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Arrimus 3D

In this course you will learn how to work with polygon, sculpting, and CAD programs to get the best of all worlds. There is a strong emphasis on using the strongest aspects of all programs to get the most out of your 3D design experience. You will learn to work at a good level in 3D Studio Max, Blender, Zbrush, and Plasticity. You will learn how how sculpt in Zbrush and take advantage of Zbrush's fluid and responsive dynamesh system to quickly explore your design in the initial stages. You will also learn how to quickly paint and set up a color scheme while you are still in the sculpting phase. Then, you will learn how to retopologize and continue your design in 3DS Max and Blender. After creating cleaner simpler film asset topology you will learn how to further refine, define, and detail your object to a high standard. Finally, you will learn how to export your subdivision mesh to MoI and Plasticity to add crisp and clean CAD details. At the end of this course you will have a good grasp on modeling a wide variety of objects, from organic brains to faces to mechanical legs and weapons and you will be able to create a creature or mech that has a good mix of fleshy parts as well as sleek and sharp hard surface objects.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to retopologize, model, and design a mechanical character with 3ds max.
  • Learn how to retopologize, model, and design a mechanical character with blender.
  • Learn how to sculpt in zbrush at a basic level.
  • Learn how to integrate cad/nurbs into your designs. plasticity(beta) is used for this course.

Syllabus

Have a good understanding of how to use Blender, 3DS Max, Plasticity, and Zbrush.
Intro to Blender
Setting up Max
Intro to Max 1
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Integrates polygon modeling, sculpting, and CAD techniques, which allows for a comprehensive approach to 3D design and broadens the range of creative possibilities
Covers 3DS Max, Blender, Zbrush, and Plasticity, which are industry-standard tools for modeling organic and hard surface objects, and are widely used in game development and film
Explores retopology techniques, which are essential for optimizing 3D models for animation and real-time rendering, and are crucial for creating efficient and visually appealing assets
Uses Plasticity (beta), which may require users to adapt to changes as the software is still in development, and may not have the full stability of a fully released product
Teaches Zbrush's dynamesh system, which is a powerful tool for rapidly prototyping and exploring designs, and is especially useful for concept artists and character modelers
Focuses on creating a mix of organic and hard surface elements, which is a valuable skill for creating complex and visually interesting characters and environments, and is applicable to various projects

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Reviews summary

Multi-software 3d modeling workflow

According to students, the Arrimus Ultimate 3D Modeling Course offers a highly comprehensive deep dive into professional 3D modeling workflows, integrating multiple software packages like 3DS Max, Blender, Zbrush, and Plasticity/MoI. Learners particularly praise the instructor's exceptional skill and detailed explanations, finding the techniques taught to be practical and production-ready. While it covers a wide range of topics from organic sculpting to hard-surface CAD integration, many note that the course is best suited for intermediate to advanced users already familiar with 3D concepts, rather than absolute beginners. The sheer volume of content is extensive, providing significant value for those looking to master a versatile modeling pipeline.
Requires access to multiple paid software.
"You need licenses for Max, Zbrush, Plasticity, and potentially MoI to follow along fully."
"Access to all the required software can be a barrier for some students."
"While Blender is free, the core multi-software workflow requires paid programs."
"Make sure you have the necessary software installed before starting the course."
A very long and detailed course.
"There is an incredible amount of information packed into this course; it's a massive resource."
"It's a long journey to get through all the lessons, but the depth is amazing."
"Be prepared for a significant time investment; the syllabus is huge."
"The sheer volume can feel overwhelming at times, but the detail is appreciated."
Covers detailed, production-level modeling methods.
"The hard-surface modeling and detailing techniques taught are incredibly valuable for professional work."
"I improved my freeform and angular modeling skills significantly after taking this course."
"Learning retopology and preparing models for different stages was very helpful."
"The sections on integrating CAD details into polygon models were exactly what I needed."
Integrates multiple key 3D software packages.
"This course taught me how to effectively combine poly modeling, sculpting, and CAD techniques."
"I appreciated learning how to transition between different software like Blender, Zbrush, and Plasticity."
"The integration of Max, Blender, Zbrush, and CAD programs provides a really powerful and unique workflow."
"It's great to see how to get the best out of each software for different parts of the modeling process."
Instructor is highly skilled with clear explanations.
"Arrimus is incredibly knowledgeable and explains complex ideas very clearly."
"His techniques are top-tier and easy to follow once you understand his approach."
"The instructor's skill level is evident in every lesson; you learn from a master."
"I learned so many useful tips and tricks directly from the instructor's demonstrations."
Not ideal for absolute beginners in 3D.
"This course moves quickly and assumes you have some basic familiarity with 3D software interfaces."
"As a beginner, I found some parts challenging because it doesn't hold your hand through every step."
"It's definitely geared more towards intermediate or advanced users looking to refine their skills."
"I would recommend having a basic grasp of at least one 3D software before starting."

