Advanced Digital Modeling

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Translate a two-dimensional character concept into a cohesive, fully realized three-dimensional character.

• Sculpt facial features, anatomy, clothing, and hair using clear primary, secondary, and selected tertiary forms.

• Organize ZBrush SubTools, versions, and working files using professional production habits.

• Create clean character retopology and usable UV layouts in Autodesk Maya.

• Reproject high-resolution detail and create PBR textures in Adobe Substance 3D Painter.

• Import, shade, light, frame, and present a character in Unreal Engine.

• Explain production decisions and respond constructively to critique and technical feedback.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Final Project	30%
Milestone Assignments	40%
Studio Check-ins and Discussions	20%
Participation and Professionalism	10%

Major Assignments and Deadlines

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Milestone 1: Character Concept, References + Orthos	100 points
Milestone 2: Facial Sculpt Progress	100 points
Milestone 3: Full-Body Anatomy + Proportion Sculpt	100 points
Milestone 4: Character Modeling Lock: Clothing + Hair	100 points
Milestone 5: Production Retopology + UVs	100 points
Milestone 6: Texture + Unreal Progress Check	50 points
Final Project: Unreal Engine Character Presentation Package	100 points
Final Reflection: Final Showcase Reflection	10 points

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
94 to 100	A
90 to 93.99	A-
87 to 89.99	B+
84 to 86.99	B
80 to 83.99	B-
77 to 79.99	C+
74 to 76.99	C
70 to 73.99	C-
67 to 69.99	D+
64 to 66.99	D
61 to 63.99	D-
0 to 60.99	F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is essential because demonstrations, critiques, and guided studio work cannot be fully recreated through written directions. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.

Four unexcused absences are permitted.

Three late arrivals or early departures equal one absence.

Six unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for the course.

Critique days require attendance and participation, even when a project is incomplete.

Students with university-related conflicts must communicate known conflicts in advance.

Excused absences may include documented illness, university-related travel, religious observances, military obligations, or documented emergencies. Notify the instructor as soon as reasonably possible. If you are sick, do not attend in person. Students remain responsible for reviewing posted resources, obtaining notes, and completing missed work.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

• An external SSD, 500 GB or larger recommended, plus a second backup location.

• A drawing glove when using a Cintiq display.

• A reliable three-button mouse or compatible stylus setup.

• Access to Gatewood Lab or working computer that can run corresponding software.