10 WEEKS • ONLINE • INSTRUCTOR-LEAD • SKILL-FOCUSED

UE4 Modular Environments

CLASS BEGINS: April 28th 2018 | 10 AM (PST)

MASTER SKILLS & SOFTWARE

10 week live, online skill-focused training for artists

Building bigger and better environment scenes is the best way to get your work noticed, especially if you have a passion for hard surface environments. The most efficient way to do this is to build modularly.

In this course, Shawnell Priester will help you simplify that task by demonstrating proven strategies that he uses in production every day.

This Modular Environment course will consist of eight weeks of LIVE demonstrations and reviews. You'll learn core game artist skills and be part of a community of artists all working to achieve next level quality in their work.

Most importantly, You'll learn how to leverage amazing software like Substance Designer and professional workflows to create a portfolio ready real-time environment that will impress.

YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS

What you'll learn

In this course, students will create a game level from scratch using Unreal Engine 4. The course will cover 3D modeling, object placement and layout basics, and lighting systems. The course will help students better understand level and environment workflows, as well as how level designers, game designers, and environment artists fit into the game pipeline.

Estimated time for course work: 8-10 hours per week

Skill Level: Intermediate

Course Format: Standard

Duration: 8 Weeks + 2 Weeks Of Access
Lecture Type: Live weekly
Assignment: Deadlines each week.
Feedback: Live weekly

By the end of the course, you'll:

Know how to model for 3D Environments and apply a modular approach to scene creation.

Know how to pick apart a reference to better create a modular environment.

Have designed your own spectacular materials using the latest software, such as Substance Designer, and the latest procedural techniques.

Have setup and lit your own scene in Unreal Engine 5.

A GREAT POINT FOR INTERMEDIATE ARTISTS

Build a portfolio of real-world projects

This course is perfect for:

Mid-level environment artists looking to take the next steps in their career
Skilled artists who want to focus on building specific skills
Game artists who want to add to their portfolio while receiving feedback along the way

This course is the best way to start or expand a real portfolio while getting started as an environment artist. Working with one of the top working professionals in the game industry, you'll build your own game level using the latest software in the industry. Don't know what those are? Don't worry, your mentor will teach you 1-on-1. You'll graduate with an enhanced portfolio and an active ArtStation profile.

CURRICULUM

Our Industry-Standard curriculum is built together with today's best artists to bring you the highest quality training possible. Achieve your dreams, today.

WEEK 1

Reference

Gather and breakdown references
List reusable assets
Plan setup

WEEK 2

Model Blockout

Block out objects
Setting up the grid
Scale and modular fit

WEEK 3

Unreal Blockout

Assemble blockout in Engine
Light blockouts
Brainstorm layout improvements

WEEK 4

High Poly

Hard surface modeling
Tips and tricks for faster workflow
Creating trim sheets

WEEK 5

Retopology & UVs

Best workflow for modeling low poly pieces
Avoiding topology errors
Unpacking UVs with modularity in mind

WEEK 6

Baking

Exploding vs Match by Name
Baking
Common baking errors

WEEK 7 & 8

Texturing

Setting up maps
Using references
PBR Texturing workflow

WEEK 9

Set Up in UE4

Import meshes and textures
Plug-in textures to meshes
Adjust lighting and post-processing

WEEKS 10

Details and Polishing

Adding extra meshes and debris
Decals
Rendering

LOOK INSIDE THE COURSE

See what you’ll learn.

HOW WE DO IT

Life as a Skill Track student

This course is what we call a Skill Track. That means, you work closely with an expert in the field who demonstrates the tools, workflows, techniques that you'll need to know to excel as an artist?

Skill Focused

Skill Tracks rely heavily on lectures and demonstrations whereas Bootcamps & Career Tracks focus primarily on you and your work.

Flexible Commitment

Are you just looking to pick up a skill? Just want to learn how an artist works? If so, then Skill Tracks are the perfect solution.

Live Weekly Meetings

Stay connected! Yes, we're ONLINE but you meet with your instructor every week to learn new skills.

Pick Up New Software Skills

Want to pick up the software skills you need to thrive in a Bootcamp or on-the-job? Skill Tracks are a great way to achieve this.

Your first day

Meet your mentor, access the curriculum, and join a community of 3000+ students and mentors on the Artist Awake workplace. At GAI, the relationships you form with your mentor and peers help you learn faster.

During the course

Create more. Each course is focused around projects to emulate real work and industry-recognised workflow pipelines. And if you get stuck, ask your mentor.

Graduate on your schedule

Every GAI course is self-paced so there's no need to quit your job. Typically, students finish a Skill Track in 10-12 weeks with an expanded personal portfolio. All graduates receive lifetime access to the Artist Awake network and community.

About your Instructor

SHAWNELL PRIESTER

Shawnell Priester is a AAA professional with eight years of industry experience as an Environmental Artist. He started his career working in smaller companies and eventually grew to make bigger and better games. He's very passionate about his art and has an interest in exploring game development outside of his career.

He is credited on work such as Halo 5: Guardians, Firefall, Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric, and Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z.