How To Rapidly Make 2D And 3D Game Art from Udemy

I am a professional indie game developer who has released successful games that are both 2d (Endoparasitic) and 3d (Wrought Flesh). In this course you will learn the techniques I use to quickly make high-quality 2d and 3d art for my games. This includes rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, stencil painted textures, and 2d vfx that makes simple art pop and look great.

In the 2D section I cover making a player character that uses IK for the upper body and rotoscoped animations for their lower body, a monster made of silhouetted blobs, simple sprite styles for making interesting environments, and vfx to make it all look good.

In the 3D section I cover making a humanoid monster character, with specific focus on my texturing style. While I only cover making a character, the same techniques can be easily applied for texturing environmental assets.

This is a fast-paced course that rapidly summarizes my techniques, the videos are not intended to be followed step-by-step, but rather watched to learn the general steps and mindset I take when creating art.

This course is aimed at game developers experienced with 3d modelling software such as Blender, game development tools like Godot, and 2d art software such as Krita. If you are not confident in your abilities with these or similar tools, this course is not for you.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to make detailed textures for 3d models with a low-poly retro style
How to quickly make nice-looking minimalist 2d art for horror games

How to easily make rotoscoped animations for your games
How to make simple vfx for your 2d games

How to make detailed textures for 3d models with a low-poly retro style
How to quickly make nice-looking minimalist 2d art for horror games
How to easily make rotoscoped animations for your games
How to make simple vfx for your 2d games

Syllabus

2D art

Using Blobs to Make and Animate A Top-Down Monster

Links:

https://www.mixamo.com

https://codeshack.io/images-sprite-sheet-generator/

Download 'ik anim start proj' and open it in Godot to follow along

Download 'vfx start proj' and open in godot to follow along.

reference images:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lerva1.jpeg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Three_Soldiers_MET_sf16-32-219s1.jpg

https://www.si.edu/object/turks-and-arabs:saam_1967.14.58

Download 'source images' and unzip to follow along

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers techniques for creating rotoscoped and IK-based animations, stencil-painted textures, and 2D VFX, which are all valuable skills in modern game development pipelines

Focuses on rapidly summarizing techniques rather than step-by-step instructions, which may require learners to have a solid foundation in the tools and methods discussed

Teaches how to make detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style, which is a popular aesthetic choice for indie games and can improve game performance

Uses Godot for the 2D section, which is a modern, open-source game engine that is gaining popularity among indie developers due to its ease of use and flexibility

Employs Mixamo for character animation, which is a convenient tool for quickly rigging and animating 3D characters, especially useful for solo developers or small teams

Reviews summary

Rapid 2d/3d game art techniques

According to learners, this course provides a collection of unique and practical techniques for rapidly creating 2D and 3D game art, particularly suited for indie game development workflows. Many found the methods for rotoscoping, stencil texturing, and simple VFX to be particularly valuable and efficient. However, students emphasize that the course is fast-paced and not presented step-by-step, requiring learners to pause and figure things out independently. This structure means it is only for experienced users already comfortable with tools like Blender, Godot, and Krita; beginners are likely to struggle significantly. While highly praised for its efficient approach by those with the necessary background, the steep prerequisite and teaching style are frequent points of caution.

Requires familiarity with Godot, Blender, and Krita.

"You need to be comfortable with Godot and Blender to follow along."

"Assumes you already know the basics of Krita and similar art software."

"While the techniques are general, the demos require these specific tools."

Provides practical workflow tips for indie games.

"Great insights into a professional indie development workflow."

"The tips provided are highly practical and immediately applicable to my own projects."

"It felt like learning real-world tricks from an experienced indie dev."

Offers novel and efficient art creation methods.

"Loved the rotoscoping and stencil texturing techniques, very practical for indie devs."

"I learned some really clever tricks for quickly making art that looks good."

"The method for creating the blob monster was simple yet surprisingly effective."

Moves quickly and is not step-by-step.

"It's very fast-paced, not really a step-by-step tutorial but more of a demonstration."

"I had to constantly pause, rewind, and figure things out on my own."

"If you're looking for detailed, hand-holding tutorials, this isn't it; it moves very rapidly."

Best suited for users already proficient in tools.

"Definitely not for beginners, you need to be comfortable with Godot, Blender, Krita."

"The course description is accurate; you need significant prior experience with the tools."

"I wasn't experienced enough and struggled to keep up with the pace and assumed knowledge."

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 How To Rapidly Make 2D And 3D Game Art with these activities:

Review Blender Fundamentals

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Reviewing Blender fundamentals will ensure a solid base for the 3D modeling and texturing techniques taught in the course.

Browse courses on Blender

Show steps

Revisit the Blender interface and navigation.
Practice basic modeling operations like extrusion and scaling.
Experiment with modifiers like subdivision surface and bevel.

Practice Rotoscoping Basics

Show steps

Practicing rotoscoping will help you quickly create animations for your games.

Browse courses on Rotoscoping

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Find a short video clip with clear movements.
Import the video into Krita or a similar 2D art software.
Trace over key frames to create a basic animation sequence.

Follow Godot IK Tutorials

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Following tutorials on IK in Godot will help you better understand the IK-based animation techniques covered in the course.

Show steps

Search for Godot IK tutorials on YouTube or other platforms.
Follow along with a tutorial that covers basic IK setup.
Experiment with different IK configurations and constraints.

Four other activities

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Experiment with Stencil Painting

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Experimenting with stencil painting techniques will help you create detailed textures for your 3D models.

Show steps

Create a simple 3D model in Blender.
Experiment with different stencil brushes and textures.
Practice creating different effects with stencil painting.

Mastering 3D Modeling with Blender

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Reading this book will help you master 3D modeling with Blender.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters on modeling and texturing.
Follow along with the examples in the book.
Experiment with different techniques and styles.

