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The Digital Grooming Artist: Next-Gen Hair & Skin in Maya/Arnold

Course Description

Welcome to The Digital Grooming Artist, an intensive 8-week live masterclass designed to take you through the complete production pipeline for creating a hyperrealistic character portrait. This course is focused on mastering the high-end workflow used in feature film and AAA game studios to achieve believable skin, stunning hair, and professional presentation renders.

Starting with a provided base model, you will learn the essential skills of high-frequency detailing in ZBrush, multi-channel texture painting using Mari, advanced XGen hair grooming, and the crucial art of Look Development (texturing, shading, and lighting) in Maya and Arnold. By the end of this masterclass, you will have a ready-to-render character piece that will instantly elevate your professional portfolio.

What You Will Master

  • Modeling & Detailing (ZBrush): Learn to sculpt hyperreal skin details—pores, wrinkles, and fine surface imperfections—using ZBrush and custom alphas to bring the character to life.

  • Advanced Texturing (Mari): Master professional, non-destructive multi-channel painting techniques in Mari to create flawless, photo-accurate color, specular, and utility maps for the face and body.

  • Look Development (Maya/Arnold): Master the creation of complex, multilayered skin and eye shaders in Arnold. We’ll cover advanced texturing projection, shading networks, and using utility nodes for ultimate control.

  • Advanced Hair Grooming (XGen): Dive deep into Maya’s XGen to create production-quality, next-generation hair, including full grooms, eyebrows, and lashes. Focus on flow, clumping, and achieving realistic volume.

  • Lighting & Rendering (Arnold): Learn the principles of cinematic lighting to flatter your character. Master professional rendering passes, AOVs, and final compositing strategies to present your work beautifully.

Detail

Description

Duration8-Week Live Masterclass
FormatWeekly live sessions (2-3 hours each) with Q&A, critiques, and homework assignments. All sessions are recorded for permanent access.
PrerequisitesBasic familiarity with Maya is recommended.
Tools CoveredMaya, Arnold, XGen, ZBrush, Mari

Enrollment Tier

Features

Price

Standard AccessAll 8 weeks of live classes, permanent access to recordings, course files.[YOUR PRICE HERE]
VIP Feedback TierEverything in Standard Access PLUS weekly 1-on-one portfolio and project feedback sessions.[YOUR PREMIUM PRICE HERE]

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

The course utilises the following software: Maya, Arnold Renderer, Xgen, ZBrush, Mari, Marvelous Designer, Photoshop and Da Vinci Resolve.

This course is not designed for beginners. It assumes a certain level of knowledge in 3D character creation and familiarity with the software used. I'd suggest starting with the basics first and then using this course to further enhance your skills.

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