So, picture this: a digital artist on a quest for Blender greatness stumbles upon CG Cookie's Fundamentals of Digital Sculpting - Kent Trammell. It was like finding a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, but instead of Willy Wonka, it's a 3D guru guiding you through the whimsical world of digital sculpting. Join me on this epic adventure as we uncover the secrets of sculpting in Blender and decide if this tutorial is the real deal or just a pixelated mirage!
Kent Trammell is an excellent tutor.
My advice to all my CGI friends is to carefully consider the tutor and the language used in the study materials before enrolling in any self-study course, rather than being swayed by flashy promotions. CG Cookies Digital Sculpting essentials by Kent Tramell checks all the boxes, making it one of the top paid resources available.
However, this course expects it's student to have a basic understanding of the BLENDER interface, which is freely accessible. I highly recommend everyone to refresh their knowledge before starting any course. Remember, each material is tailored to its specific topic unless necessary to clarify basic concepts.
Once again, it's important to note that this is more of an essential study resource rather than an in-depth exploration of the subject.
One of the main features of CG Cookie's digital sculpting tutorial is Kent, who is highly skilled at explaining concepts clearly, his command over english is very well hence easy to follow and understand during the entire course. With his industry experience, he has a deep understanding of the fundamentals of sculpting.
While Kent consistently adheres to the 80/20 rule, he is also willing to deviate from it when necessary for a project's requirements.
Challenges in Creating Digital Sculptures :
Being a beginner, I struggled to comprehend and decipher the intricacies of creating highly detailed and captivating digital sculptures or models with Blender. My brief attempt at using Nomad was short-lived as I couldn't grasp the software well, and I was completely clueless about the fundamental workflow, resulting in the creation of complex meshes with numerous triangulated parts, leading to a frustrating experience, especially during the rendering process.
Unlike traditional mediums, digital sculpting thrives on your system's configuration and a few external tools like a graphics tablet. These tools are not covered in the course and require additional understanding.
The dilemma I faced between Remesh, Dyntopo, and Multiresolution was a nightmare that significantly improved after I enrolled in the course.
Course Content: Analysis
There are different sculpting mediums that mimic the traditional way of sculpting. We have chosen to focus on Blender for its convenience, and I can assure you that I am not missing out on anything. I am understanding the concepts well, thanks to the constantly evolving and growing Blender community.
Kent has divided the course into three sections to help beginners grasp the basics, master brush techniques, and learn how to apply these techniques effectively to achieve desired results. The core components of this course include masking, posing, texturing, painting, and stroke creation. Kent has thoroughly explained the three essential elements of digital sculpting—Remesh, Dyntopo, and Multiresolution—to guide you on how to use them individually or together through engaging SHARK Practice exercises. This leads us to the final segment of the course, where you can practice and apply everything learned in the first two parts, taking a more hands-on approach.
Advantages and Disadvantages: CG COOKIE
CG Cookie's platform is distinguished by its community-centered approach. As a student, my primary objective was to improve my grasp of digital sculpting. Kent not only met but exceeded my expectations, helping me pinpoint my weaknesses in previous projects and prepare me for future sculpting endeavors.
It is worth noting that the platform is more tailored towards sculpting enthusiasts like myself rather than professionals. While individuals seeking advanced knowledge may be disappointed, it is crucial to bear in mind that the emphasis is on fundamental skills.
The course does not cover topics such as Retopology, which is essential for creating high-quality sculptures. In-depth insights into tools like the Cloth brush and related settings are also lacking, as well as a detailed understanding of faceset and its workflow.
For further topics like Modeling, Rigging, Texturing, Materials, Animation, and Compositing, separate materials are provided by CG COOKIE Essentials. I highly recommend purchasing the package rather than individual courses.
The CG Cookie community is always ready to help with any queries you may have, creating a positive and supportive environment regardless of where you are in your learning journey.
Evaluating the Investment: Time and Money Well Spent?
After diving into CG Cookie’s digital sculpting tutorial, I found it valuable. The course offers a comprehensive structure, engaging material, and community interaction, creating a rich learning environment for developing digital sculpting skills. With costs around $99 (with 50% discount) and a structured format for learning at your own pace, it is accessible and convenient for art enthusiasts worldwide.
Embrace Your Digital Sculpting Journey
CG Cookie's Digital Sculpting Tutorial is a valuable investment for beginners and experienced artists alike. It offers essential skills, resources, and a supportive community. Take action now to enhance your skills and join a community of like-minded creators in the world of digital sculpting. Share your thoughts below!
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