Becoming a 3D artist has never been more accessible than it is today. There are numerous tools available as well as schools offering specific programs that can prepare you for the job of an artist. It has not been always this easy, though. In the following paragraphs, you will get to know a bit about the history of the learning possibilities, and we will also recommend several tools anyone can use to start creating 3D graphics.
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In the early days of game art, there were not many resources to choose from. It was mostly about one’s enthusiasm to constantly try new things out or come up with a unique solution to a specific technical problem. Over time, books and written tutorials started to appear. The quality of them varied quite a bit and very often, they did not offer the artistic side of things.
When the internet became a thing, many forums and closed communities were founded in which people exchanged their experience. And that is when the little revolution for graphic artists happened – with the internet.
Probably the biggest leap when it comes to educational materials for 3D graphic artists was YouTube, which brought an infinite number of various tutorials and how-tos. There are a lot of great artists who share the process of designing weapons, environment, or for instance characters in their videos. Moreover, for almost any problem a 3D artist may encounter while modeling or texturing, there is a tutorial explaining how to solve it or how to find a workaround.
YouTube is not the only place you can learn from. Even though there are full-time courses for beginners, the possibilities on the internet are basically endless. Courses are offered by various cheaper services and Fanatic Games can recommend websites such as Udemy or Gumroad, which is led by graphic designers themselves. A wide variety is offered on servers like CG Master Academy, where you can choose for example an intensive, multi-week course with the top names in the field.
If you are not into courses, you can study by yourself with video tutorials. Generally speaking, they can be more focused on a given topic, or very narrowly focused on a specific problem. The former category tends to be paid, but they are nowhere as expensive as courses. Very good paid tutorials are offered at The Gnomon Workshop or Flipped Normals. The latter then consists of free tutorials with YouTube being the primary source for these, as there are thousands of them completely free of charge.
If you are not into courses, you can study by yourself with video tutorials. Generally speaking, they can be more focused on a given topic, or very narrowly focused on a specific problem. The former category tends to be paid, but they are nowhere as expensive as courses. Very good paid tutorials are offered at The Gnomon Workshop or Flipped Normals. The latter then consists of free tutorials with YouTube being the primary source for these, as there are thousands of them completely free of charge.
Nowadays, there are many high schools who have started having 3D graphic classes in which they teach the complete basics of it that can spark an interest in the field. Colleges are there as well; graphic design can be studied for example at University of Edinburgh or at University of Southern California. As Fanatic Games comes from the Czech Republic, we have to mention Charles University as well.
A lot of capable video game art designers are streaming their work on Twitch. Others have a Patreon, where, for a small donation, they share their knowledge that cannot be found anywhere else. Worth mentioning is also Discord – a modern forum with various big communities – in which there are software manufactures, educational servers, or even specific graphic designers.
Our advice for enthusiastic beginners is to focus on one specific category (environment, weapons, characters) and become as good as possible at it. Once you master one, it is easier to get good at others as well because you already know the basics. Also, being a specialist in your own category is very appreciated among graphic studios.
We are Fanatic Games, game art experts from the Czech Republic. We have 3D artists in every category of game graphics. We can guarantee meeting your deadlines, lightning-fast communication and the best results in the field. Hire professionals, hire Fanatic Games. Contact us here.