CAFG Landing

Create Epic Game Characters


Learn to create unique 3D character models that stand out and get noticed.

 

Create a Character

Follow along step-by-step to create your next Character model together as a class

Project Files

Download the actual source files from the demo project to learn from or use in your own

Feedback & discussions

Access a community of your peers and professional artists for feedback and inspiration

Live Instruction

Join weekly live sessions hosted virtually and take part in Q&A discussions

Improve as an Artist

Skills you'll learn

Plan Your Project
  • Choosing a strong concept
  • Building a Reference Board
  • Blocking out your character model
  • Setting up for Success
Create Your Character
  • Creating high poly models
  • Detailing the Skin
  • Modeling believable materials
  • Creating a Real-Time model
Present Your Work
  • Believable texturing
  • Lighting & Rendering in Unreal Engine
  • Customizing Materials
  • Creating a strong presentation

Class Features

Lesson Videos

52 lessons with commentary in 4k quality. From choosing the initial concept art to presenting the final model 

Live Sessions

weekly live meetings hosted virtually via Zoom with JHill and guest speakers

Project Files

Downloadable References, Zbrush tool, Low Poly model, Substance Painter file, Unreal Project

Private Community

Access to our private class server with peers and professional character artists

Unreal Engine Project

downloadable project with master materials and a level ready to drag & drop your asset. Includes the class demo character

Closed Captions

English closed captions available on all lesson videos

Get feedback & a supportive community

Submit your projects and receive feedback from a professional

Stay motivated and inspired with a community of your peers

Get all your questions answered no matter what

Meet your Instructor

Hey, I'm J Hill and I'll be your instructor for this class. I will teach you everything I know about creating character art for games and share as much information as I can about being an artist in the industry. I have been a professional 3D character artist for video games for over 15 years. I've worked on characters for some of the biggest games in the world like APEX Legends, Titanfall 2, Evolve, and Back 4 Blood. I also have a YouTube channel where I post videos and share information about character creation and CG art in general. I'm passionate about all things CG characters and teaching others what I can that are too.

P.S. I chose this image of myself because it gives off vibes like that ancient alien guy and the mystical power was just too strong.

My Portfolio

J Hill

Class Schedule

Week 1

Tools & Techniques

An overview of the basic tools and techniques you'll need to start making awesome characters 

  • Software Overview
  • Modeling Techniques
  • Basemeshes

Week 2

Planning Your Project

Preparation for the Project. The overview and general strategy to get the most out of your Project and what to look for and know before you begin.

  • Choosing a concept
  • References
  • Blocking out

Week 3

High Poly Modeling

Creating the detailed detailed high poly models of the character and costume with Zbrush and Maya. 

  • Sculpting Leather
  • Sculpting Cloth
  • Metal Armor

Week 4

The Head

Deep dive into facial proportions and anatomy, guiding students in developing authentic faces in their 3D models. Proportions, utilizing references, and understanding age, gender, and ethnicity. 

  • References
  • Proportions of the Face & Head
  • Sculpting the Head

Week 5

The Real-Time Model

 creating the low poly real-time model. model preparation, retopology, low poly modeling, and UV mapping.

  • Retopology
  • Quad Draw
  • UV Mapping

Week 6

Texturing

Baking all the forms and details from the high poly source model and then adding textures and materials. Now the character starts to come to life. Basic texturing, materials, and ways to add story 

  • Baking
  • Texturing the Costume
  • Texturing the Face

Week 7

Rendering with Unreal Engine

 Assembling the character model and textures in Unreal Engine, creating materials, lighting, and rendering.

  • Exporting to Unreal
  • Materials in Unreal
  • The Eyes

Week 8

The Final Presentation

Putting it all together and showcasing the character to maximise impact.

     
  • Posing
  • Rendering with Path tracing
  • Posting on ArtStation

Industry Experts

Interviews from Industry Experts from Major Games & Studios

Marco Plouffe
Renaud Galand
Sefki Ibrahim
Hazel Brown
Jared Chavez
Justin Holt
Hanno Hagedorn
Patrick 4D

What students have said

all testimonials

Your Best Character.

Guaranteed.

Our 100% Satisfaction & Money-Back Promise

 

We want the investment in this course to be an absolute no-brainer for you - if you’re serious 😉

"serious" technically involves (a) completing the first two modules of lessons, and (b) submitting at least 1 update for feedback. If you've done those things, and for whatever reason aren't 100% happy with your experience, drop us an email (within 60 days of the start of the class) and we'll happily refund your entire payment. However, please note that the money-back guarantee only applies if you actually do the work and complete some of your project. If you don't do the work, you won't get any value from the class, and you'll have taken a place away from someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

There's no such thing as a dumb question.

Join the class today!