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 Arrimus Ultimate 3D Modeling Course with these activities:
Review Polygon Modeling Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of polygon modeling principles to prepare for the course's advanced techniques.
Browse courses on Polygon Modeling
Show steps
  • Practice basic shape creation and manipulation.
  • Experiment with different polygon reduction techniques.
  • Review edge loop and face flow concepts.
Read 'Mastering 3D Modeling' by William Vaughan
Gain a broader understanding of 3D modeling principles and workflows to complement the course's software-specific instruction.
View Digital Modeling on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on polygon modeling and sculpting.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Relate the book's content to the course's syllabus.
Daily Sculpting Exercises in ZBrush
Improve your sculpting skills in ZBrush through regular practice, focusing on form, detail, and brush control.
Show steps
  • Choose a daily sculpting prompt (e.g., a specific animal or object).
  • Sculpt for 30 minutes, focusing on the prompt.
  • Experiment with different brushes and techniques.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Your Workflow
Reinforce your learning by documenting your 3D modeling workflow for a specific project, including challenges and solutions.
Show steps
  • Choose a small 3D modeling project.
  • Document each step of your workflow, including software used and techniques applied.
  • Reflect on challenges encountered and solutions found.
Design a Sci-Fi Helmet
Apply the course's techniques to design and model a sci-fi helmet, integrating organic and hard surface elements.
Show steps
  • Sketch initial helmet designs, exploring different shapes and styles.
  • Model the helmet in 3D Studio Max or Blender, focusing on clean topology.
  • Add details and refine the design using ZBrush and Plasticity.
  • Texture and render the helmet to showcase your work.
Follow Advanced Retopology Tutorials
Master advanced retopology techniques to create clean and efficient meshes for animation and further detailing.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on advanced retopology workflows in 3DS Max or Blender.
  • Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the techniques on your own models.
  • Experiment with different retopology tools and settings.
Read 'ZBrush Digital Sculpting Human Anatomy' by Scott Spencer
Enhance your understanding of human anatomy for more realistic and compelling character sculpting in ZBrush.
Show steps
  • Study the book's anatomy diagrams and sculpting techniques.
  • Practice sculpting different anatomical features in ZBrush.
  • Apply the book's principles to your own character designs.

