Modelling Fundamentals 1001

Learn how to create a photorealistic asset suitable for high-end VFX

Modelling Fundamentals is an on-demand course where students will be taught the fundamentals of 3D Modelling to create a photoreal, pipeline-ready model. Through practical hands-on learning, we’ll cover a wide range of topics covering the asset modelling process.

During this course, we’ll model 2 different assets. The first asset will be a hard-surface based asset: the wooden mallet. For this asset, we’ll capture and process our own photogrammetry reference data using a mobile phone. We’ll then take the data into Autodesk Maya for camera alignment, retopology and UVs. We’ll also look to transfer the high-res details using Maxon ZBrush and we’ll look at creating a displacement map for final rendering.

For asset number 2, we’ll be modelling a statue of a bust from Scan the World. This will allow us to focus our attention to more organic-based forms.

The outcome of the course is to provide you with a strong modelling skillset enabling you to have a core understanding of the VFX modelling pipeline and an ability to apply these skills to real-world projects.

Course Details

Type: On-demand
Level: Beginner
Lessons: 16
Duration: TBC
Format: Video on-demand
Assignments: 16
Tools: Maya, Nuke, ZBrush, Arnold, Mudbox
Prerequisites: Basic Knowledge of Maya, Nuke, ZBrush, Arnold, Mudbox
Course Access Time: Lifetime

Industry partners

Lessons in this course

01. Modelling for VFX

We’ll be kicking off the programme off with a breakdown of how Modelling fits into the VFX pipeline. We’ll also discuss important topics such as Modelling briefs, LODs, naming conventions.
02. Observation and Analysis

This week, we’ll take a look at objects from the real-world and consider their shape and form. We’ll also study how objects respond to light to reveal and hide details.
03. Modelling Workflows and Best Practices

Here, we will define our asset build requirements and then look at how we could go about modelling our prop. We’ll also look at the technical aspects of building a production ready asset, such as: non-manifold edges and uniform topology.
04. Directing the Flow

2 common workflows for modelling assets are to use supporting edges or creased edges. This week, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both.
05. Subdivision Modelling

When creating an asset, it is important to ensure every edge has a purpose. We’ll also want to make sure we don’t add unnecessary detail. Here we’ll study how to go about creating optimised models that are subdivision friendly.
06. Working with Scan Data

This week, we’ll turn our attention to building our production model. Before we dive into the software, we’ll examine the scan dataset, which has kindly been provided by Clear Angle Studios.
07. Blocking out your Prop

When it comes to design, in most instances, you’ll find a mix of big, medium and small shapes. Here we’ll explore the power of contrast and how it relates to our asset and approach to modelling.
08. Refining Shape and Form

Pushing points is the role of a modeller, however, in order to assess our asset, we’ll need to play with light. By doing so, we can review how our model responds to light.
09. Finalising your Topology

As we come closer to completing the topology, we’ll look at some examples of what makes a production-worthy model.
Available on: 02.10.2023 9:00 am
10. Creating a Model Turntable

This week, we’ll be setting up our render and outputting a clay and wireframe layers. Following on from this, we’ll look at creating a model turntable template in Nuke. This template will then be used for all future model turntables, allowing us to easily compare the differences from one version to the next.
Available on: 09.10.2023 9:00 am
11. Introduction to UVs

Creating the geometry is one aspect of a production-ready model. Another aspect is making sure your UVs are good to go. Here, we will examine how UVs are used within a VFX pipeline and their importance when it comes to texturing and rendering.
12. Finalising your UVs

In this lesson, we’ll discuss the importance of creating a well-structured model hierarchy and establishing and sticking to a naming convention. It may seem like the boring stuff, but by doing so, you can ensure the smooth running of a project, especially when multiple assets are required. We’ll also look at organising our UVs and creating a series of UV Sets.
Available on: 16.10.2023 9:00 am
13. Introduction to Sculpting

Digital sculpting slots in to different stages of the VFX pipeline from Concept to Shot Finishing. Here, we’ll look at where it can fit in and the many ways in which you could approach a model when it comes of sculpting.
Available on: 16.10.2023 9:00 am
14. Adding High Resolution Details

Up to this stage, we’ve modelled the primary and secondary details. Here, we’ll study the tertiary details, of which we’ll use sculpting tools to add to our asset.
Available on: 23.10.2023 9:00 am
15. Displacement and Normal Maps

Up to this stage, we’ve modelled the primary and secondary details. Here, we’ll study the tertiary details, of which we’ll use sculpting tools to add to our asset.
Available on: 30.10.2023 9:00 am
16. Bringing it all Together

For our final lesson, we’ll look at cleaning up our model, so it’s ready for the next stage of the pipeline. That means deleting the history, checking the pivot points, object naming, scale, and so on. We’ll also look at technologies such as USD for asset workflows.
Available on: 07.11.2023 9:00 am

Tutor: Jahirul Amin

VFX Teacher

Jahirul Amin is a Computer Animation and Visual Effects Teacher and Consultant. He specialises in designing and delivering courses to create solid and diverse production ready skills in all 3D related departments and across a number of facilities worldwide. His background in academia feeds into his ongoing connections with Universities and Colleges which provide Computer Animation and Visual Effects courses. He is also involved in course and examination design as well as lecturing, running workshops and mentoring.

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Modelling Fundamentals 1001

Learn the fundamentals of Modelling to create hard-surface and organic models.