D ART PROJECT: COURSE SYLLABUS & RUBRIC

Term: Fall 2026 | Duration: 15 Weeks (Live Interactive) | Level: Beginner to Advanced Portfolio Level

COURSE OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This 15-week intensive course introduces students to the core pipeline of 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and environment rendering for games, film, and concept design. Students will build high-impact 3D assets and immersive environments from initial blockout to high-resolution final renders.

By the end of this course, students will:

• Master 3D spatial thinking, polygon modeling, and topology best practices.

• Understand PBR (Physically Based Rendering) texturing, UV unwrapping, and material mapping.

• Produce portfolio-grade 3D environment renders and asset breakdown slides ready for college submissions (SlideRoom ready).

🛠️ REQUIRED SOFTWARE & HARDWARE

• Software: Blender, Autodesk Maya, or ZBrush Core Mini (Software setup and onboarding provided in Week 1).

• Hardware: PC / Mac with a dedicated graphics card (Mouse with a middle-scroll wheel strongly recommended).

📅 15-WEEK DETAILED CURRICULUM

MODULE 1: 3D SPACE & HARD-SURFACE MODELING (WEEKS 1–3)

• Week 1: Viewport orientation, 3D space navigation, primitive shapes, and spatial blocking.

• Week 2: Polygon modeling fundamentals—extrude, bevel, loop cuts, and modifier stacks.

• Week 3: Hard-surface asset creation—building props, architectural structures, and environmental elements.

MODULE 2: TOPOLOGY, UV UNWRAPPING & TEXTURING (WEEKS 4–7)

• Week 4: Edge flow and clean topology principles for rendering and game engine export.

• Week 5: UV unwrapping mechanics—seams, texel density, and UV layout optimization.

• Week 6: PBR texturing— roughness, metallic, normal maps, and procedural shading.

• Week 7: Organic modeling basics & digital sculpting tools.

MODULE 3: LIGHTING, CAMERAS & ATMOSPHERE (WEEKS 8–11)

• Week 8: 3-Point lighting setups, rim lighting, hdri environment maps, and color temperature.

• Week 9: Cinematic camera placement, focal length, depth of field, and composition rules.

• Week 10: Atmospheric effects—volumetric fog, particle emitters, and bloom filters.

• Week 11: Mid-Semester Asset Review & 1-on-1 topology feedback.

MODULE 4: RENDERING, TURNTABLES & PORTFOLIO (WEEKS 12–15)

• Week 12: High-resolution render settings, denoising, and pass compositing.

• Week 13: Creating 360-degree asset turntables and wireframe overlay breakdowns.

• Week 14: Post-processing in Photoshop/After Effects and presentation layout design.

• Week 15: Final Showcase: Student 3D Portfolio Presentation and peer/instructor critique.

📊 DETAILED ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (100 POINTS)

Evaluation Criteria

Point Value

Performance Expectations

1. Modeling Precision & Topology

30 Points

Demonstrates clean mesh construction, proper edge flow, accurate scale, and efficient polycount.

2. Texturing & Shading

25 Points

Realistic/stylized material maps, seamless UV unwrapping, and detailed surface shading.

3. Lighting, Camera & Atmosphere

20 Points

Effective use of light direction, atmospheric depth, mood creation, and cinematic framing.

4. Process & Iteration

15 Points

Active participation in live reviews, wireframe documentation, and responsiveness to feedback.

5. Technical Presentation

10 Points

High-definition renders, clean 360 turntables, asset breakdown slides, and artist statement clarity.

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🏆 GRADING SYSTEM

• A (90–100 pts): Exceptional Mastery — Portfolio ready for top 3D/Game/Art programs (e.g., USC Games, Ringling, Gnomon).

• B (80–89 pts): Proficient — Strong technical execution; minor texture or lighting polish suggested.

• C (70–79 pts): Developing — Demonstrates core modeling concepts; needs continued practice on UVs and lighting.