01
Polygon modeling fundamentals
Learn edge flow, topology rules, and subdivision surfaces. You'll model hard-surface objects first, then move to organic forms.
- Box modeling and edge loop management
- Boolean operations and cleanup techniques
- UV unwrapping for texture mapping
- Retopology for animation-ready meshes
02
Rigging and deformation
Build control rigs that animators can actually use. Understand joint placement, weight painting, and constraint systems.
- Skeletal hierarchy and joint orientation
- IK and FK systems for limbs
- Facial rigging with blend shapes
- Custom controllers and attributes
03
Animation principles in practice
Apply timing, spacing, and easing to make movement feel believable. Work with graph editors and dope sheets daily.
- Keyframe animation and curve editing
- Weight shifts and center of mass
- Anticipation, follow-through, overlapping action
- Blocking, spline, and polish workflow
04
Lighting and material setup
Create physically accurate materials and three-point lighting setups. Learn when to break realism rules for better visuals.
- PBR shader networks and texture maps
- HDRI environment lighting
- Key, fill, and rim light placement
- Subsurface scattering for organic materials
05
Rendering and compositing
Optimize render settings for speed without losing quality. Use render passes and compositing nodes to adjust shots in post.
- Render layer organization and AOVs
- Sampling, denoising, and render optimization
- Node-based compositing workflow
- Color grading and final output formats
06
Pipeline and project delivery
Organize files, name assets properly, and version your work. Learn the non-technical skills that separate hobbyists from professionals.
- File naming conventions and folder structure
- Asset referencing and scene assembly
- Render farm submission and management
- Portfolio presentation and breakdown creation