Academy Year 1

Discover how to

create the games

that you love playing

TRANSFORM YOUR GAME IDEAS INTO REALITY

APPLY NOW

Experience required

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Duration

12 months

Dedication

14 hours / week

Format

Online with 1 on 1 mentorship

Price

7,380$

Program overview

Are you passionate about venturing into the dynamic world of 3D artistry? Look no further than Academy Year 1, our immersive 12-month program meticulously designed to equip you with the expertise and capabilities required to thrive as a certified freelance 3D artist.

Throughout this transformative program, you'll delve deep into the realm of 3D modeling, animation, sculpting, texturing, and much more, honing your craft through practical exercises, real-world examples, and impactful final projects. Guided by industry experts, you'll master the very software and tools employed by seasoned professionals, ensuring that you stay at the forefront of industry trends and technologies.

By enrolling in Academy Year 1, you'll not only gain hands-on experience with indispensable software but also cultivate the confidence that comes from knowing you're acquiring skills that are not just relevant but also cutting-edge. Upon graduation, the door to a remote freelance career in diverse sectors, including game development, film production, product design, 3D printing, and fashion, will swing open. Many of our accomplished alumni have achieved remarkable success on renowned freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.

For those seeking a truly comprehensive education, we strongly recommend completing both Academy Year 1 and Academy Year 2. This dual-pronged approach enriches your skill set and elevates the quality of your portfolio, opening doors to more substantial projects and unparalleled success. Explore our program's structure and take the first step toward realizing your dream of becoming a highly sought-after freelance 3D artist today. Your journey begins here.

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community driven

Where you'll have the opportunity to interact with all the students enrolled in any academic course

Unlimited access

to classes 24/7, indefinitely.

homework

Assignments with references

bonus classes

For further advancement

1on1
Mentorship

on Discord at any time Mon-Friday

Academy Year 1
Structure and Format

Module 1

The Foundation

In the inaugural month, we lay the foundation of your 3D adventure. It begins with an exploration of basic modeling, sculpting, and rendering techniques in industry-standard software like Maya and Zbrush. These skills will form the cornerstone of your journey. As you delve into the intricate world of 3D, you'll discover that every polygon, every brushstroke, and every rendering is a brushstroke on the canvas of imagination.

FRAMEWORKS

Introduction to Maya
Basic Modeling Techniques
Shading and Rendering
Introduction to Zbrush
Basic Sculpting Techniques
Rendering

Module 2

Elevating Your Craft

By the second month, you'll be well on your way to mastery. Dive deeper into modeling, sculpting, and the critical aspects of good topology and retopology. As you become proficient in UV mapping, you'll understand the importance of structure in 3D art. It's not just about creating models; it's about crafting digital sculptures that breathe life into virtual worlds.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya: Deformers
Proper Topology
Retopology
UV Mapping
Zbrush: Zspheres
Hard Surface Techniques
Zremesher

Module 3

Advancing into the Artistry

In the third month, your artistic prowess will flourish. Advanced UV mapping and modeling techniques will become your allies. Dive into the intricacies of the human body blockout, and take your first steps into the enchanting world of Substance Painter. It's here that you realize that 3D art is more than just technical skills; it's an art form where pixels come to life.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya: Advanced UVs and UDIMs
Advanced Modeling Techniques
Zbrush: Human Body Blockout
Substance Painter: Introduction
Basic Texturing Techniques
Baking

Module 4

The Power of Conceptualization

With the fourth month comes a journey into the realm of prop conceptualization. Discover the art of Photoshop, learning its tools and drawing techniques. Simultaneously, start collecting references for your inaugural portfolio project. It's the moment where imagination meets the digital canvas, and your ideas take shape as concepts.

FRAMEWORKS

Photoshop - Introduction

Basic Drawing Techniques
Tool Mastery
Prop Conceptualization

Full Model Pipeline

Maya -> Zbrush -> Substance Painter

Portfolio Project 01

Crafting Your Prop from Concept to Final Render

Module 5

Crafting Your Portfolio

Month five brings you to a pivotal moment: your first portfolio project. Using your gathered references and ideas, you'll conceptualize and design your own prop. Through meticulous modeling, detailing, and texturing, you'll bring your creation to life, ready to showcase in your portfolio. Here, your digital artistry transcends mere images; it becomes tangible, ready to captivate and inspire.

FRAMEWORKS

Portfolio Project 01

Collecting References
Consultations with Your Mentors
Portfolio Project Preparation
Streamlined Workflow
Revision Process
Rendering Techniques
Promoting Your Portfolio Project

Module 6

Expanding Your Horizon

As you reflect on the journey so far, the sixth month introduces you to character modeling and rigging in Maya, along with the nuances of human anatomy and posing in Zbrush. These skills open doors to a world of possibilities in 3D artistry.

