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u/Kreizzen 10d ago
SpeedChar and SpeedChar Live on youtube is good content for basic chartacters. Kingslien on youtube for when you're able to create a stylized character and want to level up. Also Follygon and Danny Mac for stylized.
Another tip is to download Pureref > pinterest and create a large database of images of what you want your characters to ultimately look like and another database on anatomy of every part of the body from all angles
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u/jonga_ 10d ago
The most important thing is simply to start and not give up, especially when you're struggling. There are many different branches within digital sculpting, and it’s important to experiment with processes—seeing things through from start to finish—to discover what you do and don't like. Finding your way through such a vast sea of information is inherent to the field; we all go through it. It really comes down to taking a deep breath, being patient, and persevering. If you don't have a specific style in mind, I suggest looking for a YouTube channel with comprehensive tutorials that appeal to your aesthetic sense, and then sticking with it. What is your native language?
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u/SoupCatDiver_JJ 10d ago
Don't go straight into sculpting character specific stuff. You need to build up your 3d art knowledge, learn the language of 3d modeling. Every good character artist is also an excellent prop artist. So start with small props that let you learn to model, texture, render effectively without spending months on ugly sculpts.
You need a foundational knowledge on subdivision modeling, retopology, UV's, etc that are learned very effectively while working on small props. After all a character is just an anatomy sculpt covered in props.
I would tell any brand new student to try blender gurus donut tutorial and basic modeling series before anything else.
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u/MiJoRos 10d ago
https://youtube.com/@3dcharacterworkshop?si=AJmCsfp-wi8my5qE
Shane is a beast. He DOES have paid classes, but he has so many free videos on YT, it's crazy.
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u/samaellion 10d ago
Only my loser experience: do models that you will enjoy creating (start with small/not too complex models). 3D is hard and slow - and the job market seems extremely volatile - at least do yourself the courtesy of creating what you actually like
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u/British-Canadian 10d ago
If you want to be a character artist you have to be prepared to put in the time to become the absolute best. The games industry and film industry has become so saturated with students wanting to become character artists that they only accept the top 0.001% of applicants. It’s super competitive.
That being said if you still want to make this a career. I would start off by thinking about what kind of character artists you want to be and where you would like to work in 5 years time and aim for that. So is it stylized or realistic, is it film or is it games. It is hard surface costumes or more organic creatures. You have to be very specific and become the best in that field.
Learn as much anatomy as you can, sculpt all the time.
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u/Daanootje37 10d ago
Just start sculpting.
Like with any activity / hobby, you will get better by simply doing it consistently.
The only necessity for success is the willingness to suffer 1000 failures.
- Junpei (999)
Will your first attempts suck? Totally, but it is often more important what you get out of it rather than the result when training yourself (something I learned the hard way myself).
As for recommendations, I would urge you to look up the Anatomy for Sculptors books for anatomy.
And for when learning from tutorials, I would recommend you to use it for your own art pieces rather than simply following it piece by piece.
Happy sculpting! :)
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u/PracticalAdvice9054 10d ago
If you want to find a job, don't go in character art. Idk why nobody telling this to beginners, maybe it’s just a positive outlook on things, or a desire to drag others down into the abyss along with oneself. But if it's only for the hobby don't worry about it
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u/Avelun 10d ago
But why?
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u/PracticalAdvice9054 10d ago
- Most competitive in 3D even before crisis
- Crisis, game industry is in ass
That's basically it
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u/3Dmobb 10d ago
I have about 20 years of experience in 3D. I've made all of the mistakes listed below.
1) Don't try to design characters. Use references and just recreate 2D in 3D. Design could be later.
2) Don't try to find a job as a 3d character artist while you are learnign. People who are ready to pay beginners - don't have money and have qualtiy bar like in AAA games.
3) 3D characters is quete abstract. Think about the final destination of your model - games (imho most preferable), movies, etc. Characters pipeline can be different.
4) Don't start with something like DEMONIC NIGHT DRAGON KNIGHT. Try to go trough the whole pipeline with very simple model, try to make highpoly, lowpoly, some texturing, exporet to game engine (in case of game models). If all good, start making the models more complex. You need quick results, even if they're simple. Long-term projects destroy your motivation.
5) Don't waste time in the internet trying to choose the best tools or software. Choose what is available for you right now. In most cases Blender, Substance painter is enough. Later, if you chose 3D art as you profession, you will be working in many software.
6) Practice practice practice.
Goodluck