How to Learn 3D Modeling – Beginner-Friendly Ways

Are you looking to get into 3D modeling? Maybe you want to design your own indie game or learn how to make three-dimensional images for your business. Whatever the reasons, learning 3D modeling can be a fun and rewarding experience.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to get started with 3D modeling, including how to find the right resources and courses that fit your needs. 

We’ll also provide an overview of some of the best learning platforms. By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a 3D modeling pro and creating your first 3D models.

Let’s get started with the basics.

What Is the Best Way to Learn 3D Modeling?

The first two steps are to figure out the type of 3D modeling you want to learn and find the most suitable software for that.

I recommend checking out a few free courses and learning the basics. There are plenty of YouTube courses, tutorials, and Reddit threads to start learning. (I’ll list a few of my favorites below)

Self-learning is great to see if the 3D modeling world is for you. You probably don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars to find out that 3D modeling isn’t what you imagined it to be.

So while you can definitely become a self-taught 3D pro, most people get to a point where they learned enough on their own and decide to either stop or look for a more structured course, preferably online.

If you figured out you want to take things further and don’t mind spending a bit of money, taking advanced online courses is probably the quickest and most efficient way to learn 3D modeling. Most comprehensive online courses have everything you need to get started or dive deeper. 

Prices for online 3D modeling courses vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 for monthly subscriptions, to $40–$200 per course. Maybe you’re already at the stage where you want a full course — if that’s the case, check the next section for a few recommendations.

Attending a live class or school might be your best option if you prefer a more hands-on approach. This is probably the most expensive way to learn 3D modeling, but it’s also the most immersive.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask your tutors or fellow students questions and they’ll respond quickly, which is super helpful when starting out. 

Prices for live 3D modeling classes and schools vary a lot, and range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the institution, location, and course duration.

The First Steps to Learn 3D Modeling

The best way to self-learn 3D modeling is by diving in and trying it out for yourself. For example, if you want to model using Blender, one of my favorites is the Blender Guru YouTube channel for any beginner 3D modeling enthusiast. His donut tutorial is what got me started in 3D modeling. 

A few other great channels are CG Geek, 3DGreenhorn, and Poly Flo. They all offer beginner friendly 15-30 minute tutorials. Mind you, going through the 20-minute video will probably take you hours as everything is new to you. 

After you get the hang of the basic concepts, you can start experimenting and playing around with different techniques to see what works best for you. Polyfjord is another amazing channel that will show you what’s possible — and how to do it. And, if you want to stay on top of the newest Blender developments, I’d take a look at DECODED.

The most important thing is not to get too discouraged if things aren’t perfect at first or if they are going a bit slow. With a bit of practice and focus, you’ll be making impressive 3D projects.

Best 3D Modeling Online Courses

Below you will find our selection of the best 3 platforms for learning 3D modeling. The best course for you depends on the software you choose. We also provided suggestions for learning the most popular 3D modeling software like Blender, Maya, and Autodesk.

LinkedIn Learning (Formerly Lynda)

Yes, it seems like these days everybody recommends Lynda, i.e. LinkedIn learning, but for a good reason. The platform will help you learn many 3D modeling techniques. This includes getting started with some basic principles and terminology as well as advanced modeling techniques for different software like Blender, SketchUp, and Maya.

They have a course available no matter what skill level you’re at — beginner to expert — so make sure to check it out. LinkedIn Learning offers a 1-month free trial and prices start at $19.99/month.

Autodesk Design Academy

Modeling is the foundation of 3D design, and with Autodesk’s program, you can learn how to model in AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion 360. There are plenty of courses to choose from, and some of the introductory courses are free. 

I really like that they took the time to organize these courses based on individual levels and goals. There’s even a certification program available.

Autodesk is a great resource for more technical applications, like architecture, and engineering, but also the entertainment industry.

Udemy

Udemy is an excellent resource for 3D modeling courses for beginners. I especially liked Blender for beginners, because it’s comprehensive and explained in great detail. If you’re looking to model in some other software, you’ll surely find it here.

Prices for the courses vary, but there are often discounts and sales available. Udemy also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can always get your money back if you’re not satisfied.

3D Modeling Basics in 4 Steps

If you’re just starting out, you should know that the process of 3D modeling can be broken down into 4 main stages. Check out these stages below and the order in which they appear when you work in 3D modeling software.

Ideation

The first step in any 3D modeling project is to come up with an idea. This can be anything from a simple concept sketch to a detailed plan. 

Lack of planning is one of the main reasons why projects fail, so it’s essential to take the time to think about what you want to make before you get started.

Once you have an idea, you can start to flesh it out and determine what kind of 3D model you need to make. For example, if you’re making a house model, you’ll need to decide how many rooms it will have, what the layout will be, and what kind of furniture and fixtures to include.

