Embarking on the journey of creating breathtaking images through computers has never been more accessible. Our previous page highlighted the abundance of free 3D software available. However, the challenge lies in the complexity of these tools. To ease your initiation into the world of 3D artistry, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite tutorial sites. These resources will guide you in crafting remarkable 3D renders, refining Photoshop paintings, and even designing 3D models for the exciting realm of 3D printing.
Understanding 3D Rendering:
If you’re new to the concept of 3D rendering, check out our guide for a fundamental explanation of “What is 3D Rendering?”
General 3D Tutorials
Discover a comprehensive array of tutorials, informational resources, and project examples at 3Drenderhub. Established in 2007, our primary focus is on architectural rendering and animation services. Emphasizing both technical proficiency and artistic foundation, we encourage you to nurture your creative talents alongside your technical skills.
Lynda
Lynda serves as a valuable resource for individuals keen on learning at their own pace. Covering a diverse range of topics, including 3D rendering, Lynda’s tutorials cater to both beginners and professionals.
Featured Tutorial: Explore the basics of creating a 3D image using Adobe software, providing a perfect introduction to the process.
Ronen Bekerman
Dedicated to elevating the CG craft, Ronen Bekerman’s website is a treasure trove of inspiration and tutorials. Whether you seek inspiration or need guidance on specific effects, this platform has you covered.
Featured Tutorial: Delve into the creation process of Mohet Sanchaniya’s Kalmar Art Museum, his entry to the Tomorrow 2017 contest hosted by Ronen Bekerman.
SKETCHUP TUTORIALS FOR ARCHITECTS
Welcome to the world of SketchUp, the renowned 3D modeling software embraced by professionals and beginners alike. At “Master SketchUp,” we are committed to unraveling the software’s full potential. From essential keyboard shortcuts to crafting fixed objects, our comprehensive coverage ensures that both novices and experts find valuable insights on navigating the SketchUp landscape.
Featured Tutorial: Dive into our recommended tutorial for a concise and effective learning experience. Perfect for anyone eager to master the art of SketchUp.
SketchUp Artists:
Designed by SketchUp enthusiasts for SketchUp enthusiasts, “SketchUp Artists” is a treasure trove of resources catering to CG artists. Whether you seek inspiration, stock photos, or render styles for your project, our website has you covered.
Featured Tutorial: Explore our tutorial on creating mesmerizing pool water effects, a must-learn for artists working on water-centric projects.
3D Total:
Since 1999, “3D Total” has been a stalwart in offering design resources for various software, including SketchUp. Tailored for intermediate and advanced users, our SketchUp tutorials provide in-depth insights and expertise.
Featured Tutorial: Delve into our tutorial on designing and painting dynamic characters, offering valuable insights for enhancing character designs.
The SketchUp Essentials:
Created by a Colorado native, “The SketchUp Essentials” lives up to its name. This passion project covers everything you need to learn about SketchUp, making it an ideal hub for beginners seeking to enhance their skills.
Featured Tutorial: Learn the art of transforming a simple 3D model into a masterpiece with our tutorial. It’s simpler than you think!
SketchUp School:
As a paid service, “SketchUp School” offers a trial period akin to Lynda. Structured teaching and a focus on effective tool utilization set us apart. Take our free trial and, if compatible, subscribe to our monthly or annual plans.
Featured Tutorial: Explore our series on styling your model to achieve the best visual impact.
SketchUp Render Plugins:
“Popular Woodworking” isn’t just for woodcraft enthusiasts; it’s a goldmine for SketchUp users exploring wooden designs. Our tutorials offer insights into incorporating SketchUp Plugins to elevate your modeling.
Featured Tutorial: Step up your modeling game by integrating SketchUp Plugins – a tutorial that shines a spotlight on this often-overlooked feature.
SketchUcation:
“SketchUcation” is a resource hub fueled by SketchUp enthusiasts. From news to forums for problem-solving, we provide tutorials and resources to nurture your SketchUp journey.
Featured Tutorial: Unleash the full potential of the Tape Measure tool with our tutorial, making object measurement a breeze.
Design Student Savvy:
Jillian Lare’s “Design Student Savvy” revolves around SketchUp’s role in creating impressive design models. Explore tutorials that use SketchUp to create both 3D and 2D masterpieces.
