3D EssentialsAutodesk Maya

Start your journey through computer graphics!

Our bestselling entry-level course, 3D Essentials is the perfect introduction to the vast world of computer graphics and all of the opportunities it offers. Structured upon the Autodesk Maya and Adobe Substance 3D Painter software packages, this course is aimed primarily at beginners looking to streamline their learning and build a strong foundation for further specialization in 3D computer-generated graphics.

Apart from technical skills, the course also provides students with a historical overview of industry developments as well as current trends, future predictions, and tips & tricks for entering the VFX and gaming arena. Suitable also for specialized artists wishing to expand their general knowledge and further improve their skills.

3D Essentials can be combined with the majority of our specialized courses in VFX & Game Art.

Course program

Getting to know the industry
• History of the VFX and Gaming industry.
• Current affairs and trends in the VFX and Gaming industry.
• The future of computer graphics.

Getting to know the Autodesk Maya
• History of the Maya software.
• Industry fields in which it is used and why.
• Basic concepts of working in Maya.

Maya interface I
• Basic components of the interface.
• Navigating the Maya interface.
• Use of masks for selection.
• Transform tools.
• Snap tools.

Maya interface II
• Editors in Maya (Outliner, Attribute Editor).
• Parenting and hierarchy.
• Duplicate command.

Basics of poly modeling I
• Approaching the problem of modeling.
• Getting acquainted with polygon geometry.
• Poly components.
• Basic tools for poly modeling (Create Polygon Tool, Merge Vertices).

Basics of poly modeling II
• Advanced tools for poly modeling.
• Understanding the term good geometry.

Basics of poly modeling III
• Techniques for model optimization.
• Testing technical defects of a model.
• Applying deformers in modeling.

Basics of poly modeling IV
• Applying advance techniques in modeling.

Custom user interface
• Advantages of adjusting a custom UI.
• Methods of increasing comfort and speed of work.
• Creating a shelf.
• Creating a marking menu.
• Creating custom hotkeys.

Digital camera & Camera tracking
• How a practical camera works.
• Differences between a camera in Maya and a practical camera.
• Application in the industry.

Basics of rigging
• A look at the most common techniques.
• Using rigging techniques in your every day work.

Basics of dynamics
• Fundamentals of nCloth.
• Usage of Dynamics in modeling.

UV mapping I
• Theory of UVing, purpose and examples of good and bad UVs.
• Why having a good UV is essential for further production.
• Difference between VFX asset and game asset (UDIM vs game vs environment).
• Demonstration of the UV toolkit inside Maya.
• Other applications for UVing.

UV mapping II
• Demonstration of creating UVs for a VFX asset (UDIM).
• Demonstration of creating UVs for a game asset (as well as UV environment kits).

Texturing in Adobe Substance 3D Painter I – Introduction to Adobe Substance 3D Painter and PBR
• For what it is used and why.
• Introduction to the interface and its tools.
• What is PBR?
• PBR components.

Texturing in Adobe Substance 3D Painter II – Basics of Adobe Substance 3D Painter I
• Creating materials, creating masks.

Texturing in Adobe Substance 3D Painter III – Basics of Adobe Substance 3D Painter II
• Application of other tools (Brushes, Projections, Text, Anchor Point…).

Texturing in Adobe Substance 3D Painter IV – UDIM
• What is UDIM?
• UDIM Workflow.
• Industry examples.
• A practical example of UDIM.

Texturing in Adobe Substance 3D Painter V – Work in Production
• Preparation for production.
• Tips and Tricks.
• Common mistakes.

VFX and Game production (VFX and Game pipeline)
• Project management.
• Work ethic.
• Approaching work with the goal of achieving the best possible results.
• Interpersonal relations in the workplace.

Certificate

Upon completion of the course, students will receive the internationally recognized Autodesk Certificate of Completion, as well as the Crater Training Center Certificate.

Lecturers

Milos Jovanovic
Freelance Character Rigger and 3D Generalist

One of our most experienced lecturers, Miloš Jovanović, is a 3D Generalist and a Maya expert with vast experience in rigging, animating, and rendering at Crater Studio. Challenges are his natural habitat, as he is constantly exploring new software. Familiar with both studio and freelance work environments, he shares his experience with the students and provides them guidance through all the stages of building a career in the VFX industry. As a team player, he enjoys getting the best out of people and helping them develop their skills. In the 3D Essentials course, he teaches hard surface modeling.

Stefan Lukić
Technical Artist/Playstudios

He got into the gaming industry as a result of his love for games and movies. Stefan started his career as a Texturing and Modeling Artist at Bunker Studio, and he continued to develop his career at Ubisoft as an Environment/Level Artist and a Prop Artist. Currently he is working as a Technical Artist at Playstudios and Lecturer at SAE Institute Belgrade. Among the projects he participated in The Crew 2, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Frontline and Assassin’s Creed VR.

Dimitrije Dimoski
Assistant @ Crater Training Center

Dimitrije is a seasoned professional in the field of photo and video production, boasting extensive experience in understanding the intricate interplay between cameras and light. His fascination with the inner workings of major VFX productions spurred him to pursue a deeper understanding of the craft. Upon completing the 3D Essentials course at our school, Dimitrije swiftly transitioned into the role of an assistant instructor, where he imparts his knowledge and guides aspiring artists in their first steps within the VFX and Gaming industry.

COURSE INFORMATION