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You’re probably thinking about getting into the world of 3D modeling. Perhaps you’ve seen a few 3D designs and liked them a lot, so you thought to try them yourself.
But what is 3D modeling and how difficult is it to learn?
3D modeling can be both fantastic and frightening. Most of us gasp at 3D creations and digital art, but the applications of 3D design don’t just end there.
If you want to discover what 3D modeling is exactly, this article is for you. We’ll cover the basics and explain where it’s used, give you general software and laptop recommendations to get you started and look at the future of 3D designs.
However, say you want to dive right in and start learning 3D modeling — if that’s the case, we have a separate piece on how to learn 3D modeling.
Still here? Then let’s explore the 3D modeling world.
Table of Contents
Intro to 3D: How Does 3D Modeling Work?
A 3D modeler or a 3D artist uses various modeling tools to create a three-dimensional representation of real-world objects or fantasy design.
To make a 3D model, the modeler uses a mesh with weighted control points. These control points are called vertices. By manipulating them — i.e. moving and shaping them in different directions while trying to recreate a design — the modeler creates a 3D object.
Photo Credit: InspirationTuts
The initial mesh or object can be a simple geometrical shape — sphere, box, or cube — or a complex grid of polygonal shapes. Beginners might find it easier to start with simpler shapes and work their way up from there.
You can also create models with the help of a 3D scanner or manually.
Once you’ve created a 3D model, it’s easy to export it to other programs — animation, movies, games, architecture, and engineering tools. It’s also possible to create a 2D representation of a 3D model. This is used in photorealism and some photographers actually get into 3D techniques in order to enrich their art.
What is 3D Modeling Used For?
3D modeling applications extend well over computer graphics and video game development. In fact, 3D design is one of the most versatile professions.
Let’s look at some of the uses for 3D modeling:
Video game development
3D modeling is best known for its use in video games. 3D artists create characters, props, environments, various cool weapons and vehicles, and so on. Basically, the entire world you see in a video game is a 3D creation.
Besides artistic talent, 3D artists also need to know the technical side of the software they’re using in order to get the best 3D models. And, of course, a great laptop for game development and design.
Architecture
Architecture design is another field where 3D modeling is making huge waves. Architects use 3D software and tools to create visual representations of the final building look and feel, objects, models, and blueprints.
Photo Credit: Blue Pixel 3D
These models show the attributes of construction to a potential client, which was very hard to do up until recently. It’s much easier to correct the mistakes or adjust the parameters this way.
Engineering
Similar to architecture, engineers use 3D modeling and computer-aided design to better understand the features and limitations of a model. A 3D model is a much better representation than a 2D version or a blueprint.
Coupled with 3D printing, engineers can immediately see and test the results of their work.
Manufacturing
The modeling process allows the brands to build, test, and tweak their products before starting mass production. It’s great for building prototypes of complex models and addressing the issues which wouldn’t have been apparent from sketches.
Not only that, but 3D modeling saves a lot of resources — both time and money — because the brands avoid costly mistakes.
Movie Production
Whether it’s Harry Potter chasing the Golden Snitch, or hyperloop in Star Wars, 3D modeling and CGI have raised the quality of visual effects significantly.
3D modeling and 3D scanning have also been used to cut costs, speed up movie production, and bring fantasy to life in a hyper-realistic way. If you work in this field, a good 4K gaming laptop is great for editing workflow.
Healthcare
The medical industry may seem like an odd pairing to 3D designs, but it probably benefits the most from 3D modeling. Medical schools use 3D models as teaching tools for both students and medical professionals.
More importantly, surgeons plan procedures and create pre-surgical anatomical models so the patient can understand their condition better. This, in turn, improves patient-doctor relations.
Scientific Research
Whether you’re a biology student or a researcher combing through 3D data, you’ll surely benefit from 3D models. Visual representations and models make data come alive — not only that, but various 3D simulations test out hypotheses and help researchers draw better conclusions.
Sales & Marketing
The combo of 3D models and AR/VR equipment is particularly useful in the retail industry. Thanks to 3D models, you can, for example, use an IKEA app to see what a piece of furniture might look like in your room. You can also change the pattern, color, and size almost instantly.
Marketers use 3D models to launch campaigns and promote a product long before it’s finished. If a product changes, it’s easy to adjust illustrations across different marketing channels.