Our commitment to your success goes beyond these six months. With M3DS Academy, you aren't just acquiring skills; you're joining a vibrant and passionate community of artists and professionals. As you navigate this program, you'll gain access to continuous mentorship, personalized guidance, and a platform to showcase your creations.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya

Character Modeling
Zunwrap
Introduction to Rigging

Zbrush

Human Anatomy
Posing

Module 7

Sculpting Life

Your journey through the intricacies of anatomy continues as you delve into the fascinating world of faces, skulls, and the art of facial expressions. Embrace the fundamental rigging techniques that breathe life into your 3D creations. In Maya, master the art of cloth creation and the magic of Ncloth simulations. Simultaneously, embark on a captivating journey into stylized texturing in Substance Painter, where every brushstroke adds character and depth to your creations.

FRAMEWORKS

Maya

Basic Rigging Techniques
Ncloth Simulations

Zbrush

Sculpting a Skull
Advance Sculpting (Face)

Substance Painter

Stylized Texturing

Module 8

Crafting Environments

This month is all about honing your artistic skills. Discover the art of effective reference gathering and the impact it has on your creative process. Explore the world of isometric modeling in Maya, a unique perspective that adds depth to your creations. Halfway through the month, you'll embark on your second portfolio project, where you'll breathe life into your own character from concept to final render.

FRAMEWORKS

Pureref

Proper Reference Gathering

Maya

Isometric Modeling
Working in 3/4
Cameras
Shading & Materlials
Rendering

Module 9

The Creation Unveiled

In this ninth month of the Academy Year 1, you'll dive into Portfolio Project 02, where you'll create your own character from concept to a stunning final render. You'll receive personalized mentorship to discover your unique creative style, whether you prefer stylized or realistic art. Our expert instructors will guide you in crafting a compelling portfolio, and you'll have the opportunity to showcase your work internationally. This month marks a significant step in your artistic journey, with our unwavering support.

FRAMEWORKS

Portfolio Project 02

Creating Your Own Character From Sphere to Final Render
Personalized Mentorship and Guidance
Discovering Your Unique Creative Style
Expert Direction for Stylized or Realistic Art
Crafting a Compelling Portfolio
Showcasing Your Portfolio Project
Internationaly Promoting Your Work

Module 10

Enter the Unreal World

Prepare to take your 3D artistry to the next level as you venture into the captivating realm of Unreal Engine. This dynamic platform introduces you to its vast potential through an introduction to its interface, blueprints, sequencers, and level design. Unveil the magic of creating and packaging your own game, where your artistry becomes interactive and immersive.

FRAMEWORKS

Unreal Engine

Dive into the basics of Unreal Engine
Acquainting yourself with navigation
Blueprints
Sequencers
Level Design
Character Blueprints and Abilities

Module 11

Crafting Your Game

As you advance towards the culmination of Academy Year 1, an exciting chapter begins - the Development Program. This phase marks your initiation into the realm of game design, utilizing the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5. Your journey through this stage is a gradual unfolding of knowledge and hands-on experience, carefully structured to equip you with the tools and skills needed to create your very first video game. Each step along this path provides you with invaluable insights, from the fundamentals of Unreal Engine to the intricacies of game development, ensuring that you emerge from this phase as a proficient game designer ready to bring your creative visions to life.

FRAMEWORKS

Unreal Engine 5

Master the fundamentals of Blueprints
Visual scripting method native
Connecting the Character Blueprint
Animation Blueprints
Level Sequences

Module 12

The First Ultimate Challenge

Your artistic journey reaches its zenith as you embark on Portfolio Project 03: Crafting a Mini Game. This endeavor serves as the ultimate test, allowing you to apply all your acquired skills to create your own game. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of game development using Unreal Engine.

As a final demonstration of your prowess, you'll design your own game within Unreal Engine, integrating your artistic creations seamlessly. This is your opportunity to showcase your newfound skills, and it's just the beginning of your creative journey.

FRAMEWORKS

Portfolio Project 03

Conceptualization and Design
3D Art Creation
Game Development
Storytelling and Narrative
Playtesting and Iteration
Presentation and Documentation
Promoting your Portfolio Project

ACADEMY YEAR 1
STUDENTS PORTFOLIO

Many artists in the 3D learning journey often struggle with where to start and which software to focus on, which can lead to losing their passion for this creative industry. This can result in taking courses that do not cater to their individual needs, leading to confusion and a lack of direction. At M3DS Academy, we understand the importance of structured programs in achieving success. Our structure programs provide a solid foundation that leads to success stories.
As evidence of our success, we are proud to be ranked among the Top 50 Creative Media and Entertainment Schools and Colleges worldwide in 2022 based on our students' portfolios. Join us, and let us guide you on your journey to success in 3D learning.

A1 Prce

Discover
the Perfect Financing Solutions for You

Financial constraints should never hinder your access to our academy. Select a payment plan that aligns with your needs.

Enjoy the flexibility of spreading your payments over a maximum of 12 monthly installments without any additional fees.

615$

PRICE FOR 12 INSTALLMENTS

Available
terms

Begin your journey to further upskilling
and secure your spot today!

August 2024

Enrollment for

Payments

Up to 12 installments

7,380$

Price

Apply Now

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What educational format does M3DS Academy provide?