Career center

Learners who complete Arrimus Ultimate 3D Modeling Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
3D Modeler
A 3D modeler designs and creates three-dimensional models for various applications, including video games, film, animation, product design, and architecture. This course helps you become a 3D modeler by teaching you to work with polygon, sculpting, and CAD programs such as 3DS Max, Blender, Zbrush, and Plasticity. The course's emphasis on integrating different software to maximize design potential aligns perfectly with the diverse skill set a 3D modeler needs. By mastering both organic and hard surface modeling, you can create a wide range of assets, enhancing your versatility as a 3D modeler.
Hard Surface Modeler
Hard surface modelers specialize in creating realistic and detailed models of inanimate objects such as vehicles, weapons, and machinery. This course is highly relevant for aspiring hard surface modelers because it covers the use of CAD programs like Plasticity, which are essential for creating precise and clean CAD details. The course also teaches you how to integrate CAD with polygon modeling, allowing you to create complex and highly detailed hard surface models. The extensive training in 3DS Max and Blender further enhances your capabilities as a hard surface modeler.
Digital Sculptor
Digital sculptors create three-dimensional models using specialized software, often for artistic or entertainment purposes. This course provides hands-on experience with Zbrush, a leading digital sculpting tool. The course teaches you how to use Zbrush's dynamesh system, paint color schemes, and sculpt both organic and hard surface details. The curriculum's emphasis on integrating Zbrush with polygon modeling programs like 3DS Max and Blender will give you a well-rounded skill set, making you a more versatile and capable digital sculptor.
Character Artist
Character artists specialize in creating 3D characters for video games, movies, and other media. This course is particularly useful for aspiring character artists due to its focus on sculpting in Zbrush, retopologizing in 3DS Max and Blender, and integrating CAD details. You'll learn how to create both organic and mechanical elements, essential for designing compelling characters. The course's syllabus includes specific modules on sculpting faces, creating ornamental details, and designing mechanical parts, equipping you with the skills to excel as a character artist.
Game Asset Creator
A game asset creator develops the various 3D models used in video games, including characters, environments, and props. This course is tailored for this role by providing comprehensive training in polygon modeling, sculpting, and CAD integration. This course teaches you to leverage multiple programs like 3DS Max, Blender, and Zbrush to create high quality assets. The ability to model both organic and hard surface objects, as taught in this course, is critical for creating diverse and engaging game worlds, making you a valuable game asset creator.
3D Generalist
A 3D generalist is a versatile artist who can handle various aspects of the 3D production pipeline, including modeling, texturing, and rendering. This course builds a foundation in 3D modeling, covering a wide range of techniques and software. With instruction in polygon modeling, sculpting, and CAD integration, you'll learn to create both organic and hard surface models. The course's hands-on approach to 3DS Max, Blender, Zbrush, and Plasticity equips you with a versatile skill set, preparing you to tackle diverse tasks as a 3D generalist.
Concept Artist
Concept artists create visual representations of ideas for video games, movies, and other media. A key element of this is developing preliminary 3D models to explore designs. This course helps you in this field by teaching you how to quickly prototype designs in Zbrush, retopologize them in 3DS Max or Blender, and add CAD details for mechanical elements. The skill of creating both organic and hard surface models, combined with the ability to iterate rapidly, makes this course ideal for concept artists.
Product Designer
Product designers create the form and function of physical products. This course equips you with the skills to visualize and prototype your designs in 3D. The curriculum covers the use of CAD programs like Plasticity, which are crucial for creating precise and manufacturable designs. The course's focus on integrating CAD with polygon modeling allows you to create both organic and hard surface components, making it ideal for product design. By mastering the techniques taught in this course, you can effectively communicate your design ideas and create compelling product prototypes.
Robotics Designer
Robotics designers design and develop robots for various applications. This course is useful as it helps you learn how to model both the mechanical and aesthetic components of robots in 3D. The curriculum covers the use of CAD programs for precise mechanical designs and polygon modeling for organic shapes and aesthetic details. The course's focus on integrating CAD with other modeling tools will allow you to design complex and functional robot models. The course module on creating mechanized armor can also be helpful for robotics designers.
Architectural Visualizer
Architectural visualizers create photorealistic renderings and animations of architectural designs. This course helps you in this field by providing training in 3D modeling software like 3DS Max and Blender, essential tools for architectural visualization. Furthermore, the use of CAD programs in the course, like Plasticity, allow for the creation of accurate and detailed architectural models. The ability to integrate these tools, as taught in this course, will allow for a more complete and refined architectural design. For those who desire to depict architectural models, this course is a great way to start.
Visual Effects Artist
Visual effects artists create imagery for film, television, and other media using a variety of digital tools and techniques. As a visual effects artist, you may find this course helpful because it teaches 3D modeling using industry standard software such as 3DS Max, Blender, and Zbrush. The ability to create both organic and hard surface models is crucial for visual effects, and the course's syllabus covers a variety of modeling techniques, including sculpting, retopology, and CAD integration. This course may give visual effects artists a diverse toolset.
Motion Graphics Artist
Motion graphics artists create animated graphics and visual effects for various media. This course may be useful for a motion graphics artist because it provides a foundation in 3D modeling using programs like Blender, 3DS Max, and Zbrush. The course teaches how to model a wide variety of objects, from organic forms to mechanical designs, which can translate to creating compelling visual elements for motion graphics. Learning to integrate CAD details also can help create precision and complexity in motion graphics projects. The different types of modeling taught in this course may allow aspiring motion graphics artists to make more detailed designs.
Technical Artist
Technical artists bridge the gap between artists and programmers, developing tools and workflows to improve the art production pipeline. This course is valuable for technical artists because it provides a strong understanding of 3D modeling software and techniques. The course's focus on integrating different software packages, such as 3DS Max, Blender, Zbrush, Zbrush, and Plasticity, will help you to create more efficient workflows. A technical artist, with the help of this course, can create better integrations for their pipeline.
Simulation Specialist
Simulation specialists use computer simulations to model and predict real-world phenomena. While this career often requires advanced degrees in engineering or physics, a strong foundation in 3D modeling can be beneficial for creating accurate and visually compelling simulations. This course may be useful by teaching you how to create detailed 3D models of objects and environments. The integration of CAD and polygon modeling, as taught in this course, can enhance the precision and realism of simulations.
Texture Artist
Texture artists create the surface details and materials for 3D models. While this course focuses primarily on modeling, the modules on sculpting in Zbrush and designing with shapes and colors may be helpful for understanding surface properties and creating realistic textures. This course also covers organic sculpting tips that are paramount to creating realistic details. For texture artists who desire to create their own models, this course is a good way to learn.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Arrimus Ultimate 3D Modeling Course:

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Arrimus Ultimate 3D Modeling Course.
Provides a detailed guide to sculpting human anatomy in ZBrush. It is useful for understanding the underlying forms and structures of the human body, which is essential for creating realistic and believable characters. This book adds more depth to the organic sculpting aspects of the course. It is commonly used by digital artists and sculptors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D modeling techniques, covering polygon modeling, sculpting, and CAD integration. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles behind the software used in the course. While not a direct tutorial for the specific software, it offers a strong theoretical foundation. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.

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