Featured Tutorial: Learn the art of creating a 2D floor plan using SketchUp – a versatile skill beyond 3D modeling.
Basic 3D Tutorials for Architectural Visualization:
Dedicated to helping aspiring architects, “Basic 3D Tutorials” provides insights not taught in traditional settings. Our SketchUp model house tutorial series is a fantastic introduction to basic 3D architectural modeling.
Featured Tutorial: Dive into the first part of our SketchUp model house tutorial series for a foundational understanding.
SketchUp Tutorials:
At “SketchUp Tutorials,” we keep it simple – providing a variety of tutorials for both new and advanced users. Elevate your SketchUp skills with our practical guide to mastering the basics.
Featured Tutorial: Explore our practical guide to learning the basics of SketchUp – a must-read for those starting their journey.
Exploring Blender:
“3D Total” isn’t limited to SketchUp – our hub extends to Blender tutorials. Dive into character models and 3D art, tailored for 3D artists and animators seeking valuable content.
Featured Tutorial: Master the art of realistic lighting for your 3D models using Blender with our insightful tutorial.
CG Masters.Net:
“CG Masters.Net” focuses exclusively on Blender tutorials, ranging from basics to advanced outer space effects. Embrace our video tutorial on optimizing your Blender setup to stay updated on recent Blender updates.
Featured Tutorial: Unlock the secrets of optimizing your Blender setup with our video tutorial – a valuable resource for Blender enthusiasts.
Blender Guru:
“Blender Guru” stands as a standalone company providing video tutorials for Blender users. Dive into their beginner-friendly 9-part series to gain a head start in navigating Blender.
Featured Tutorial: Embark on a journey of CG excellence with our 9-part series tailored for beginners – demystifying Blender’s complexities.
Blender Diplom:
“Blender Diplom” is a haven for Blender enthusiasts, offering tutorials and workshops. Explore our tutorial on combining real and fake 3D realms, providing unconventional uses for Blender beyond traditional rendering.
Featured Tutorial: Learn the art of combining real and fake 3D realms with Blender – a technique that can eliminate the need for external photo manipulation software.
Blender Tuts:
“Blender Tuts” promises to make learning Blender easy. Founded by Spain-based Blender artist Olivar Villar, our tutorials delve into both achieving effects and optimizing your workstation.
Featured Tutorial: Navigate the challenging world of shading with our in-depth tutorial, ensuring even the newest Blender user finds their way around the render engine.
Evermotion:
“Evermotion” caters to various modeling software, with a spotlight on Blender. Explore our tutorial on leveraging Blender’s denoising feature to reduce rendering time.
Featured Tutorial: Cut down on rendering time with our tutorial on utilizing Blender’s denoising feature – a game-changer for efficiency.
Creative Shrimp:
Managed by Gleb Alexandrov, “Creative Shrimp” focuses on Blender tutorials that go beyond 3D rendering. Explore our tutorial on using Blender for typography, showcasing the software’s diverse capabilities.
Featured Tutorial: Dive into the world of typography using Blender with our tutorial – a creative twist for Blender enthusiasts.
Blender Nation:
“Blender Nation” stands as one of the oldest and most established Blender communities. Uncover a wealth of tutorials covering tools, sculpting techniques, and more.
Featured Tutorial: Learn how to create enticing game development elements, such as a barrel, with our tutorial – essential for crafting immersive environments.
Envato Tuts Plus:
“Envato Tuts Plus” offers a visually appealing platform for free learning. Our tutorials, like the one on recreating a low poly Camaro, provide practical insights for both 2D and 3D modelers.
Featured Tutorial: Recreate a low poly Camaro with our nifty tutorial – a valuable addition for designers looking to convey specific messages through their automobile choices.
Blender Brit:
“Blender Brit” specializes in video-based tutorials for every Blender enthusiast. Delve into our tutorial on creating a creepy tunnel inspired by Stranger Things, complete with free textures.
Featured Tutorial: Embrace the eerie with our tutorial on creating a Stranger Things-inspired creepy tunnel – textures included.
In your journey through the realms of SketchUp and Blender, let these tutorials be your guiding light, unlocking the true potential of these powerful 3D modeling tools.
UNLOCKING HOUDINI CREATIVITY:
In the ever-evolving world of 3D modeling, mastering Houdini can unlock a realm of creative possibilities. Various tutorial platforms offer insights and guidance, helping both beginners and seasoned artists harness the power of this dynamic software. Explore the diverse array of tutorials from renowned artists and communities across the web to elevate your Houdini skills.