At M3DS Academy, we exclusively offer a self-paced learning format. This means that students have the flexibility to access our comprehensive courses and resources at their own convenience, anytime and anywhere. You can learn and progress through our programs without the constraints of fixed schedules, allowing you to tailor your education to your individual needs. Our self-paced format empowers you to take control of your learning journey in the exciting world of digital creativity. What Are the Primary Advantages of Self-Paced Learning with One-on-One Mentorship? With our self-paced learning approach complemented by one-on-one mentorship, you can ensure you never miss a class. In traditional settings, students who miss classes often experience a performance gap due to the industry-standard nature of our program. We believe that consistent and flexible learning is the key to a comprehensive educational experience.
What software does M3DS Academy teach?

We offer cutting-edge education in industry-standard software, ensuring that our students are equipped with the latest skills and tools required to thrive in the digital arts and 3D industries. Our comprehensive curriculum covers a range of software, including Autodesk Maya, Zbrush, Unreal Engine 5, and Substance Painter. This extensive training allows our students to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends, giving them a competitive edge as they embark on their careers in the world of 3D and Games.
Is there an option to join the Academic program independently?

Yes, there is an option to join the Academy program independently. Each year of the academy has specific requirements and is tailored to different levels of experience: Academy Year 1: Ideal for individuals with no prior experience or 1-2 years of experience in the industry. This year serves as a strong foundation for building essential skills. Academy Year 2: Open to students who have successfully completed Academy Year 1, regardless of their prior experience in the creative industry. This year focuses on honing industry-standard skills, ensuring students develop a world-class portfolio. Academy Year 3: Designed for students who have graduated from Academy Year 2 or have a minimum of 2 years of industry experience. Year 3 is centered around creating short 3D animation films (cinematics), and an interview with the M3DS Academy team is required for admission. Academy Year 4: Available for graduates of Academy Year 3 or individuals with advanced knowledge in Unreal Engine. Year 4 delves into advanced game development using Unreal Engine. These options allow individuals to tailor their education to their specific needs and experience levels within the creative industry.
Will I receive a certificate or diploma after completing the academy?

Upon successfully completing our academic programs, you will be awarded: Three internationally recognized certificates from Autodesk USA. Four diplomas from M3DS Academy, signifying your industry-standard knowledge and eligibility to work in the field. Epic Games credentials for Unreal Engine proficiency. Eligibility to apply for becoming an Authorized Training Instructor for Epic Games. These credentials and certifications not only acknowledge your expertise but also open up exciting opportunities in the creative industry.
How much one-on-one mentorship time will I receive?

You will receive one-on-one mentorship throughout the entire working week, from Monday to Friday, utilizing both screen sharing and text formats. Additionally, every step of your tasks and portfolio will be reviewed by our instructors on a regular basis to provide you with timely feedback and guidance, ensuring your continuous growth and progress.
What are the qualification requirements?

To be eligible for our program, you will need a PC or MAC with at least an i5 processor, 8 to 16 GB RAM, and 4GB VRAM on your graphics card. Additionally, a graphics tablet is required to achieve the artistic value of professional lines and textures on your portfolio. It is important to note that all classes are conducted in English. Basic computer skills are required, as well as a passion and motivation to learn. We will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the program.
What are the payment options?

At M3DS Academy, we prioritize flexibility and affordability for our students. You have the following payment options: Monthly Installments: You can choose to pay for our academic programs in convenient monthly installments, spread over up to 48 months. This option makes it easier for you to manage your finances while investing in your education. One-time Payment Discount: Alternatively, if you prefer to pay for the academic programs in a single payment, we offer a 10% discount. This discount rewards your commitment and simplifies your payment process. Rest assured, we do not charge any interest or hide any additional costs. Our aim is to provide transparent and accessible education options.
Will I really get a job offer after finishing the 4 year Academic program?

Yes, at M3DS Academy, we are committed to your success. Upon completion of the 4-year Academic program, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a part-time job related to your specialized area of expertise, allowing you to work on projects you're passionate about. If you demonstrate exceptional dedication and effort, there's even the possibility of transitioning to a full-time position within our team. The work you create during your academic journey will serve as a valuable addition to your portfolio, further enhancing your career prospects in the industry. We're here to support your journey to becoming a successful 3D artist or game developer.
What are the next steps when I sign up?

Once you've successfully enrolled in Academic Programs, our streamlined process ensures you're well-prepared for your educational journey: Confirmation Email: Shortly after enrollment, you'll receive a confirmation email from M3DS Academy. Information Gathering: Our dedicated team will then reach out to you to collect essential details, including your Discord ID and email address. Private Discord Channel: A personalized private Discord channel will be established exclusively for you. This channel serves as a direct line of communication with our team and instructors. Assigned Instructors: You'll be assigned a team of seven skilled instructors who will be readily available to support and guide you throughout your learning experience. Interview with CEO: As part of our commitment to your success, you'll have the opportunity to engage in an interview with the CEO of M3DS Academy. During this discussion, you can share your aspirations and goals, and together, we'll craft a tailored strategy to help you achieve your dreams. We ensure that your onboarding experience is smooth and personalized to set you on the path to becoming a successful 3D artist or game developer. Schedule a call