Create a Simple 2D Horror Game Mockup

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Starting a small project will allow you to apply the techniques learned in the course and solidify your understanding.

Show steps

Design a simple concept for a 2D horror game.
Create a few basic sprites and animations using the techniques from the course.
Implement basic gameplay mechanics in Godot.

Document Your Art Creation Process

Show steps

Documenting your art creation process will help you reflect on your learning and identify areas for improvement.

Show steps

Record your screen while creating art using the techniques from the course.
Add commentary explaining your thought process and techniques.
Share your video on a platform like YouTube or Vimeo.

Career center

Learners who complete How To Rapidly Make 2D And 3D Game Art will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Artist

A game artist creates the visual elements of video games. This includes character design, environment design, and creating textures. This course helps game developers experienced with art tools like Blender, Krita and Godot learn techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures to rapidly make high-quality 2D and 3D art for games. As a game artist, you may find the sections on 2D and 3D art particularly useful. Additionally, the course covers making detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style and how to make simple visual effects for 2D Games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

Texture Artist

A texture artist creates the surface details of 3D models, bringing them to life with color, patterns, and materials. As a texture artist, you'll be responsible for creating visually appealing and realistic textures for characters, environments, and props in games or films. This course on rapidly creating 2D and 3D game art would be very beneficial, especially the section dedicated to the instructor's texturing style for 3D models. The focus on making detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style is directly applicable to the work of a texture artist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Texture Artist

Indie Game Developer

An indie game developer works independently or in a small team to create and publish video games. This course is taught by a professional indie game developer who has released successful games in both 2D and 3D. In this course you will learn the techniques the instructor uses to quickly make high-quality 2D and 3D art for games. As an indie game developer, you may find the sections on 2D and 3D art particularly useful. Additionally, the course covers how to make detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style. This course will allow an indie game developer to improve their art for games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer

3D Modeler

A 3D modeler creates three-dimensional representations of objects and characters using specialized software. This course helps 3D modelers learn how to quickly create high-quality 3D art for games. The 3D section covers making a humanoid monster character, with specific focus on the instructor's texturing style. This course will also help a 3D modeler learn how to make detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style. This course will allow a 3D modeler to rapidly create 3D game art.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Technical Artist

A technical artist bridges the gap between art and programming, developing tools and workflows to improve the art creation pipeline. This course may be useful for technical artists who want to improve their understanding of the art creation process, particularly in 2D and 3D game development. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. A technical artist may also find the sections on 2D and 3D art particularly useful. This course may help a technical artist improve their art for games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Animator

An animator brings characters and objects to life through movement. Whether working on films, television shows, or video games, animators use their skills to create captivating and believable motion. This course may be useful for animators who want to improve their understanding of the art creation process, particularly in 2D and 3D game development. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. This course may help an animator improve their animation skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Visual Effects Artist

A visual effects artist creates special effects and animations for video games and other media. This course helps visual effects artists learn how to create simple visual effects for 2D games. The 2D section covers making a player character that uses IK for the upper body and rotoscoped animations for their lower body. A visual effects artist may also find the section covering how to make detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style particularly useful. This course may help a visual effects artist to rapidly create 2D and 3D game art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Art Director

An art director oversees the visual style and aesthetics of a creative project, such as a video game or film. They guide the art team, ensuring that the visual elements align with the overall vision and design. This course may be useful for art directors who want to improve their understanding of the art creation process, particularly in 2D and 3D game development. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. The art director may also find it useful to understand how to make detailed textures for 3d models with a low-poly retro style. This course may help an art director in their art for games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Game Designer

A game designer is responsible for the overall design and vision of a video game. While this role is primarily focused on gameplay mechanics and storytelling, a basic understanding of art creation can be beneficial. This course may be useful for game designers who want to gain a better understanding of the art creation process, particularly in 2D and 3D game development. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. This course may help a game designer to understand the art for games better.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for various media, including books, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for illustrators who want to expand their skills into the realm of game art, particularly in 2D. The course covers techniques for making nice-looking minimalist 2D art and simple sprite styles for interesting environments. The illustrative artist may also find it useful to learn how to make simple visual effects for 2D games, and using blobs to make and animate a top-down monster. This course may help an illustrator expand their skill in art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Level Designer

A level designer creates the environments and layouts for video game levels. This course may be useful for level designers who want to improve their understanding of the art creation process, particularly in 2D and 3D game development. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. Additionally, the course covers making detailed textures for 3D models with a low-poly retro style, which is particularly useful for creating environments. This course may help a level designer to create art for games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Motion Graphics Designer

A motion graphics designer creates animated visuals for various media, including commercials, websites, and video games. They combine animation, visual effects, and sound to create engaging and dynamic content. This course may be useful for motion graphics designers who want to integrate 2D and 3D elements into their work. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. This course may help a motion graphics designer learn art skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

User Interface Artist

A user interface artist designs the visual elements of user interfaces for software and video games. Although this role is primarily focused on visual design, a basic understanding of 2D and 3D art can be beneficial. This course may be useful for user interface artists who want to improve their understanding of the art creation process. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations and stencil painted textures. This course may help a user interface artist gain some art knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Artist

Creative Director

A creative director is responsible for the overall creative vision and execution of a project, campaign, or brand. While this role is primarily focused on strategy and leadership, a basic understanding of art creation can be beneficial. This course may be useful for creative directors who want to gain a better understanding of the art creation process, particularly in 2D and 3D game development. The course covers techniques such as rotoscoped animations, IK based animations, and stencil painted textures. This course may help a creative director improve their art for games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

How To Rapidly Make 2D And 3D Game Art

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Rapid 2d/3d game art techniques

Activities

Career center

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