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Blender Environment Artist

Create 3D Worlds

GameDev.tv Team, Rick Davidson, and Grant Abbitt

Want to make beautiful environments, suitable for animations, games or as a stunning portfolio piece?

Read more

Want to make beautiful environments, suitable for animations, games or as a stunning portfolio piece?

Maybe you’re a beginner who wants to create unique environments for your games, animations or renders? Or you’re familiar with Blender but struggling with lighting, composition and making realistic environment objects? Perhaps you’re already an environment artist and you’re looking for more experience? This is the course for you.

Created using Blender 3.1 (and compatible with newer versions), the course starts out with the basics of the interface and goes on to build on your skills methodically. No previous experience with 3D modelling is required.

The course will show you how to create highly detailed, great looking environments for your portfolio. And how to turn your environment into an asset ready to be implemented into a video game engine like Unity or Unreal.

You’ll learn how to model a range of environment assets, building up to the comprehensive front cover image. We cover modelling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, rendering and many more core aspects needed for an environment artist.

The entire course is project-based, so you’ll apply your new skills immediately to real 3D models. All the project files are included, as well as additional references and resources - you'll never get stuck. We provide challenges and solutions at each step to make sure that you are learning-by-doing and not just watching someone else make art.

The assets you’ll make are game ready and modular, so you can build lots of different scenes by reusing the different pieces.

No matter what your background, your skills, or your interest, this course will give you a new set of skills that will make you a much more capable 3D Environment Artist.

You’ll get full lifetime access for a single one-off fee. The creators are qualified and experienced with modelling and coding, so are able to explain complex concepts clearly, as well as entertain along the way.

You’ll be amazed what you can achieve in just a few hours. So join us and start creating some amazing environments now.

Enroll now

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn blender 3.1.
  • Model objects in blender and for environments in general.
  • Use textures to make objects look realistic.
  • Learn different types of texturing for speed and detail.
  • Learn workflow tips that will boost your productivity
  • Discover different types of environment modelling for games or animations
  • Learn how to use pbr materials and how to create your own.
  • Find out how to use modular environment assets effectively.
  • Create stunning images for your 3d art portfolio.
  • Be part of an amazing and supportive community of people similar to you.

Syllabus

Introduction & Setup

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Grant welcomes you to the course and shows you some of the things you’ll be creating.

Read more

In this video (objectives)…

  1. We'll make sure you have a version of Blender that you are comfortable with so you can start creating

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Lucy invites you to join us in our various community support forums in order to ask questions, connect with other students and share your progress.

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to navigate the viewport and understand different views

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to add, move rotate and scale objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about the different viewport displays and rendering options

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about adding materials to your obejcts

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to add background HDRI’s to give realistic lighting in your renders

Modular Castle

In this video (objectives)…

  1. An intro to the Modular castle section

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to edit objects in edit mode

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Continue editing objects in edit mode

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understanding Flat and smooth shading

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about different ways of duplicating objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Create the rolling hills for the landscape of our castle diorama.

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn more about materials with material slots and more about render engines

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Practice modelling skills by creating a flag and flag post

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Wrapping up this section with ideas for developing your skills

Spooky Corridor - UV Mapping

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Introducing you to the spooky corridor section

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understanding the basics of UV unwrapping to place textures onto objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understanding the basics of UV unwrapping creating a spooky corridor

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understanding the basics the Mirror Modifier for easier & faster modeling

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understand how to unwrap more complex objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to use the subdivision surface modifier for more detailed modeling

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to texture objects without unwrapping them

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Practice unwrapping with more complex objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Some quick ideas for pushing your skills further

Rocks & Trees

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about different ways to produce environment assets by making rocks and trees

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Develop an understanding of the sculpting tools by creating rocks

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about PBR or physically based rendering materials and why they are important

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about Displacement materials and when to use them

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Sculpting tools and new tools in sculpt mode

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learning how to use Alpha textures for branches of trees

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Practicing PBR texturing and further understanding the use of texture coordinates

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Bringing it all together to build the tree

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Using the decimate modifier to reduce the polycount of our trees whilst keeping the shape

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understanding collections, linking and appending items into news scenes

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Some ideas for further development of your skills

Modular Building

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Start the modules for our Environment

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Blocking out the modules starting with the beams

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Blocking out the stone walls

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Blocking out the skeleton of the roof module

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Building the last part of the roof module

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Building the fence posts and pen

This section shows the different techniques for adding detail to our modules.

In this video (objectives)…

  1. A look at the advantages and disadvantages of the box projection technique

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of basic unwrapping to add textures

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learning how to texture paint objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Using textures to paint with

In this video (objectives)…

  1. We attempt to make a PBR material using our painted texture

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Understand Texture atlases and adding detail onto our fence

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Practice using UV mapping by creating the door & windows

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learning about seamless textures whilst building the roof

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learning about how you can create textures all within blender procedurally

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Wrap up of the section

Sculpted Details

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Introduction to detail sculpting

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Sculpting the beams to add detail

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Sculpting the longer beam and looking at the stabilize stroke option

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn how to bake a normal map from our high poly sculpt

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn about ray distance to for your normal map baking

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Learn baking out a cavity texture for more detail when texture painting

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Using the cavity texture to effect our colour that we will eventually paint

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Using the texture painting tools we paint the wood texture

In this video (objectives)…

  1. completing the beam material and textures by finishing the colour and roughness

In this video (objectives)…

  1. completing the beam material and textures

Completing The Modules

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Getting ready to piece our modules together to make our scene

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Smarten up some of our materials by combining texturing techniques

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Joining together the plaster modules

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Making different sized roof modules

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Joining the roof modules together and learning about apply modifiers to several objects

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Joining the stone wall modules and changing the colour of the stones

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Part 1 of creating the bay windows by adapting the current modules

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Creating the floor and end panels for the bay windows

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Modify modules and building a second house

Making the landscape for our houses to sit on.

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Building the landscape for our houses to go on top of

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Sculpting the rock base and learning a few new brushes

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Using the decimate tool to reduce the face count of the rock

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Baking the normals and cavity maps

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Colouring the base rock

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Start moving the rocks into position and placing the houses

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Adding trees to the scene

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Positioning the camera, adding a background and discovering a little about composition

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Adding moss to our rocks to soften the look of our scene

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Updating the trees quickly and easily

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Adding in our fence models and placing rocks

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Simple method of adding bushes to your landscape

Lighting & Rendering

In this video (objectives)…

  1. Intro to lighting & Rendering

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds core skills and foundational knowledge for environment artists who want to create stunning portfolios
Develops professional skills in environment modeling and portfolio development that would benefit career changers
Teaches learners to build modular assets that can be reused to create diverse scenes
Introduces industry-standard techniques and software that prepare learners to enter the field
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials that allow learners to apply their skills
Taught by seasoned artists and coding experts who enhance the learning experience

Save this course

Save Blender Environment Artist: Create 3D Worlds to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blender Environment Artist: Create 3D Worlds with these activities:
Refine sculpting techniques
Refine your sculpting techniques to add details to your 3D models.
Browse courses on Sculpting
Show steps
  • Experiment with different brushes and techniques.
  • Sculpt a simple object, such as a fruit or a face.
  • Share your work with the community and get feedback.
Gather resources on PBR materials
Gathering resources on PBR materials is a great way to learn more about this topic and find useful references.
Browse courses on PBR Materials
Show steps
  • Search for online resources on PBR materials.
  • Create a folder and save the links to the resources.
  • Organize the resources into different categories, such as articles, tutorials, and videos.
  • Share the resources with other students.
Host a virtual study session
Hosting a virtual study session is a great way to learn from and help others.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to discuss.
  • Invite your classmates to join.
  • Facilitate the discussion and answer questions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a workshop on advanced lighting techniques
Attend a workshop to refine advanced lighting techniques.
Browse courses on Lighting
Show steps
  • Research and find a workshop that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the workshop and pay the registration fee.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities.
Model a modern building
Modeling a modern building is a great way to practice the skills you'll learn in this course.
Show steps
  • Gather reference photos and floor plans.
  • Start modeling the building in Blender.
  • Add materials and textures.
  • Export the model and share it with the community.
Create a tutorial on UV unwrapping
Creating a tutorial is a great way to solidify your understanding of UV unwrapping and help others learn.
Show steps
  • Plan the tutorial and decide what you want to cover.
  • Create a demo video and write a step-by-step guide.
  • Publish your tutorial online and share it with the community.
Create a 3D game environment
Creating a 3D game environment is a great way to apply the skills you'll learn in this course and test your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Design the game environment.
  • Build the game environment in Blender.
  • Add materials and textures.
  • Create a game camera and add lighting.
  • Export the game environment and import it into a game engine.

