3D for 2D Artists A [CGMA, Sergio Castaneda – 2021, Group-Buy]

Take Your Art to the Next Dimension

In this course, students will learn how to seamlessly integrate easy 3D techniques into their 2D concept artwork using Blender. The course will highlight the power of 3D and explore various techniques to transform 2D skills into dynamic 3D scenes. Students will render multiple scenes while incorporating 3D methods into their concept art workflows.

Initially, the course will focus on essential 3D tools to quickly generate impressive base images, which can then be polished in painting software like Photoshop. As the course progresses, students will tackle more complex organic scenes, ultimately creating a complete environment based on their own 2D drawings or sketches, with multiple shots to convey a narrative.

Additionally, the course will emphasize the importance of understanding 2D composition and color in professional 3D workflows. While Blender will be used for the 3D techniques, the skills and workflows taught can be adapted for other 3D software packages.

Weekly Breakdown​

Week 1: Transform

• Introduction to 3D and its benefits
• Blender interface and navigation
• Add-ons and transformations
• Duplicating objects, basic lighting setup, cameras, and collections

Week 2: Deform

• Selection techniques and managing multiple meshes
• Deleting and dissolving meshes, merging objects
• Smooth and flat shading, normals, and mesh editing tools
• Proportional editing

Week 3: Draw

• Creating 2D thumbnails and using curves
• Curve editing tools and geometry
• Drawing with curves, modifiers, and using the Grease Pencil
• Introduction to sculpt mode and basic materials
• Building tools and Archimesh

Week 4: Materials

• Understanding PBR (Physically Based Rendering)
• Assessing and applying PBR materials, texture maps, and decals
• Using the Principled BSDF shader, nodes, and HDRI
• Working with downloaded materials and models

Week 5: Characters

• Storytelling through character design
• Using placeholder characters and visualization characters
• Introduction to MB-Lab, DAZ, and FUSE
• Basics of digital sculpting

Week 6: Scatter

• Composition techniques and reading images
• Instancing and scattering objects
• Working with particles, weight, and texture painting
• Constraints and optimizing scenes

Week 7: Physics

• Render settings and 3D kitbashing
• Physics simulation and working with volumes and VDB
• Introduction to render passes

Week 8: Other Software

• Understanding render passes and rendering from multiple cameras
• Using shadow catchers and projection modeling
• Overview of other software applications in concept art, such as GAEA and DAZ
• Students will have 2 weeks to work on final assignments

Week 9: Final Q&A and Homework Submission

• Finishing and polishing final assignments

Join us to elevate your artistic skills and explore the exciting intersection of 3D and 2D art!

You can find more details by following this link.