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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
Before Mentorship
Artwork created before starting 1 on 1 mentorship meetings
Art by Stephen Davidian
After Mentorship
Final artwork created during 1 on 1 mentorship
Art by Stephen Davidian
Before Mentorship
early artwork created before starting 1 on 1 mentorship
Art by Kariné Akulian
After Mentorship
Final artwork created during 1 on 1 mentorship
Art by Kariné Akulian
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 10 years. I have worked on characters for games 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.
My passion for CG characters began early after being amazing by movies like Jurassic Park and so did a love for creating videos. In my youth, I made little skits, scary movies, and skate videos using a DV camera that my mother got me. Today, I create content using a DSLR camera and Unreal Engine. Both of my parents were teachers too, and their dedication inspired me. I see what I do on YouTube and now in this class as the extension and culmination of all the things that are important to me. I strive to continually grow as an artist, a teacher, and a video creator. My goal is to make this class the absolute best it can be for aspiring character artists.
P.S. I chose this image of myself because it gives off ancient alien vibes and the mystical power is just too strong.
J Hill
What students have said
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
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.
Create your Best Character
Essential
- All Videos 20+ hours of content
- Project Files
- Unreal Engine Project
- Access to Community Discord for access to JHill and our team of professionals
- Lifetime Access
$395
All the Essentials
Best Value
Pro
$595
- Everything in Essential
- 8 one-hour live class Sessions hosted virtually
- 4 Group Feedback Sessions
- Bonus Guest Q&As
- Digital Products
- Free access to XGen for Characters Mini Course
- Lifetime Access
Elite
$1995
- Everything in Essential
- Everything in Pro
- 1:1 Onboarding with JHill
- 8 Personal feedback videos
- Exclusive Discord Channel for quick access to JHill and our team of professionals
- Additional weekly Elite-only coaching call
- Lifetime Access
Limited Seats
Frequently Asked Questions
There's no such thing as a dumb question.
What skill level do I need to be?
What if I don’t like the class?
Does this class teach me Unreal Engine?
Is it possible to pay in installments?
What software is used in the class?
Can I watch the lessons on mobile?
What hardware do I need?
Can I see the full lesson plan?
Join the class today!