Career center

Learners who complete Blender Environment Artist: Create 3D Worlds will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
3D Environment Artist
3D Environment Artists model, texture, and light 3D environments. They use their knowledge of 3D modeling and texturing to create realistic and immersive worlds for video games, movies, and other forms of media. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as a 3D Environment Artist. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Environment Artist
Video Game Level Designer
Video Game Level Designers create the environments that players explore in video games. They use their knowledge of level design to create environments that are fun, challenging, and visually appealing. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as a Video Game Level Designer. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Level Designer
Architectural Visualizer
Architectural Visualizers create realistic 3D models of buildings and other structures. They use their knowledge of 3D modeling and rendering to create images and animations that help architects and clients visualize their designs. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as an Architectural Visualizer. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Visualizer
Movie Set Designer
Movie Set Designers create the sets that are used in movies and television shows. They use their knowledge of set design to create environments that are visually appealing and realistic. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as a Movie Set Designer. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Movie Set Designer
Environment Concept Artist
Environment Concept Artists create concept art for environments in video games, movies, and other forms of media. They use their knowledge of art and design to create visually appealing and inspiring concepts for environments. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as an Environment Concept Artist. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environment Concept Artist
Technical Artist
Technical Artists work with programmers to create the technical aspects of video games and other forms of media. They use their knowledge of programming and art to create tools and assets that help developers create games and other media. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as a Technical Artist. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist
Lighting Artist
Lighting Artists create the lighting for video games, movies, and other forms of media. They use their knowledge of lighting to create environments that are visually appealing and realistic. This course will help build a foundation for the skills necessary to succeed as a Lighting Artist. Learners will gain experience in modeling, texturing, and lighting 3D environments, as well as learn about the different types of environment modeling for games and animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lighting Artist
Sculptor
Sculptors create sculptures using a variety of materials, including clay, stone, and metal. They use their knowledge of art and design to create sculptures that are visually appealing and expressive. This course may be useful for Sculptors who want to learn more about 3D modeling and texturing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sculptor
Art Director
Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of video games, movies, and other forms of media. They work with artists and designers to create a cohesive and visually appealing look for their projects. This course may be useful for Art Directors who want to learn more about 3D modeling and texturing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Museum Exhibit Designer
Museum Exhibit Designers create exhibits for museums and other cultural institutions. They use their knowledge of art and design to create exhibits that are visually appealing and educational. This course may be useful for Museum Exhibit Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and texturing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Exhibit Designer
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers create the design for products, including furniture, appliances, and vehicles. They use their knowledge of art and design to create products that are both functional and visually appealing. This course may be useful for Industrial Designers who want to learn more about 3D modeling and texturing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer
Interior designer
Interior Designers plan, research, and coordinate decorative elements in an interior space to achieve a aesthetically pleasing environment for a home, business or other space.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design outdoor public areas, landmarks, and structures to achieve environmental, social-behavioral, or aesthetic outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect
Architect
Architects design buildings and other physical structures and provide advice on construction and maintenance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blender Environment Artist: Create 3D Worlds.
Cover image
Mastering Blender
Save
Comprehensive guide to Blender, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques. It great resource for both beginners and experienced users who want to learn more about Blender.
Mastering Blender
Paperback
Check
Mastering Blender
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Color in Nature
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of environment design for video games. It covers topics such as concept art, level design, and lighting, and valuable resource for anyone looking to create realistic and immersive environments.
Color in Nature
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
How to Render
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of environment design, covering topics such as perspective, composition, and color theory. It valuable resource for aspiring environment artists looking to improve their understanding of the fundamentals of design.
How to Render: the fundamentals of light, shadow...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Green's Operative Hand Surgery E-Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to digital painting techniques, covering topics such as brushwork, color theory, and composition. It valuable resource for aspiring environment artists looking to improve their digital painting skills.
Green's Operative Hand Surgery E-Book
Paperback
Check
Green's Operative Hand Surgery E-Book
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Game Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of level design for games, covering topics such as level layout, pacing, and storytelling. It valuable resource for aspiring environment artists looking to learn the techniques and workflows used by professionals.
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
Paperback
$$$
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses
Paperback
$$$
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Second...
Paperback
$$$$
(Français) L'art du game design - Nouvelle édition: Se...
Paperback
$$$
The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Metallography in Archaeology and Art
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to digital painting, covering topics such as brushwork, color theory, and composition. It valuable resource for aspiring environment artists looking to improve their digital painting skills.
Metallography in Archaeology and Art (Cultural...
Hardcover
$$$$
Metallography in Archaeology and Art (Cultural...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Course image
Effort
12 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructors
GameDev.tv Team
Rick Davidson
Grant Abbitt
Language
English
Good to know
Builds core skills and foundational knowledge for environment artists who want to create stunning portfolios
Develops professional skills in environment modeling and portfolio development that would benefit career changers
Teaches learners to build modular assets that can be reused to create diverse scenes
Introduces industry-standard techniques and software that prepare learners to enter the field
Offers hands-on labs and interactive materials that allow learners to apply their skills
Taught by seasoned artists and coding experts who enhance the learning experience
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