You’re interested in 3D modeling. How can you learn more about it online?

3 How to learn 3D modeling online

Learning 3D modeling online can be a great way to develop your skills, depending on your goals and budget. Popular and effective options include online courses, YouTube tutorials, and online communities. Online courses usually include video lectures, assignments, quizzes, and feedback from instructors and peers; some are free, while others require a fee or subscription (such as Udemy, Skillshare, Coursera, and Lynda). YouTube tutorials are short videos that show you how to create or achieve a certain 3D model or effect; they may vary in quality and difficulty, and can be made by professionals or amateurs (such as Blender Guru, CG Geek, Arrimus 3D, and FlippedNormals). Online communities are platforms where you can interact with other 3D modelers, ask questions, share your work, get feedback, and find inspiration; they may have different rules and guidelines, and can be focused on a specific software or genre (such as Reddit, ArtStation, CGSociety, and Blender Artists).

4 How to choose the right software

When choosing the right software for 3D modeling, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. To help narrow down your options, consider factors like your skill level, budget, style, and purpose. For beginners, free or low-cost software with basic features, like Blender, SketchUp, or Sculptris, may be a good starting point. If you are more experienced or ambitious, you can compare different software that offers more advanced and specialized features, such as Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, or Mudbox. Read reviews and watch tutorials to get an idea of the compatibility, performance, and support of each software. Ultimately, choose the software that matches your goals. For example, if you want to create 3D models for video games, a low-poly workflow may be best; if you want to create 3D models for animation, a good rigging and animation system is ideal; and if you want to create 3D models for art purposes, a high-poly workflow may be most suitable.

5 How to practice and improve your skills

Practicing and improving your skills is the key to becoming a better 3D modeler. To help you in this endeavor, here are some tips and ideas to consider: following tutorials and courses, experimenting and exploring, getting feedback and critique, and studying and analyzing. Following tutorials and courses is a great way to learn new techniques, tips, and tricks from experts and peers. Experimenting and exploring can help you discover new possibilities, solutions, and styles for your 3D models. You can get feedback and critique from online communities or mentors, who can give you honest and constructive comments. Finally, studying and analyzing your own work or the work of other 3D modelers can help you improve your 3D models by looking at the details, proportions, shapes, colors, textures, lighting, and composition of each model.

6 How to showcase and share your work

Showcasing and sharing your work is a great way to express yourself, showcase your skills, and connect with other 3D modelers. To do this, you can create a portfolio using online platforms, such as ArtStation or Behance, or by using your own website or blog. You can also enter contests and challenges to compete with other 3D modelers for prizes, recognition, or feedback. Additionally, joining groups and networks is a great way to share your work in a social and collaborative way. These communities offer the opportunity to meet, chat, and collaborate with others who share your interests or goals. You can join groups and networks using online platforms like Facebook or Discord, or by attending local or regional events or clubs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?