Modeling

Once you have an idea of what you want to create, it’s time to start modeling. This is the process of creating the 3D model itself. You can use numerous 3D modeling programs for modeling, but the basics are the same regardless of which one you choose.

You’ll start by making a basic shape and then adding details like windows, doors, and furniture. Modeling can be time-consuming, so it’s important to be patient and take your time.

Texturing & Lighting

Once your model is complete, it’s time to add lighting. Depending on the type of scene you’re creating, you may need to use multiple light sources to get the desired effect. There are four lighting techniques:

• Area light: A point light with a Gizmo that allows you to control its shape, making it more like how light behaves in the real world.
• Spotlight: A cone-shaped Gizmo that emits light in a specific direction.
• Point light: Emits light evenly in all directions from a single point.
• Directional light: Emits light in a specific direction from an infinite distance away. This is how the sun behaves in the real world.

For example, if you’re rendering a room, you’ll need to add light sources for the windows and doorways, or the room will appear dark.

Rendering

Once your model is complete and lit, it’s time to start rendering it. This is the process of creating a final image or animation from your 3D model.

There are two main types of rendering: rasterization and ray tracing.

Rasterization is the more common type and is used to create images from 3D models.

Ray tracing creates realistic reflections and refractions, typically used for more complex scenes.

Depending on the software you’re using, the render process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

What Kind of Hardware Do You Need for 3D Modeling?

If you are just starting out, you don’t necessarily need super high specs on your computer to start 3D modeling. Most modern computers with a dedicated GPU can run the required software and will be powerful enough for basic models. We’re emphasizing basic models here. 

For more advanced design, look for a 3D Modeling laptop with the recommended or better hardware requirements listed below. 

Most Popular 3D Modeling Software for Beginners

The software you choose is important if you’re just getting started in 3D modeling. Not all are created equal, and some programs are more user-friendly than others.

Here are some of the top 3D modeling software for beginners:

Blender

Blender is a free and open-source modeling software. It’s an excellent choice because it’s very user-friendly and has a large online community where you can find support and tutorials. Blender also has a lot of downloadable advanced tools, so you can grow with it as your skills level up.

Source: Blender Official Youtube Channel

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program that’s easy to learn and use. It’s great because it has a simple interface and straightforward tools. SketchUp is also free for personal use, so you can try it out without spending any money.

Autodesk Maya

Maya is a professional-grade modeling software. It’s paid software, but there’s a free trial, so you can try it out first. It is a great choice for any beginner because it’s easy to use and has a lot of online tutorials and support. Professionals prefer Maya because of its advanced tools.

Keep in mind that any new software has a learning curve, and 3D modeling is no different. However, the rewards are definitely worth the effort, and in the end, you will be glad that you took the time to focus and learn these powerful tools.

Free vs Commercial 3D Software?

I recommend starting with free software such as Blender, or SketchUp. Or if you want something even simpler, try Tinkercad or Vectari.

Go for a paid 3D program if you already know the specific software you need. Also, don’t forget that most software is available for a 7 or 30-day trial period.

3D Modeling Software for Mac

A lot of 3D programs have a macOS version as well. For example, AutoCAD, Blender, SketchUp, Fusion 360, and Maya all have versions that are compatible with macOS. It’d be easier to list which software doesn’t have a Mac version. A few examples of these are Autodesk 3ds Max and Revit

Source: Blender Official Youtube Channel

3D Modeling Software for Windows

Windows users have more options. In fact, we are not aware of any popular 3D software that would not be available on Windows. 

3D Careers: Choose a Specific Field

3D careers are booming and there are many ways to use 3D skills. The most popular choices include:

Video Game Development — to create 3D characters, environments, and objects that appear in video games e.g indie games,

Architecture — to manufacture three-dimensional models of their designs and see how they will look in the real world,

Engineering — for scientific research or when 3D printing prototypes of products that will be manufactured,

Manufacturing — 3D printing prototypes or creating the molds and dyes for mass production,

Movie Production — for the characters, environments, and special effects that we all love so much,

Fashion — to create 3D models of their clothing,

Healthcare — to plan surgeries, visualize complex medical conditions, and for 3D printing of prosthetics and implants,

Scientific Research — for scientific research or to create prototypes of products that will be manufactured.

So is 3D Modeling a Good Career?

Yes, 3D modeling is a promising career because it is very versatile and in demand. There are many different applications for 3D modeling, and it is a growing field with plenty of opportunities for those with the skills, knowledge, and experience.

In the future, 3D modeling will likely expand to different aspects of our lives. For example, to create virtual reality simulations to be used in the Metaverse. The possibilities and applications really are endless.

Final Thoughts on Learning 3D Modeling

3D modeling programs are becoming increasingly popular, with many people opening up to their creative and professional possibilities. 

If you are thinking about learning how to use 3D modeling software, you have already made the first step towards an exciting and potentially life-changing career.

So, what are you waiting for? Decide on the 3D modeling software today and start learning.