In the nineties, a given film usually contained 3-4% 3D modeling. Today, that figure has shot up to 90%. Aside from its more obvious uses in film visual effects and video games, 3D modeling plays an important role in advertising, architecture, medicine, jewelry, and product design. 

By the time students complete all 3D modeling levels at TUMO, they’re able to create anything through texturing, rigging, and rendering.

1

LEVEL

The first level challenges students to work with new tools, but once they really understand the basics of 3D, learning the rest gets easier. You could say it’s a lot like riding a bike. Fittingly, teens in Level I learn the ins and outs of Maya and work with quads – a mesh used in modeling – to create a 3D mini bike.

While this level demands only 20% of creativity, creating a hard surface model lays a foundation for all students, no matter their age or prior experience.

2

LEVEL

Students in Level II get to bring their mini bike models to life by painting on skins, a process called texturing. The best part is that students have the creative freedom to texture their bikes any way they choose. Workshop leaders are on hand to recommend color palettes and textures, helping students achieve their best results—and the advice is fully customized based on what students are interested in. For instance, 3D for gaming requires graphics that are easy and quick to load, while film effects can be more detailed and, consequently, heavier on data.

The work of workshop leaders is to guid students and be always ready to answer the questions, but students get more out of finding the answers themselves.

3

LEVEL

Things start getting interesting in Level III, when students create whatever is on their mind. Whereas they modeled and textured hard surface objects up until now, tumonians have a chance to create 3D organic characters in their final level. To ease them into character design, students’ first assignment is to design a 3D penguin. The goal is not the penguin, but to practice texturing, sculpting, and layering.

For the task, students master ZBrush, a digital sculpting software, and learn to create high poly characters.

With their penguins created, the budding 3D artists go on to create a 3D organic character of their own choosing. While not required, having a background in drawing is an asset here, as understanding anatomy helps create the skeletons that allow 3D characters to move. This process is called rigging, and is key for animating 3D models in video games and films.

3D modeling is exploding in a wide range of industries and completing the 3D modeling workshops at TUMO provides teens with the skills to adapt to any field.

But of course, it’s just a launching pad, and If tumonians want to continue in the field, they need to keep practicing.

“Don’t be afraid to click on anything and everything,” says one of TUMO workshop leaders. “Making mistakes is part of the learning process.”
Student works

How is the training going

Self-Learning
Self-learning activities are short, interactive exercises designed to inspire and build up skills. Coaches help with activities by getting learners unstuck, advising, and providing encouragement.

There are hundreds of activities to choose from, and most are prerequisites that lead to workshops in each learning target.
Workshops
Workshops are led by specialists across TUMO Kyiv 8 learning targets. They range from beginner to advanced and culminate in individual or team projects.

Each project is published to the participant’s portfolio and is sometimes submitted to competitions and festivals, or published online and on app stores.
Project Labs
Project Labs are offered on an ad hoc basis by top technology and design professionals from around the world. Over 100 of these instructors come to TUMO centers every year to lead advanced labs and to work with TUMO teens on real life projects.

Labs can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.
The TUMO path
TUMO’s innovative Path application combines activities, workshops and labs into a personal learning plan.

The learning plan is a constantly evolving timeline that can span two or more years. It suggests the best route for each learner to take through the TUMO program, and dynamically adapts to their pace and preferences over time. As teens progress through the timeline, completing projects and leveling up, they build up a portfolio of results that becomes their living diploma.

WANT TO BECOME A TUMO STUDENT?

Other programs

In TUMO Kyiv you studу not 1, but 3 areas in parallel, to choose from!
Graphic Design
Graphic Design
Animation
Animation
Filmmaking
Filmmaking
Programming
Programming
Music Production
Game Development
Robotics

Visit free classes

Get to know Center for Creative Technologies TUMO Kyiv in person and try out one of the learning areas!
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