clazroominstructor,kareen Details
Getting Started: Introduction to 3D Dioramas
An overview of the course, introducing students to the tools, techniques, and creative approach behind stylized low-poly dioramas. This topic sets the foundation for a beginner-friendly journey into 3D art.
Low-Poly Modeling in Maya
Learn to create clean, efficient low-poly models that form the core of a diorama. Emphasis is placed on stylized shapes, proportions, and charm, making modeling approachable and fun.
UV Mapping & Texture Prep
Discover how to prepare 3D models for texturing through UV mapping and proper mesh organization, ensuring polished, professional-looking surfaces for hand-painted textures.
Hand-Painted Texturing in Substance Painter
Explore hand-painted texturing techniques to add color, shading, and personality to 3D models. This topic focuses on creativity and visual cohesion to bring a diorama to life.
Lighting & Presentation with Sketchfab
Learn how to set up lighting, materials, and scene presentation using Sketchfab. Achieve visually appealing results in an easy-to-use platform, making sharing and showcasing your work straightforward.
Final Project: Assemble & Showcase Your Scene
Combine all the skills you've learned to complete a polished, stylized 3D diorama. This final topic reinforces key techniques and provides inspiration for continuing creative exploration.
- Section 01
Your 3D Adventure Begins: Course Introduction
01. Instructor & Course Introduction- Instructor introduction - Course introduction and course goals - Software introduction
02. Understanding Low-Poly Modeling- What defines low-poly art - The importance of hand-painted textures in stylized low-poly modeling - Key differences between PBR and hand-painted workflows
- Section 02
3D Modeling in Maya: From Beginner to Creator
03. Maya Interface & Navigation- Understanding the Maya workspace and key tools - Navigating, manipulating objects, and using hotkeys - Setting up a scene for low-poly modeling with correct scale and units
04. Creating Basic Shapes for Dioramas- Blocking out the main shapes of the diorama - Using primitives efficiently to maintain a low-poly look - Understanding proportion, silhouette, and scene balance
05. Refining the Diorama Composition- Adding secondary details while maintaining an optimized polygon count - Using reference images effectively - Structuring assets for modular reuse
06. Completing the Model by Adding Details & Optimization- Finalizing the model by adding finishing touches - Ensuring proper edge flow and topology for texturing - Checking for overlapping geometry and unnecessary faces - Cleaning up the scene and grouping objects for easier UV mapping
- Section 03
From Mesh to Masterpiece: UV Mapping & Texture Prep
07. Introduction to UV Mapping- Understanding UVs and their importance in texturing - Common UV issues and how to avoid stretching
08. Efficient UV Unwrapping Techniques- Minimizing seams and distortion for better texture painting - Organizing UV islands for optimal texture space
09. Final Adjustment: Exporting for Texturing- Preparing the UV-mapped model for Substance Painter - Setting up texture maps with correct export settings
- Section 04
Stylized Textures Unleashed: Hand-Painting in Substance Painter
10. Introduction to Substance Painter- Overview of interface, brushes, and tools for hand-painting - Importing the model and setting up materials - Introduction to guide baking
11. Applying Base Colors & Materials- Choosing a color palette suitable for stylized mobile game art - Blocking in base colors to define materials and contrast
12. Using Masking & Smart Masks to Speed Up Hand-Painting- Introduction to masking and smart masks - Using masks to create stylized shading efficiently - Adjusting mask parameters for artistic control - Blending hand-painted details with automated effects - Refining texture depth and material definition with soft and hard brush strokes - Adding final stylized shading and highlights to bring out the form and enhance the hand-painted style
13. Refining Textures for a Polished Look- Adjusting colors and contrast for better readability - Using opacity and blending modes for hand-painted effects
14. Exporting & Optimizing Textures- Exporting textures in the correct resolution - Considering file formats (PNG vs. TGA)
- Section 05
Rendering Like a Pro: Presenting Your Artwork in Sketchfab
15. Introduction to Sketchfab- Creating and setting up a Sketchfab account - Understanding Sketchfab as a beginner-friendly rendering tool - Exploring how Sketchfab simplifies real-time rendering for learners
16. Setting Up Lighting & Using Post-Processing Effects- Adjusting lighting to enhance presentation - Exploring post-processing effects such as bloom, SSAO, and sharpness - Understanding how post-processing effects improve final model presentation
17. High-Resolution Screenshots with Sketchfab Labs- Using Sketchfab Labs Experiments for high-resolution screenshots - Exporting high-quality images for portfolios - Reviewing final presentation and making last refinements
- Section 06
Bonus Project: Second Stylized Diorama Demonstration
18. Stylized Diorama Demonstration (Full Workflow)- Demonstrating the full diorama workflow, from blockout to final textures - Setting up lighting and presentation for showcase
- Section 07
Your 3D Art Journey: Final Project & Next Steps
19. Portfolio Tips & Next Steps- Creating a portfolio-ready diorama - Summarizing key takeaways - Encouraging students to continue learning and improving
This course will use Autodesk Maya and Substance 3D Painter (version 11.0.3).
Please purchase and install these program(s) for an optimized chapter experience.
*These programs and/or materials will not be provided with the chapter.