ROHAN DALVI:
Discover the artistic prowess of Rohan Dalvi, an Indian 3D artist passionate about Houdini and 3dsmax. Delve into his tutorials focused on procedural modeling, providing a gateway to understanding the intricacies of 3D processes. Rohan’s journey, shared through Houdini tutorials, unveils the path to mastering proceduralism, making it a must-visit resource for aspiring 3D artists.
[Domain: rohandalvi.com]
CG MEET UP:
Embark on a journey with CG Meet Up, a community-driven website covering all aspects of 3D modeling. Explore their curated tutorials, available in text or video format, spanning a holistic range of topics. Uncover the gems within, such as a tutorial on modeling muscles, catering to those creating 3D models or venturing into the animation industry.
[Domain: cgmeetup.com]
SIDEFX:
From the creators of Houdini comes SideFX, offering a plethora of tutorials categorized for all skill levels. Whether you seek quick tips or delve into advanced masterclasses, SideFX caters to your learning needs. While most content is free, the platform’s video format simplifies your learning journey, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
[Domain: sidefx.com]
3DBUZZ:
Navigate the 3DBuzz website, a recommended haven for CG artists. Immerse yourself in video tutorials covering a range of Houdini topics. Explore the comprehensive list of Houdini Fundamentals, a valuable resource for beginners and veterans alike, guiding you towards a professional mindset in 3D modeling.
[Domain: 3dbuzz.com]
ENTAGMA:
Dive into Entagma, a modeling resource run by Munich-based CG artists Manuel and Moritz. Their tutorials, often utilizing Houdini, blend practicality and aesthetics. Explore advanced lessons like the tutorial on using Houdini’s Heightfields for creating realistic terrain models.
[Domain: entagma.com]
HOUDINI TRICKS:
Join Houdini Tricks, a resource by motion designer Erwin Santacruz. Unearth quick tips and efficiency hacks to optimize your workflow. Delve into tutorials on setting up quick marks, enhancing your efficiency in Houdini 16 and newer versions.
[Domain: houdinitricks.com]
PETER QUINT:
Explore the simplicity and diversity of tutorials by Peter Quint, known as PQHoudini. Engage with his Vimeo and YouTube channels for straightforward Houdini tutorials, including a YouTube exclusive on modeling glass for various applications, from dining contexts to architecture.
[Domain: peterquint.com]
Lesterbanks:
Lesterbanks, spearheaded by the experienced graphics instructor Lester Banks, is a tutorial website delving into the realms of 3D design, video effects, and typography. While the collection of Houdini tutorials may not be as extensive as some competitors, Banks plans to expand this section in the future.
From Basics to Mastering Techniques
Lesterbanks’ tutorials cover a spectrum of topics, ranging from foundational Houdini knowledge to advanced techniques in modeling and animation. If you’re eager to explore the integration of 3D modeling and animation, Lester Banks might be the mentor you’ve been looking for.
Featured Tutorial: Mastering the Impossible with a Penrose Triangle
One standout tutorial from Lesterbanks demonstrates the animation and modeling of a Penrose Triangle, a popular optical illusion deemed ‘impossible’ to animate. Presented in video format, this tutorial caters to both beginners and seasoned 3D artists, providing a step-by-step guide for a captivating learning experience.
ODForce:
Dive into the vibrant world of ODForce, a community centered around Houdini enthusiasts. This forum-style platform thrives on the collective passion of its users, who willingly share their knowledge and creations.
The Power of Community-Driven Tutorials
ODForce stands out for its innovative and free tutorials, contributed by various users. The charm of these tutorials lies in their uniqueness, with the original poster actively engaging and addressing questions from the community.
Featured Tutorial: Unleashing Smoke Solver Magic
Explore the magic of the smoke solver tutorial on ODForce, a brief yet ingenious guide to simulating gas and smoke effects on your models. The possibilities for application are limitless, making this tutorial a must-try for aspiring Houdini artists.
Embark on Your Houdini Journey:
While countless free tutorials beckon across the internet, your progress ultimately hinges on your dedication to honing your craft. Navigate your modeling journey with discipline, continuously critiquing and enhancing your work. Best of luck, and feel free to share your favorite free tutorial websites with us!
