique, and clear next steps. Employment outcomes depend on each student’s work, portfolio, experience, and opportunities.

Do I need 3D skills now?

No. You start with the basics. You still need a computer that can run the apps. You also need good internet and steady study time each week.

When can I start?

Start dates depend on available one-to-one mentorship capacity. Submit your application, then book an Admissions call. An Admissions Officer will discuss your goals and study plan and confirm the next available start before you enroll.

How much time do I need each week?

Plan for approximately nine months at the standard pace. Your mentor helps you adjust weekly practice and project milestones around your starting level.

What will I make?

You follow a focused hard-surface path from clean modeling and high-to-low production through RizomUV, baking, texturing, and final presentation. Your mentor adjusts exercises and critique to your project goals.

How does the daily mentorship work?

You work directly with expert instructors every day in your private Discord channel through ongoing personal 1-to-1 mentorship. Instructors are available across a 12-hour daily window, and individual guidance can extend to several hours a day while you work through lessons, homework, and projects. You also have weekly 1-to-1 planning and live personal sessions for hands-on help. Your instructors stay with the work, explain the process, and help you understand each next step.

Are the software and setup included?

Yes. M3DS helps you check your computer, install the required tools, and access educational licenses or free versions where available. The program uses Maya with XGen, ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter, Substance 3D Designer, Unreal Engine, Marmoset Toolbag, and PureRef.

Is render-farm access included?

Yes. Enrolled students can use the M3DS Academy render farm for high-quality project renders.

What certificate do I receive?

After completing the Hard Surface Fundamentals requirements, you receive an M3DS Academy Certificate of Completion.

How does the payment plan work?

Standard tuition is US$7,890. The standard installment plan is US$876.67 per month for 9 months. Admissions confirms the exact schedule before enrollment.

Can I change my study pace?

Talk with Admissions and your mentor if your weekly study time changes. They can show you the pace choices and help you plan your next steps.

What can this program prepare me for?

Hard Surface Fundamentals develops the foundations needed to design, model, unwrap, texture, and present a polished production asset. You finish one guided portfolio project with direct mentor feedback.

What happens after I finish the classes?

The program includes structured portfolio guidance, project critique, and clear next steps. Employment outcomes depend on each student’s work, portfolio, experience, and opportunities.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN • DUE MONTH 24

Join Fast, OCTOBER Applications are closing

Apply before the date shown for this month's applications. If accepted, book an Admissions call to confirm the earliest opening your instructor team can properly support.

Tell us your goal

Send the short form.

We check your plan

We look at your time, computer, and goal.

Confirm availability

Book an Admissions call and choose from the available start dates.
Admissions

Month

Fully booked
Admissions

Month

Fully booked
Admissions

Month

Open now
Applications deadline
October 24, 11:59 PM CEST
27
days
27
HRS
27
MIN
27
SEC
No payment to apply. Admissions confirms the next available one-to-one mentor opening.