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Glenn Wilcox

On this four-week practical course from the University of Michigan, you’ll not only learn how to use the Rhino software to create your 3D models, but you’ll also gain basic design skills to help bring your imagination to life. This course will guide you through 3D modeling within Rhino, so you’ll cover the fundamentals of the software as well as 3D modeling in general. You’ll first look at how to navigate the user interface and the different tools that you’ll be using to create models throughout this course. You’ll familiarize yourself with the 3D space and 3D objects before jumping straight in to create your own objects and building blocks.

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On this four-week practical course from the University of Michigan, you’ll not only learn how to use the Rhino software to create your 3D models, but you’ll also gain basic design skills to help bring your imagination to life. This course will guide you through 3D modeling within Rhino, so you’ll cover the fundamentals of the software as well as 3D modeling in general. You’ll first look at how to navigate the user interface and the different tools that you’ll be using to create models throughout this course. You’ll familiarize yourself with the 3D space and 3D objects before jumping straight in to create your own objects and building blocks.

Design is a vital part of 3D modeling. You can be a master of the software but if you aren’t aware of fundamental design concepts, you won’t be able to truly unleash your potential. You’ll build your basic design skills by looking at line, shape, form, and space, before creating and editing 2D line forms that you’ll transform into patterned mandalas and 3D tile wall designs.

This course will guide you through the concept of profile modeling and will allow you to utilize 3D surface and 3D solid modeling tools to create and edit more complex designs. To round out your foundational knowledge, you’ll dive into 3D rendering and creating 3D printable models. Then, once you’ve completed each step of the course, you can bring your newfound skills together into one final 3D modeling project.

This course has been designed for anyone interested in 3D design and learning how to use 3D modeling software. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience to benefit from this course. It will be particularly useful to Architects, Designers, Engineers, or anyone studying in these fields.

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What's inside

Syllabus

the building blocks
Following an introduction to the fundamentals of the interface, we will be exploring building blocks in 3D space, the Boolean Modeling and figured space.
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2D drawings
Week 2 focuses on compositional design and builds on tools used in week 1. This week primarily revolves around using 2D lines, curves and shapes to understand the concepts of 3D geometries.
object modeling
In this lesson students will learn to create 3D models of given and found household objects utilizing techniques and tools that explicate the concept of profile modeling, putting into practice learner's geometrical understanding of objects as assemblies, axis, symmetries, and sections.
surface modeling
This week we learn how to create and edit complex surfaces using various different commands like loft, patch surface, surfaces from 2 or more curves, etc.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines 3D design and explores Rhino software, essential skillsets for careers in Architecture, Design, and Engineering
Led by Glenn Wilcox, an expert in Rhino
Develops foundational 3D modeling skills, suitable for beginners
Provides hands-on experience with Rhino software and 3D modeling
Emphasizes design principles, which are crucial for effective 3D modeling
Requires access to Rhino software

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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 Introduction to 3D Modeling with these activities:
Attend a 3D Modeling Meetup
Attend a 3D modeling meetup to connect with other 3D modelers and share knowledge.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a 3D modeling meetup.
  • Attend the meetup and introduce yourself.
  • Talk to other 3D modelers and share knowledge.
Mysteries of the Universe
Read the book Cosmos by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Ann Druyan to gain a deeper understanding of the Universe.
Show steps
  • Find a copy of the book Cosmos.
  • Read the book and take notes.
  • Discuss the book with friends or family.
Form a Study Group
Form a study group with other students to share knowledge and help each other learn 3D modeling.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find other students who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Help each other with assignments.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a 3D Modeling Workshop
Attend a 3D modeling workshop to learn from experts and connect with other 3D modelers.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a 3D modeling workshop.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and learn from the experts.
Create a 3D Model of a House
Follow a tutorial to create a 3D model of a house to practice using Rhino and improve your 3D modeling skills.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on how to create a 3D model of a house in Rhino.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Experiment with different techniques.
Design a 3D Model of a Product
Design a 3D model of a product to practice your 3D modeling skills and learn about product design.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a product you want to design.
  • Sketch out your ideas.
  • Create a 3D model of your product in Rhino.
Create a 3D Printed Model
Create a 3D printed model of your product to showcase your skills and learn about 3D printing.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Design a 3D model of your product.
  • Export your model to a 3D printing file format.
  • Print your model on a 3D printer.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to 3D Modeling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Designer
An Architectural Designer is responsible for designing building plans through combining practical knowledge of construction with artistic vision. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Architectural Designer as it provides training in vital 3D modeling software and can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Interior designer
An Interior Designer is responsible for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces. This course may be helpful for an inspiring Interior Designer as it provides training in vital 3D modeling software and can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect is responsible for designing outdoor spaces like parks and gardens. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Landscape Architect as it provides training in vital 3D modeling software and can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Product Designer
A Product Designer is responsible for designing and developing products. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Product Designer as it provides training in vital 3D modeling software and can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Graphic designer
A Graphic Designer is responsible for creating visual concepts through typography and page layout. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Graphic Designer as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Web Designer
A Web Designer is responsible for designing and developing websites. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Web Designer as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Game Designer
A Game Designer is responsible for designing and developing video games. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Game Designer as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Fashion Designer
A Fashion Designer is responsible for designing and developing clothing and accessories. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Fashion Designer as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Engineer
An Engineer is responsible for designing and developing products, systems, or processes. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Engineer as it provides training in vital 3D modeling software and can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Architect
An Architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of buildings. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Architect as it provides training in vital 3D modeling software and can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Artist
An Artist is responsible for creating works of art using a variety of media. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Artist as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Teacher
A Teacher is responsible for educating students. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Teacher as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Writer
A Writer is responsible for creating written works. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Writer as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space, which are sometimes important for layout and formatting.
Animator
An Animator is responsible for creating animated works. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Animator as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.
Photographer
A Photographer is responsible for taking photographs. This course may be helpful for an aspiring Photographer as it can help build a foundation in elements of design like line, shape, form, and space.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Introduction to 3D Modeling.
Classic guide to the art of animation. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of animation to advanced techniques such as character design and storyboarding.
Is the official guide to Rhino 3D. It covers everything from the basics of the software to advanced techniques such as scripting and rendering.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of character design. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of character design to advanced techniques such as anatomy and costuming.
Provides a comprehensive overview of ZBrush, a popular digital sculpting software. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of sculpting to advanced techniques such as anatomy and character design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of 3D computer animation and effects. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of animation to advanced techniques such as motion capture and fluid simulation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Maya, a popular 3D modeling software. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of Maya to advanced techniques such as character animation and rigging.
Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of 3D printing to advanced techniques such as multi-material printing and 3D scanning.

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