Learn how to transition from a 2D to a 3D artist with this step-by-step tutorial. In this 5.5-hour workshop, Visual Development Artist Tony Ianiro shares his process for designing environments for Film, VR, and Video Games over twenty years.
The workshop begins with gathering reference images and using them to create an environment concept thumbnail through photo-bashing. Tony then guides you through the process of building a New York City set, starting in Photoshop to create correct-scale architectural 2D blueprints. These blueprints are then imported into Maya to build a complete production-ready 3D set in a modular and adjustable way. After building the set, Tony covers the basics of texturing, lighting, and camera setups in Maya. The workshop then moves on to cleaning and packaging the 3D file and rendering using Arnold in Maya.
Finally, you will apply what you’ve learned by creating a Photoshop composite of the Arnold renders. Tony discusses how to use the rendered outputs for underpaintings, rough line drawings, or as a foundation for final illustrations. This practical application bridges traditional 2D techniques with modern 3D workflows, making it an invaluable resource for artists seeking to transition into 2D/3D Visual Development roles within the video game and animation industries.
Subscribers will have access to Tony’s layered Photoshop files, renders, textures, and reference files, which are provided as downloadable project files.
