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Where to start with 3D modeling and learning the basics?
Hello again! From the responses I had on my last question, I'm finding a lot of really helpful resources on here to use!
To start off, I've been interested in learning 3D modeling, but I have no idea where to even start! I have found multiple tutorials online, but the only issue I have is that I want more of a "lesson plan" that gradually moves me into more advanced projects. The courses I've seen range from over 200$, which kind of throws me off since they're super expensive for about a month's worth of projects.
Also, what modeling programs should I use? I've been considering Zbrush and Maya, but I'm wondering if it's worth the cost of it as well (plus, if there's any tutorials for those that may be good). I have yet to touch Blender, however, that is also something I definitely want to get the hang of eventually. For Blender especially, I've really only found courses that are behind paywalls or don't really thoroughly explain the process (some assuming you already know what does what).
Anything free or priced is alright with me! Costs are inevitable for some of these types of programs. :)
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Jamie’s Answer
Maya and ZBrush are both solid programs to learn if you want to get a job doing 3d modeling. If you want to just 3d model and do your own thing... then pick which one you want.
Blender is being adopted but it's not quite as "standard" as Maya / ZBrush.
Also ZBrush is used primarily for character modeling.
If you're interested in character modeling then, ZBrush is the way to go.
If you're interested in other types of modeling (car, planes, architectural etc) then Maya would be a good choice.
Can't really help you as far as course learning. I know there are some out there, but you just have to investigate yourself.
What I did to learn to model (what I started out doing) was basically decide what I wanted to model. I really wanted to model a car.
So I did that. My first car was pretty terrible, my second... still pretty bad. I got to about my 5 or 6th car and they looked good. By my 10th I was at a level where I could be hired to model things... which is what I did... first job was modeling some beverage bottles which was FAR easier than doing a car.
Then I got a job to model a plane for CSI Miami... and the rest, as they say... is history.
The good thing about a car is it has rigid (hard lined) shapes but also organic shapes (think seats, interior etc) so if you can model a car really well you can just about model anything else. But that does NOT apply to character modeling.
I can't model characters.
Good luck!
Blender is being adopted but it's not quite as "standard" as Maya / ZBrush.
Also ZBrush is used primarily for character modeling.
If you're interested in character modeling then, ZBrush is the way to go.
If you're interested in other types of modeling (car, planes, architectural etc) then Maya would be a good choice.
Can't really help you as far as course learning. I know there are some out there, but you just have to investigate yourself.
What I did to learn to model (what I started out doing) was basically decide what I wanted to model. I really wanted to model a car.
So I did that. My first car was pretty terrible, my second... still pretty bad. I got to about my 5 or 6th car and they looked good. By my 10th I was at a level where I could be hired to model things... which is what I did... first job was modeling some beverage bottles which was FAR easier than doing a car.
Then I got a job to model a plane for CSI Miami... and the rest, as they say... is history.
The good thing about a car is it has rigid (hard lined) shapes but also organic shapes (think seats, interior etc) so if you can model a car really well you can just about model anything else. But that does NOT apply to character modeling.
I can't model characters.
Good luck!
tysm for the clarification and advice! I'm looking to get a feel for both, but I wasn't aware of the differences between the two! I'm mainly only familiar with character modeling (i've seen tutorials), but I do think learning Maya would probably help with understanding the construction of things, which I didn't know as said before there was a big difference of which is used for what. :)
Leilani
Updated
Yasmeen’s Answer
Rhinoceros with grasshopper is really good for 3d modelling with tools that you might have to pay for in other softwares like sketchup which is another easier and handy software for 3d modelling. Youtube has a lot of tutorials and lesson videos in steps/parts for easier learning of any of the 2 softwares I mentioned.
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Tomas’s Answer
When starting out, it’s definitely a plus that there are many free resources available nowadays. Blender is a great almost if not already on the same level as Maya. It’s obviously very different in its interface, but almost every 3D Artist has used or become proficient in Blender.
-Start looking up small tutorials on YouTube for specific things you would like to learn. For example look up how to simulate water in Blender, or how to model a character, how to add a texture to a blender object, how to render in blender, or how to rig a model.
-Practice literally makes perfect, give yourself an assignment often, from modeling a small object you have or model off a reference photo you took or found online. I would recommend starting with inanimate objects and simple structures.
-Look into plugins for Blender as well, they can help you make your Blender experience go a lot smoother.
-I know it’s beaten to death, but YouTube has so many tutorials from industry professionals to skilled hobbyist/freelancers.
