VFX Academy of Design

Prepare hard surface models for VFX

THIS COURSE IS IN DEVELOPMENT

This course covers the creation of VFX production assets of an inorganic nature. Lectures will cover creation of form, efficient manipulation of topology, the art of kitbashing, scene organization, texture preparation, light rigging techniques that will aid in the modeling process, and final rendering. Students will learn the process of efficiently creating high-quality hard surface models from concept to completion, and complete exercises that will give them the tools to overcome typical challenges faced by production artists.

Course Format

Standard

Skills Level

Intermediate

Duration

10 weeks

Q&A

Once a week

Feedback

Individual recordings

Lecture Type

Pre-recorded

Assignment

Deadlines each week

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of Maya and ZBrush is required

MATERIALS

Maya (or equivalent) and ZBrush (or equivalent)

The more you know, the better.

Week #1

Introduction to Hard Surface Modeling

Instructor introduction and background | Discussion of hard surface modeling principles | Introduction to the Maya interface as we will be using it

Week #2

Blocking out Models

Setting up image planes in Maya | Using NURBS curves to create guidelines | Box modeling process | Naming conventions and hierarchy organization

Week #3

Hard Surface Sculpture and Retopology Workflow

Week #4

Large Scale Model Details and Radial Modeling

Maya modeling techniques: Maya booleans; box modeling methods using extrude and multi-cut tools; bevel tool to create supporting edge loops; Maya sculpt tools | Radial modeling exercise: creating a rim and a tire | Creating a thruster using radial modeling techniques: anatomy of a thruster, reality vs. sci-fi; using instances to model thruster details; using pivot points to facilitate animation of thrust vectoring

Week #5

Modeling Greebles

A look to the past: techniques used by practical modelers | Modeling vintage model kit parts for kitbashing | Getting UVs onto geometry | Exporting parts with thumbnails for use in Maya’s content browser

Week #6

Kitbashing Techniques

Kitbashing using a parts library: a look at practical kitbashing techniques; adding our greebles to Maya’s content browser | Kitbashing workflow: plant on details; greeble assemblies

Week #7

Mechanical Modeling

Modeling and rigging the pistons: single axis and ball & socket; hierarchy setup; aim constraint setup | Creating mechanisms: building the basic skeleton and animating motion; experimenting with piston placement; setting up set-driven keys | Integrating these parts into the model

Week #8

NURBS Curve Tools for Modeling

NURBS curves modeling tools | Extruding along curves | Animation snapshot and tank tread exercise | Other pipe modeling techniques | Using wire deformers to create cable looms

Week #9

UV Packing, Tips & Tricks

Creating and unfolding UVs | A discussion about texel density: what it is and why it is important | UV packing techniques | UDIMS; how to organize your model’s UVs for multiple texture maps | Final model setup

Week #10

Lighting, Rendering, and Hard Surface Modeling Alternatives

Alternative methods: edge creasing, face weighted normals, rounded corner shader | Rendering in Maya using Arnold | Rendering in Keyshot

Bringing Out the Best in Talent

Building a Piranha War Fighter

Introduction Hello everyone! My name is Andrew Grant and I’m a 3D modeler who focuses on hard surface and prop modeling. I had gotten my...

Interview with

Andrew Grant

Modeling A Spaceship

Introduction My name is Mark Hołubowski and I’m a self-taught 3D artist. I was born in USA, California but raised in Poland. I’m currently trying to land...

Interview with

Mark Hołubowski

What makes this learning experience unique?

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK

Receive personalized feedback on all assignments from the industry’s top professionals.

LIFETIME ACCESS

Enjoy lifetime access to the spectrum of course content, including lectures, live Q&As, and feedback sessions.

CERTIFICATION

Show off your Certification of Completion when you turn in 80% of course assignments.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING

Learn anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace with flexible, online course scheduling.

In all aspects, it was a great course. I learned a ton about the industry, the software, and techniques to improve my modeling. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn hard surface modeling.

James

This course helped with my topology, design, modeling thinking process, UVing, use of curves, scripts, confidence in my work and ability, and more.

Jacob

His extended effort to show additional examples and methods both in the forums in the week days, and in the Q&A’s deserves an applause! Describes and explains everything very well, and is easily understandable.

Nikolay

Great teacher and awesome professional. Could end up learning a lot more than on my 2 year degree.

Jordi

Hard Surface Modeling for Films

Character Design

Electives

Environment Design

Drawing Foundation

Compositing/Lighting

Houdini/FX

Rigging

Hard Surface Modeling for Films

Prepare hard surface models for VFX

The more you know, the better.

Trailers

Course Trailer

Instructor Trailer

STUDENT GALLERY

Igniting your imagination