Industrial Design
3D modeling software allows the designers to create, present, analyze, and adjust the models before moving forward with the production process. You can use 3D models for basically everything — from pens to trucks. Many designers use 3D modeling software to check the industrial parameters and adjust the products after initial testing.
Benefits of 3D Modeling
3D modeling techniques can be tailored to a variety of purposes. Some of the major benefits include:
- Accurate visual representation of models, projects, and data
- Cost-effective production
- Better use of resources
- Quicker project approval
- Saves time, money, and effort
- Remarkable uses in marketing, science, industry, and art
In the post-Covid-19 era, professionals turn to 3D modeling to future-proof their marketing efforts. For example, retail and real estate industries use 3D modeling and AR/VR equipment for virtual home tours, presentations, and consultations. It’s feasible that these will become mainstream in the near future.
Besides industrial uses, there’s also the artistic side to the 3D modeling process. Visual effects artists use digital sculpting to create gorgeous art and save on resources. Whether it’s a hobby or a full-time profession, digital artists get a much bigger canvas to play with — or use it in commercial advertising and industrial design.
One of the biggest uses of 3D modeling is in architecture and engineering. With 3D representations of models, the engineers can test the constructions beforehand and spend fewer resources. In some cases, a good 3D model will save lives because major construction accidents can be corrected before they happen.
There are also other interesting uses. For example, archaeologists have started creating 3D models of ancient settlements, cultures, and environments for better research and easier visualization.
Is 3D Modeling Difficult to Learn?
You can learn the basics of 3D modeling relatively easily, but it will take 6 months to a year. Fully mastering 3D modeling however is another story and may take years of studying and practicing.
There is definitely a learning curve to it, and it will depend on the software you choose and whether you’re learning on your own or signing up for 3D modeling courses. Some software is more complex and requires more learning to unlock all the things it can do.
Ultimately, the path you take will depend on what you want out of 3D modeling. If you view it as a hobby, you can do it at a slow pace and enjoy it every step of the way.
However, if you want to make a career out of 3D design, you may want to dip your toes first, and then, once you know the basics, move to more advanced platforms and courses. This way, you will have a structured syllabus and likely avoid months, if not years, of figuring things out on your own.
You could also hire a 3D modeling freelancer to get help with your project and pick brains on advanced techniques.
What Are the Best 3D Modeling Software
There is no one best 3D modeling program — the choice depends on what you need it for. That is why we dedicated a whole article to this topic.
Here are some of the popular free and paid platforms for both Windows and Mac:
- Blender (free)
- Maya (paid)
- SketchUp (freemium)
- 3DS Studio Max (free for students and educators)
- AutoCAD (paid)
- Fusion 360 (free for non-commercial users)
- Revit (free with Autodesk Education plan)
Blender is a free online 3D modeling software that is very popular among beginners. It works both on Windows and MacOS. You can use it to create animations, art, 3D models, applications, VR, and even video games.
(Also, find out what laptops we recommend for Blender.)
Some of the freemium options include SketchUp and Fusion 360. Though if you really want to unlock their features, you should go for Pro, i.e. paid versions of these.
(Also check out our list of Sketchup laptops and top laptops for Fusion 360.)
Maya and AutoCAD are industry leaders in industrial design, architecture, and engineering fields. They do however come with hefty prices — for example, AutoCAD is around $200 per month if you opt for monthly subscriptions. Is it worth it? Definitely. Should you get it right away? Probably not.
(See our laptop recommendation for AutoCAD)
Make sure to cover the basics first and once you’re ready to move up, pick one of the paid versions.
Top Laptop Picks for 3D Modeling
In order to fully utilize 3D modeling software, you need a powerful laptop with a strong CPU, GPU, and RAM. If you do artistic design, you’d probably want a good screen with high color accuracy.
Some of our top picks for 3D modeling include:
For a full review of these laptops, check out Best Laptops for 3D Modeling.
The Future of 3D Modeling
3D modeling software and equipment are sure to develop further in the following decade, and rapidly.
We’re already seeing massive applications of 3D techniques in medicine, science, industry, video games and movies, and architecture and engineering. With virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) on the rise, these uses can only expand further.
Some brands have already picked up on the trend, and use 3D in their retail and marketing campaigns. Not to mention virtual stores and tours, for which 3D modeling was instrumental.
In short, you’ve picked a great time to get started on 3D modeling as there are many courses out there, and 3D professionals are in demand. Now you just need a good machine – maybe even one of the most powerful gaming laptops – to run the software.