-Start looking up small tutorials on YouTube for specific things you would like to learn. For example look up how to simulate water in Blender, or how to model a character, how to add a texture to a blender object, how to render in blender, or how to rig a model.
-Practice literally makes perfect, give yourself an assignment often, from modeling a small object you have or model off a reference photo you took or found online. I would recommend starting with inanimate objects and simple structures.
-Look into plugins for Blender as well, they can help you make your Blender experience go a lot smoother.
-I know it’s beaten to death, but YouTube has so many tutorials from industry professionals to skilled hobbyist/freelancers.
Updated
W Scott’s Answer
"Bryce" is freeware (maybe bundled / zipped with "Daz-3D"?) and basic excellence for ages -- start anywhere, invent your own lessons and projects -- if you end up doing this for a career, you will probably still cherish this program years from now (get a trackball, instead of a mouse)...
Updated
Peter John’s Answer
As much as I agree with a lot of the advices given earlier. You may also want to determine which 3d models you would like to focus on, may it be characters, structures, products etc... This will determine the kind of 3D software that would be best for you to use whether it's going to be 3D max, blender, zbrush, maya etc... There are a ton of online courses you may want to look into, even YouTube does have tutorials for 3D modeling. Start with the basic shapes and models, it is important to master the fundamentals and then work your way up to the more complex shapes. Best of luck to you.
Eda Korkuter
I work in the museum industry as a designer and exhibition assistant.
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Eda’s Answer
Hello Leilani,
As an industrial designer, one of the most commonly used programs in our field is Rhinoceros (Rhino), along with its parametric design plugin, Grasshopper. Rhino is a versatile tool for 3D modeling, and it’s an excellent starting point for beginners, especially if you’re interested in product design, architecture, or any discipline requiring precision modeling.
Rhino offers a 90-day free trial, which allows you to explore the software and its features without committing to a purchase. Check their website to see if this option is still available.
Unlike subscription-based software, Rhino requires a one-time payment, granting you a lifetime license. This can be a cost-effective choice if you decide to stick with it.
There are plenty of free, step-by-step tutorials on YouTube that guide you through the basics of Rhino and Grasshopper. Channels like Simply Rhino or Rhino Tutorials are excellent for beginners.
The Rhino community is active and supportive. You can find forums, free scripts, and advice from experienced users to help you progress.
Rendering in Rhino
While Rhino’s native rendering capabilities aren’t as advanced as those in programs like Blender or Maya, you can still achieve great results with the right settings. Additionally, Rhino integrates well with external render engines like V-Ray or KeyShot if you want to enhance your rendering quality.
Why Start with Rhino? It’s user-friendly and widely used in industries like industrial design, architecture, and jewelry design.
Grasshopper, its plugin, allows you to explore parametric and generative design, opening up creative possibilities.
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest heavily right away, Rhino’s trial and free learning resources make it an excellent choice. Later, you can explore other programs like Blender for more advanced rendering or animation.
Hope this will help you and wish you the best.
As an industrial designer, one of the most commonly used programs in our field is Rhinoceros (Rhino), along with its parametric design plugin, Grasshopper. Rhino is a versatile tool for 3D modeling, and it’s an excellent starting point for beginners, especially if you’re interested in product design, architecture, or any discipline requiring precision modeling.
Rhino offers a 90-day free trial, which allows you to explore the software and its features without committing to a purchase. Check their website to see if this option is still available.
Unlike subscription-based software, Rhino requires a one-time payment, granting you a lifetime license. This can be a cost-effective choice if you decide to stick with it.
There are plenty of free, step-by-step tutorials on YouTube that guide you through the basics of Rhino and Grasshopper. Channels like Simply Rhino or Rhino Tutorials are excellent for beginners.
The Rhino community is active and supportive. You can find forums, free scripts, and advice from experienced users to help you progress.
Rendering in Rhino
While Rhino’s native rendering capabilities aren’t as advanced as those in programs like Blender or Maya, you can still achieve great results with the right settings. Additionally, Rhino integrates well with external render engines like V-Ray or KeyShot if you want to enhance your rendering quality.
Why Start with Rhino? It’s user-friendly and widely used in industries like industrial design, architecture, and jewelry design.
Grasshopper, its plugin, allows you to explore parametric and generative design, opening up creative possibilities.
If you’re just starting out and don’t want to invest heavily right away, Rhino’s trial and free learning resources make it an excellent choice. Later, you can explore other programs like Blender for more advanced rendering or animation.
Hope this will help you and wish you the best.
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