Did you know that you can learn 3D modeling on your own as easily as you would with a trained instructor? Don’t be scared. The concepts are so simple you will be able to grasp them quickly enough. After that, you will have to do a lot of practice to get really good at it.

But just what is 3D modeling?

3D modeling involves the creation of three-dimensional models of objects using a specialized software. Some of the industries that rely on 3D modeling include gaming, marketing, virtual reality, 3D printing, and television & motion pictures. In some industries, 3D modeling is used to bring life to onscreen animations.

Just how do you learn 3D modeling on your own?

To learn 3D modeling, you first must choose a good software to work with. You will need to familiarize yourself with all the features that will help you with your 3D modeling work. Get yourself a more complex software. You don’t want to start with a software with very few features only to end up searching for a more complex options. Sketchup is a no-no. You wouldn’t be able to use it to create 3D inventing and engineering models. Neither would it give you high-accuracy simulations. That’s why you need Catia, Autocad, Solidworks or Inventor. For a movie, special effects, and video game models the best software includes Maya, Cinema 4D, Modo, 3Ds Max, Lightwave, Rhino, and Blender. There is so much you can do with these complex packages.

So you have chosen the right software? You need time to learn how to use it for 3D modeling. Make a point of sticking to the same software. It will be a waste of time and resources to keep sampling all the available packages. Once you have picked a software make time to completely master it. Although the process of familiarizing yourself with the software will take a short time, mastering it will take months or even years. It doesn’t really matter which one you pick. 3D modeling packages have many powerful capabilities and features you would keep learning.

A number of 3D modeling software come with guides and tutorials to guide you on how to use them. You won’t pay a cent for that. If you want, you can get a book on 3D modeling. Only that it might not be that easy to learn 3D modeling from written material. Better even using YouTube tutorials. You will be taken through a step-by-step guide on 3D modeling. However, the tutorials should be tailored for your specific software. There are a number of complete courses online as well as professional tutorials. They include Gnomon, Pluralsight, Lynda, and Udemy. If you are not sure how to start, video instruction should kick you off. You will get more from them than if you were reading a book.

After you have learned the nitty-gritty of 3D modeling, don’t forget to practice regularly. As a form of art, the only way you can perfect 3D modeling is by immersing yourself in it taking time to practice. Happy 3d modeling.