Starting our journey into 3D modeling can be overwhelming, and we all have a lot of questions on our minds.

Where do we start?
Which software is the best? Which tutorials should we follow?

With so much information available these days, it can be tough to decide on which path to take or how to evaluate our choices.

That’s why I decided to start a series featuring friendly chats with artists who have recently gone through this journey.

We can learn about their story, how they got into the 3D world, what inspired them, and what kept them motivated.

I believe we would all benefit from hearing about how they overcame initial obstacles and what helped them achieve their goals in a short amount of time.

For that reason, I’m really excited to introduce you to Daniel Klessa!
Bruno is a talented artist who has recently completed the Maya Masterclass training with stunning results.

I asked him if he’d be willing to give us a quick summary of what he thinks helped him achieve such great results, and he was kind enough to share his thoughts and process.

I’m currently studying Computer Science / Media, and I have come to the realization that software engineering
is not what I want to do for a living. I was always intrigued by 3D and in March last year I decided to pick up
a bunch of courses in hopes of transitioning while finishing my degree.

Can you remember what your biggest struggle with 3D was in the very beginning?

To put it simply, getting into 3D is tough. There’s a lot of ground to cover across different fields and plenty of software to get familiar with. Sorting through all the information available is a challenge, especially for beginners like me, who are trying to figure out what’s worth learning and what’s not.

Consistency is key. I strongly believe that daily practice makes a significant difference. There’s a distinction between acquiring a skill and actually putting that knowledge into action. During the learning process, I make sure to take breaks when I feel my ability to absorb information is fading. 2-8 hours daily, depending on my current mental state.

Everyone has their unique learning methods. Personally, I find it effective to dissect concepts into smaller components; this is particularly useful in Hard Surface Modeling. Mastering the software is paramount too. I often like to compare 3D work to being a sushi chef: no matter your skill level, attempting to fillet a fish with a butter knife is hardly efficient.

Right now it’s working from concept rather than blueprints or real world objects. I find concepts have much less resolution in the designs and require you to really use your design and technical skills to complete the model.

This requires so much more back and forth with the drawings and tiny adjustments to try and get things looking correct.

If I could turn back time, I’d have started with this course. It’s been a real game-changer for me, offering invaluable guidance and support along the way. Mario isn’t just an engaging teacher; he’s also a prime example of a hardworking individual who’s never satisfied and continually strives to improve his work. Couldn’t haved asked for a better mentor.

I still see myself as a beginner. For the time being, I’ll continue taking courses and absorb as much knowledge as I can from as many people as possible.

1. Don’t get attached to your shape
2. Establish rules, be flexible with them, but never disregard them entirely
3. Always pan around the object continuously. When crafting a 3D model, it’s crucial to examine the progress from various perspectives
4. Preparation and reference is extremely important. Don’t just jump into a project. Think about what it is you want to achieve and prepare accordingly
5. Remember to take your time. Rushing through the initial steps WILL lead to errors that take days or even weeks to fix later on
6. Focus on improving

And most importantly: Remember, even when things get tough, never give up. Hold onto that belief in yourself, no matter what obstacles come your way. Creating art, or whatever you want to label it, often feels like battling with yourself. Rather than suppressing negative emotions during the journey of improvement, embrace them. Every hour invested will manifest in your work, shaping it with depth and authenticity.

You’ve got this. Keep working!