SketchUp: how to model a 3D mockup to showcase your artwork from Coursera

In this 1-hour long project-based course, you will learn how to

- use SketchUp for Web to create simple 3D models

- explore 3D modeling

- create a simple mockup scene for your artworks

By the end of this project, you will learn how to use Sketch Up to create a mockup scene in 3d model for your art works or illustrations.

In graphic design and visual arts, mockup is defined as a rough draft of a finished product or visually rendered representation of a finished product. In this guided project we are going to create a mockup scene to simulate the showcasing of print and artworks.

SketchUp for Web is a free version of SketchUp that runs in a web browser. It shows a simple interface where anyone can simply draw and create 3D models. This makes 3D modeling accessible and easy to use to anyone interested in exploring this field.

This guided project is for graphic designers, illustrators, or artists who want to create visual representations of their prints, illustrations or paintings through 3D modeling. However, anyone interested in exploring 3D modeling is welcome to this course.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces essential concepts in 3D modeling, making it accessible to beginners

Teaches SketchUp for Web, a free and user-friendly software for 3D modeling

Focuses on creating mockups for showcasing print and artworks in 3D format

Provides hands-on practice through a project-based approach

Suitable for individuals without prior experience in 3D modeling

Demonstrates practical applications of 3D modeling for graphic designers, illustrators, and artists

Reviews summary

Sketchup for artists: quick 3d mockups

According to students, this course is an excellent introduction to SketchUp for Web, particularly for artists, illustrators, and graphic designers seeking to create 3D mockups for their artwork. Learners highlight its step-by-step guidance and hands-on activities, making it accessible for beginners. Many found it concise and practical, enabling them to achieve a specific goal quickly. While largely positive, a few learners noted that the pacing felt rushed in some sections and that it may be too basic for those with prior 3D experience. Overall, it's highly recommended for its clear focus and utility.

A short, project-based course that delivers practical skills without unnecessary fluff.

"Excellent and concise course. It got straight to the point and showed me exactly how to use SketchUp for Web..."

"A very useful project. It teaches you how to quickly create a basic 3D mockup for your art."

"It’s perfect for busy artists who need practical skills quickly."

Directly enables artists and designers to create visual representations for their prints and illustrations.

"This course was exactly what I needed! As an artist, I wanted a quick way to mock up my prints, and this delivered."

"It teaches you how to quickly create a basic 3D mockup for your art."

"I learned exactly how to use SketchUp for Web to create professional-looking mockups for my artwork. Perfect for busy artists who need practical skills quickly."

Offers clear, step-by-step guidance, making it accessible for those new to 3D modeling.

"The instructor's guidance was super clear and the step-by-step approach made it easy to follow even for a complete beginner in 3D modeling."

"Fantastic course for anyone looking to add 3D mockups to their portfolio. The hands-on project was perfect. I was able to follow along and create my first mockup scene seamlessly."

"Creating 3D mockups seemed daunting, but this course made it incredibly simple and accessible using SketchUp for Web. Highly recommend for any visual artist."

Occasional video resolution issues, though it didn't significantly impact learning.

"One minor point: sometimes the resolution of the video was not super crisp, but it didn't hinder learning significantly. Still, a solid four stars."

Some found the pace inconsistent, and the content might be too basic for experienced 3D users.

"The course was okay. As someone with some prior 3D experience, I found it a bit too slow at times, and then rushed at others."

"Found some parts confusing. The instructor moved a bit too fast in some sections and I had to rewatch."

"For more advanced users, it might feel too superficial, but it serves its purpose as a gentle start for beginners."

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 SketchUp: how to model a 3D mockup to showcase your artwork with these activities:

Explore the basics of 3D modeling

Show steps

Review the basic concepts of 3D modeling to prepare for the course content

Show steps

Read an article or watch a tutorial on the basics of 3D modeling
Take a free online course on the basics of 3D modeling
Install SketchUp for Web

Create simple 3D shapes in SketchUp for Web

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience with SketchUp for Web to enhance your understanding of the tool

Show steps

Create a new model in SketchUp for Web
Use the tools to draw and manipulate basic 3D shapes
Practice adjusting the camera and orbit controls

Join a study group or online community for 3D modeling

Show steps

Connect with other learners and share knowledge and support

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

Show steps

Search for online communities or study groups focused on 3D modeling
Join the community and participate in discussions and projects
Share your work and ask for feedback from others

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Follow tutorials to create specific 3D models

Show steps

Enhance your skills by following guided tutorials to create specific 3D models

Show steps

Search for SketchUp for Web tutorials on a specific model you want to create
Follow the steps in the tutorial to build the model
Experiment with different techniques and settings

Create a 3D model of your own design

Show steps

Apply your knowledge by creating a unique 3D model to demonstrate your skills

Browse courses on 3D Modeling

Show steps

Brainstorm ideas for your own 3D model
Sketch out your design
Create your model in SketchUp for Web
Render and save your model

Develop a mock-up scene for your artwork

Show steps

Utilize your skills to create a professional mock-up scene to showcase your artwork

Browse courses on Visual Representation

Show steps

Plan and design your mock-up scene
Import your artwork into SketchUp for Web
Create a realistic environment and lighting
Render and export your mock-up

Create a portfolio of your 3D models

Show steps

Showcase your work and demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients

Browse courses on Portfolio

Show steps

Select your best 3D models for your portfolio
Create a website or online platform to display your portfolio
Share your portfolio with others for feedback and recognition

Career center

Learners who complete SketchUp: how to model a 3D mockup to showcase your artwork will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architectural Designer

Architectural Designers collaborate with architects to design buildings and other structures. This course can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary for this role, as you will learn how to use SketchUp to create simple 3D models of buildings and other structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Designer

Interior designer

Interior Designers plan and design the interior spaces of buildings. This course can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary for this role, as you will learn how to use SketchUp to create simple 3D models of interior spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Product Designer

Product Designers design and develop new products. This course can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary for this role, as you will learn how to use SketchUp to create simple 3D models of products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Game Designer

Game Designers design and develop video games. This course can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary for this role, as you will learn how to use SketchUp to create simple 3D models of game environments and characters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course may be useful for those interested in Graphic Design, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Illustrator

Illustrators create original artwork to communicate ideas and stories. This course may be useful for those interested in Illustration, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your illustrations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Photographer

Photographers take pictures to capture moments, tell stories, and create visual art. This course may be useful for those interested in Photography, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Video Editor

Video Editors assemble raw footage into a cohesive and polished video production. This course may be useful for those interested in Video Editing, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your videos.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. This course may be useful for those interested in Web Design, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your website designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers research, design, and evaluate user interfaces to make sure they are easy to use and enjoyable. This course may be useful for those interested in User Experience Design, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your user interface designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Researcher

Researchers conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. This course may be useful for those interested in Research, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your research findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Teacher

Teachers plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and educational materials to aid students in acquiring knowledge, skills, and values. This course may be useful for those interested in Teaching, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your lesson plans and educational materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Writer

Writers develop and write content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, fiction, and marketing. This course may be useful for those interested in Writing, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your writing projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Engineer

Engineers design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and other systems. This course may be useful for those interested in Engineering, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your engineering designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineer

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects to ensure their successful completion. This course may be useful for those interested in Project Management, as it can help you develop the 3D modeling skills necessary to create mockups of your project plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager