Best 3D Modeling Courses & Classes To Learn

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3D Modeling has become an essential skill for designers to excel in their field. To get the best learning experience, check out the below-listed classes by Udemy, edX, CG Spectrum, and a few other free courses.

3D modeling has gained immense popularity in the past decade because of its versatile applications across industries, such as product design, architecture, gaming, and film.

 

On average, a 3D modeler earns $71,132 in the United States as of August 27, 2024. However, the average salary ranges between  $62,230 and $83,455.

 

With the availability and accessibility of 3D modeling courses online, you get a convenient way to master and learn the techniques while staying current with the latest knowledge.

 

Their structured and comprehensive learning, hands-on projects, and industry-relevant skills offer a solid foundation and accentuate employability.

 

As an architect, I acknowledge the value of such online 3D modeling classes. So, I will present the seven best alternatives that helped me in many ways and maybe likewise for you.

 

Can 3D Modeling Be Self-Taught?

Yes, 3D modeling can be self-taught. The best way to learn 3D modeling is to combine resources. These include tutorials, 3D modeling books, courses, etc.

 

They offer step-by-step support and guidance for learning 3D modeling independently. Experimentation, practice, and dedication are the keys to getting proficient at it.

 

Which Is My Favorite Course and Why?

While I was looking for 3D modeling classes near me, I stumbled upon many options, but in my opinion, the Complete Blender Creator: Learn 3D Modeling for Beginners (Udemy) is the best alternative.

 

Beyond its high rating and bestseller status on Udemy, it provides continual updates to keep pace with market changes. Further, it is a project-based program and teaches everything you need to know to make a mark in the professional world.

 

In addition, its comprehensive content, experienced instructions, and the option to connect with a free community site make it stand out among other online courses.

 

Let’s check out the highlights of this course and others on the list. But before that, we will do a quick tabular comparison of all these courses.

 

Top 3D Modeling Courses

Here’s a comparative table of top 3D modeling courses, highlighting key details like the instructor, rating, duration, scope, and cons:

Course Title	Author	Rating	Duration	Level	Scope	Cons	Get Access
Complete Blender Creator: Learn 3D Modeling for Beginners	GameDev.tv Team, Rick Davidson, Grant Abbitt	4.7 based on 64,445 ratings	13h 6m	Beginner	Covers Blender 3D modeling fundamentals and AAA-quality asset creation	Repetitive ideas	Sign Up Here
Blender 3D: Your First 3D Character	SouthernShotty3D	4.5 based on 30,332 ratings	1h 4m	Beginner	Character modeling and texturing with Blender, applicable to animation, motion design, and games	Instructor’s speed too fast, technical glitches in videos	Sign Up Here
3D Modeling in Blender 2.8 for Unity Video Game Developers	Billy McDaniel	4.6 based on 261 ratings	7h 44m	Beginner to Advanced	3D modeling for Unity-based games, hands-on experience, certification upon completion	Repetitive approaches, lacks complex models	Sign Up Here
Introduction to 3D Modeling (CG Spectrum)	Bryan Bentley, Anton Tenitsky, David Cunningham	N/A	3 months	Beginner	Learn to create props, characters, and environments using Maya	Expensive, high weekly commitment	Sign Up Here
3D Modeling With Maya: How to Model 3D Weapons From Scratch!	Animation Hacks	4.1 based on 110 ratings	2h 19m	Beginner to Advanced	Weapon creation for games, visual effects, and animation	Short duration, requires specific software	Sign Up Here
4D Masterclass: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners	Ozgur Gorgun	4.5 based on 13,671 ratings	7h 45m	Beginner	Full 3D workflow with Cinema 4D covering modeling, lighting, texturing, and animating	Limited to Cinema 4D, restricted to motion design and animation	Sign Up Here

Detailed Description of the Best 3D Modeling Courses

 

1.  Complete Blender Creator: Learn 3D Modeling for Beginners (Udemy)

Cost: $34.99

Level: Beginner

Duration: 13h 6m

Rating: 4.7 based on 64,445 ratings

Instructor – GameDev.tv Team, Rick Davidson, and Grant Abbitt

• GameDev.tv was launched to enable students to design, develop, and sell Indie games. They have some of the top-rated and bestselling game development courses on Udemy.
• Rick Davidson has taught over a million students. He has compiled over 20 of the most popular online courses on Udemy. He is also the founding partner of the GameDev-TV team that helps aspiring gaming developers grow and create.
• Grant Abbitt is a 3D artist who learned Blender in the late 90s and has been using it for small motion graphics work for his self-owned film company. He has been teaching students from around the world for about 15 years.

 

Pros

Cons

It is one of the best 3D modeling courses online, which has been recently updated for 2.8, and you will keep receiving continuous updates to keep up with the ongoing market changes. It helps you create AAA-quality models. The tutor of this course, Ben, is one of Udemy’s top instructors. I loved how he started with the basics. So, beginners will also find it beneficial. All the complex topics are broken down into simpler and smaller sections to simplify the whole thing for you. It is a project-based course. So, it implies that you will apply the new skills immediately to real 3D models.

This 3D modeling training could’ve been better without the repetitive ideas.

 

Industry Application

This course is relevant for careers in game development, 3D animation, and CGI, equipping professionals with essential modeling skills to create high-quality digital assets.

 

Bottom Line

It is the right course if you are only a beginner, as it will teach you all the modeling fundamentals you’ll need.

On the other hand, if you are an artist, it is an excellent course as it will help you teach how to bring assets to life. Lastly, the class will help you comprehend modeling and design principles if you are a coder.

 

Sign Up Here

 

2. Blender 3D: Your First 3D Character (Skillshare)

 

Cost: Paid, subscription-based

Level: Beginner

Duration: 1h 4m

Rating: 4.5 based on 30,332 ratings

Instructor –  SouthernShotty3D, a renowned animator, art director, and illustrator who loves all things 3D and 2D. He works as an animator in Silicon Valley at a prominent social media giant.

 

Pros

Cons

Honestly, I didn’t have much hope for this one. But as they say, surprise is the key element of life. Here, you will work on a project to create a rotating video of your character with Blender 3D, which can be incredibly beneficial in the long run. Your tutor will guide you through designing, modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering a character for 3D. These online 3D modeling classes also cover skills traditionally used in animation, motion design, video game design, and some VFX. You do not need any prior knowledge for this course.

The instructor’s speed is a little too fast. Some videos have technical glitches and do not play. In some instances, the instructor uses incorrect terminology.

 

Industry Application 

This course is useful for careers in animation, motion design, and video game development, providing foundational skills in character modeling and design with Blender.

 

Bottom Line

Overall, irrespective of certain downsides, it is an excellent class to help you design, model, and texture your 3D character.

 

Sign Up Here

 

3. 3D Modeling in Blender 2.8 for Unity Video Game Developers (Udemy)

 

Cost: $15.99

Level: Beginner to Advanced

Duration: 7h 44m

Rating: 4.6 based on 261 ratings

Instructor – Billy McDaniel started his creative journey as a musician about four decades ago. However, through the decades, he picked up various skills. Currently, he has about two decades of experience as an accomplished graphics artist, programmer, website developer, published author, animator, 3D modeler, video game developer, journalist, and photographer.

Pros	Cons
Another course to learn 3D modeling online is this one that will help the students gradually learn about the essential tools used for everyday modeling. You will have hands-on experience across the class. The course will help you make your first game and publish it through adequate experience and practice. After completing the course, you will bag yourself a certificate of completion.	Some approaches are ineffective and repetitive. Hence, the instructor must take measures to simplify and modify them. The inclusion of more complex models would be better.

 

Industry Application

This course is ideal for careers in game development and 3D modeling, helping professionals create and publish 3D models for Unity-based video games.

 

Bottom Line

It is a bestseller, actually one of the highest-rated courses, with a rating of 4.9, which justifies how well-received this class is. However, some simplifications and additions of complex models would add value to this course.

Sign Up Here

 

4. Introduction to 3D Modeling (CG Spectrum)

 

Cost: Available with Registration

Level: Beginner

Duration: 3 months

Rating: N/A

Instructors: Bryan Bentley, Anton Tenitsky, and David Cunningham. All three of them are proficient in this field and have a long-standing experience behind them.

 

Pros

Cons

You will study with industry pros who have worked at studios like Disney, ILM, and Weta. So, when you learn 3D modeling online via this class, you will become an expert at creating life-like props, characters, plus background environments for chart-topping movies and games. It’s a fun, creative career path. You will learn to create your 3D assets, including characters, props, and environments! You get full hands-on experience using Maya (industry-standard software used by top studios). The class will take you through the theoretical aspect of the course but also help you dive into the practical aspects of it. You always have the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere.

It is expensive. 20 hours weekly commitment can be too much for working professionals.

 

Industry Application

This course is valuable for careers in film, gaming, and animation, teaching industry-standard 3D modeling techniques for creating characters, props, and environments.

 

Bottom Line

These classes by CG Spectrum comprise two terms. In Term 1, you will get an Intro to 3D Modeling Foundations. As part of Term 2 of the program, you will learn more about character & environment modeling. Hence, the versatility of the course is worthwhile.

 

Sign Up Here

 

5. 3D Modeling With Maya: How to Model 3D Weapons From Scratch! (Udemy)

 

Cost: $12.99

Level: Beginner to Advanced

Duration: 2h 19m

Rating: 4.1 based on 110 ratings

Creator – Animation Hacks. It is a visual effects institute that offers an array of top-quality training solutions that teach with studio-quality narrated videos backed with practical and hands-on examples and working files.

 

Pros	Cons
This course is presented to you by Animation Hacks, a visual effects studio with a proficient team. It is highly rated with a rating of 4.5. It has a lot to learn for those interested in creating hard surface weapons for game development Lifetime access to the course materials It’s one of those 3D modeling courses online that enables learning on the go with access to both TV and mobile devices.	The short course duration of 2.5 hours, may not suffice for many Requires Autodesk Maya and Headus UVLayout software

 

Industry Application

This course is suited for careers in game development, visual effects, and animation, teaching essential techniques for creating professional-quality 3D weapons using Maya.

 

Bottom Line

It is a good selection for Maya users regardless of their levels. The class presents knowledge and skills in creating professional-quality assets in various 3D industries, including games, visual effects, and animation. But its shorter duration is my main pain point.

 

Sign Up Here

 

6. 4D Masterclass: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners (Udemy)

 

Level: Beginners
Cost: $13.99

Duration: 7h 45m 

Rating: 4.5 based on 13,671 ratings

Instructor – Ozgur Gorgun is an Ace Udemy instructor with a rating of 4.5. He is an award-winning motion designer, photographer, and filmmaker. Ozgur has worked in the TV and film industries both in the UK and abroad, for about two decades.

 

Pros	Cons
Takes you through animation and 3D design using Cinema 4D Taught by an experienced instructor, Ozgur, who is a Maxon Certified Cinema 4D Instructor Covers the entire 3D workflow, including modeling, lighting, texturing, animating, and rendering Provides industry-standard techniques, tips, and tricks Needs no prior foundation	Does not cover other 3D software applications beyond Cinema 4D Coverage restricted to motion design and animation

 

Industry Application

This course is ideal for careers in motion design and animation, providing essential skills in 3D modeling and animation using Cinema 4D.

 

Bottom Line

This class is suitable for beginners in 3D modeling and animation with Cinema 4D. Taught by an experienced person, the instruction quality is top-notch. While the areas covered are detailed, you will find many topics missing. However, the class will benefit you in enhancing your graphic skills and 2D motion design.

 

Some Free Online 3D Modeling Classes

During my research for the 3D modeling courses, I found some free ones with decent fundamental instruction.

Two such courses are:

 

1. Getting Started With Blender and 3D Modeling [Alison]
2. Introduction to 3D Modeling for Manufacturing [Autodesk]

 

Sign Up Here

 

Why Trust My Course Recommendations?

You can trust my recommendations because I took all the above-discussed 3D modeling training programs at some point in time.

 

I assessed the instructor’s expertise, and by immersing myself in the course content, I acquired first-hand information of their quality.

 

Rest assured, all the above-stated course recommendations are based on a comprehensive evaluation process, aiming to offer reliable guidance in picking the right course.

 

Let Me Help You Choose The Right Course

If you are confused about which class is suitable for you, here are some tips that can help:

1. Determine your specific objectives and interests within the 3D modeling field.
2. Read the syllabi and course description to ensure they cover the topics and techniques you wish to learn.
3. Pick the best 3D modeling course in the format (video tutorials, interactive exercises) that aligns with your preferred learning style.
4. Look for experienced instructors with a solid background.
5. Read reviews to see what others think of this class.
6. Check if the class offers ample support, bonus resources, and community forums to boost your learning experience.
7. Evaluate the course duration, pricing, and whether it fits your budget and schedule.

 

Common Doubts About 3D Modeling:

 

How Long Does It Take To Learn 3D Modeling?

The time to learn 3D modeling depends on your prior experience, project complexity, and dedication. You can expect to get fundamental clarity in a few weeks. Then over the next few months, you can take projects and build on the knowledge.

 

What Is The Application of 3D Modeling?

3D modeling applications are widespread across different industries. It is employed in animation and film to create realistic environments and characters.

 

It is also used in gaming for designing levels and assets, engineering and architecture for visualizing structures, product design for prototyping, and in medical fields for creating anatomical models.

 

Furthermore, 3D modeling also finds use in augmented reality, virtual reality, and 3D printing, further expanding its usefulness and versatility. Given its massive use and popularity, it makes sense for design individuals to enroll in 3D modeling courses online to get adept at this domain.

 

Is 3D Modeling In Demand?

Yes, 3D modeling is in high demand in industries like film, gaming, architecture, and product design.

 

Is 3D Modeling Oversaturated?

Though competitive, it is not oversaturated. Talented and skilled 3D modelers with a solid portfolio and industry-relevant skills will find good opportunities in the market.

 

Can You Get A 3D Modeling Degree Online?

Yes. A quick search for 3D modeling classes near me will give you a list of colleges and universities for the same.

 

You can acquire a 3D modeling degree online via accredited institutions that offer distance learning programs in digital art, computer graphics, or related fields. These programs include courses in visual effects, animation training, and 3D modeling.