7 3D tutorials

The use of 3D appeared at the same time as computers, particularly within the games industry. The increasing availability of multimedia computers will accelerate the need for realism and research into 3D, which, since the late 1990s, has targeted all types of users: animation, 3D special effects, 3D video game, commercials, 3D printing, virtual reality...

Today, both professionals and amateurs use it for artistic, technical, recreational or commercial purposes. The tools for creating 3D are varied, each with specific characteristics that are suited to one domain or another.  For example, a Sketchup user will have different expectations than a 3Ds Max or Cinema 4D user.
 

Create and use 3D

3 dimensional creations need the user to not only plan and visualize the images, but also use specific software tools. Sketchup by Maya is a world unto itself, with totally different concepts of what  3D creation can achieve.
Its tool, the different way to create as well as the results are ahead of their time. 3D can also create animations, either by using a dedicated software or by combining a number of different tools. Once again, the objective, tools and approches may be different, and yet they must be combined to create the finished result. Whether it's to create a fun and entertaining video (characters, buildings, video game levels) or to design projects to present to clients (furniture, machine parts, architectural work...), tools need to be continually adapted and implemented.
 

The types of 3D software

There is a wide range of 3D software on the market :

• General: Cinema 4D, Maya, 3ds Max, Blender (free)
• Specialist: ZBrush (3D sculpture) Vue (for landscape design) Mari (texturing) Marvelous Designate (for textiles) Archicad, Autocad, Revit and Sketchup (for architecture) and Realflow (for 3D liquid simulation).

3D tutorials and training

We offer 3D tutorials on the main types of software in use. These come in the form of practical workshops or as a 3D training program, where all software is covered. 3D training can be split in to several categories :

• Learning about  interfaces: as the software can be complex, it's important to know how to navigate your way around the interface
• Learning about modeling: The first step in 3D design. Whether you begin with references (blue prints) or are making it up as you go, you'll need to understand  modeling tools (be it polygonal modeling, organic or 3D sculpture).
• Learning about materials and textures: These are the materials that will create realistic 3D scenes. Our tutorial will show you how to create realistic textures, unfold a UV mesh etc.
• Animation: This is the stage where your 3D model springs to life. You can learn about rigging, skinning and key-frame animation.
• Rendering: You’ll learn to do a lighting set up for your 3D cameras and fine tune the quality of your images, using rendering engines that are provided with your software or by using powerful engines such as VRay or Keyshot

These 3D training videos are presented by experienced 3D training professionals, who are based in major 3D design or VFX studios (for example MPC) or who teach in reputable schools (such as Art-FX).