Topic A: UV Mapping for Products

• Unfolding complex shapes without distortion.
• UDIM vs. Layout: Organising UV shells for high-resolution labels.
• The “Relax” and “Straighten” tools for clean texture application.

Topic B: Shaders & Materials (Arnold)

• Standard Surface: Mastering IOR (Index of Refraction) for glass and plastic.
• Anisotropy: Creating the “brushed metal” look for electronics.
• Clear Coat and Sheen: Simulating car paint and fabric.

Topic C: Labels & Decals

• Using AI (Gemini) for branding: Generating fictional product names and logo concepts.
• Layering Textures: Placing logos over materials using Alpha maps.

Topic A: Product Photography Principles

• 3-Point Studio Lighting: Mastering Key, Fill, and Rim lighting roles.
• Softboxes and Reflectors: Using Arnold Area Lights with custom textures for appealing highlights.

Topic B: The Virtual Camera (Pushes, Pulls, and Orbits)

• Focal Length: Using long lenses (85mm–100mm) to avoid product distortion.
• Camera Animation:
  • The Push-In: Slow, purposeful movement towards a detail.
  • The Pull-Back: Starting on a detail and revealing the full product scale.
  • The Orbit: A smooth, cinematic move around the subject to show form and volume.

Topic C: Technical Presentation (Turntables & Exploded Views)

• The 360° Turntable Render:
  • Setting up a seamless rotation.
  • Graph Editor Mastery: Converting tangents to Linear to ensure a perfectly looping animation without “easing.”
• The Animated Exploded View:
  • Hierarchy & Parenting: Organising parts for independent movement.
  • The Reveal: Animating individual components “exploding” outwards to show internal engineering.
  • Staggered Animation: Offsetting keyframes so the explosion feels organic.

Topic A: Innovative AI Workflow (Using Gemini)

• The Conceptual Partner: Using Gemini to generate fictional product briefs or “backstories.”
• The Technical Advisor: Asking Gemini to troubleshoot Maya errors or Arnold render artefacts.
• AI for Environment: Using Gemini to describe a perfect 3D environment to inform your lighting.

Topic B: Arnold Render Settings

• Sampling and Noise: Getting rid of “fireflies” and grain.
• AOV (Arbitrary Output Variables): Exporting passes for post-processing.

Topic C: Final Output

• Batch Rendering the turntable and exploded view.
• Encoding: Using Media Encoder to create a high-quality MP4/MOV file.

After four weeks of core instruction, students enter a free 1-month mentorship delivered online via Discord. This phase shifts the focus from learning new tools to applying them to industry standards.

• Project Polish & Portfolio Building: Finish or redo your 2 required projects. High-quality submissions ensure better scores and a stronger portfolio.
• Weekly 1-on-1 Sessions: Each student is assigned a dedicated mentor for a personalised 30 to 60-minute weekly guidance session.
• Open File Reviews: Present open project files via live screen sharing for direct mentor critiques and feedback.
• Live Debugging: Join dedicated livestreams where instructors actively troubleshoot settings and fix your project errors in real-time.
• Final Premiere: Submit your fully rendered images or video for the Virtual Viewing Party to watch and critique final reels with the class.
• Certification & Next Steps: Complete the course evaluation and submit all final polished projects to finalise grading and unlock your Certificate of Completion.