3D Toon-Style Environment Art with Arnold
A course by Calder Moore3D Artist
A course by Calder Moore, 3D Artist
Learn to design, model, and render highly detailed sci-fi environments with a stylized look using Arnold, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D
From movies and video games to illustrations and image renders, visual art has the power to transport us to another dimension. Calder Moore is a 3D artist who specializes in designing environments for those fictional worlds. He’s worked on projects across the animation and gaming industries and has collaborated with clients including Google, Wizards of the Coast, Atheris Entertainment, and The Royal Canadian Mint.
In this online course learn how to create 3D environment renders using Cinema 4D and Arnold. Explore shadows, textures, lighting, and color to build atmospheric sci-fi scenes with a stylized look. Invite viewers to explore your imagination with detailed works of digital art.
What will you learn in this online course?
31 lessons & 19 downloads
The Materials
6 minutes, 47 seconds
The Idea 1
12 minutes, 18 seconds
Arnold Basics 1
13 minutes, 28 seconds
Setting Up 1
10 minutes, 50 seconds
Blocking the Scene
15 minutes, 57 seconds
Kitbashing and Scene Scaling 1
14 minutes, 10 seconds
What's included in this course?
Meet your teacher for the course, Calder Moore. Discover his creative journey as a 3D artist along with his main influences, from sci-fi and fantasy to everyday life.
Take a look at the materials needed for the final project before gathering reference images for inspiration. Develop the concept for your scene and sketch it out on paper, focusing on composition.
Next, Calder introduces you to the basics of Arnold and how to set up the toon shaders to achieve a stylized look. Once you’ve configured the render settings, move on to modeling. Start by blocking your scene and then build it piece by piece until it’s complete, adding details and colors as you go.
Finally, export your rendered image and bring it to Photoshop for the finishing touches. Calder also gives you tips for sharing your work online, as well as some advice on developing your own style.
What is this course's project?
Create a detailed 3D render of a sci-fi environment.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone who wants to learn how to create stylized 3D environments for personal or professional projects.
Requirements and materials
A working knowledge of Photoshop, Cinema 4D, and Arnold Renderer are required.
In terms of materials, you need a computer capable of rendering complex graphics with these programs installed.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
Excelente curso...
- 1 year ago
Curso ótimo, não sabe como é raro achar alguma coisa de arnold toon shader na internet, espero que traga outro curso aprofundando mais no tema como animação, criação de smoke etc.
- 1 year ago
Insighful, beginner-friendly and overall very helpful course showcasing useful techniques for achieving that hand-drawn Moebiusesque (:)) feel. Huge recommendation!
- 2 years ago
Calder goes through every single step and explains his rationale for each decision in a way that you will start to absorb not only the techniques but also the theory behind them to create your own style. Amazing thoughts and detail went into each section - highly recommend to all and a second re-watch even after completing for more little tips and tricks!
- 3 years ago
It is a really great course! more as a tutorial feel but really well explained
Since starting his professional journey, Calder has participated in a wide range of projects, from TV shows and video games to album covers and board game art. Thanks to this extensive experience, he’s developed an adaptable style and workflow that have led to collaborations with clients like Google, Wizards of the Coast, Atheris Entertainment, and The Royal Canadian Mint.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
First Steps
- The Materials
- Gathering References
- The Idea 1
- The Idea 2
- U3
Establishing the Scene
- Arnold Basics 1
- Arnold Basics 2
- Setting Up 1
- Setting Up 2
- Blocking the Scene
- Kitbashing and Scene Scaling 1
- Kitbashing and Scene Scaling 2
- Kitbashing and Scene Scaling 3
- Modeling the Walkways
- Applying the Shader: The First Pass 1
- Applying the Shader: The First Pass 2
- U4
The Main Structure
- The Reactor 1
- The Reactor 2
- Tubes and Pipes 1
- Tubes and Pipes 2
- Kitbashing the Rest of the Scene
- Adding Details 1
- Adding Details 2
- Finishing the Scene: Rendering and Exporting
- U5
Postproduction
- Photoshop: The Final Touches 1
- Photoshop: The Final Touches 2
- Sharing a Project Online
- Arnold: Tips and Tricks 1
- Arnold: Tips and Tricks 2
- Arnold: Tips and Tricks 3
- FP
Final project
- 3D Toon-Style Environment Art with Arnold
What to expect from a Domestika course
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FAQs
This course is designed for intermediate-level 3D artists with some prior experience in modeling and rendering. Advanced experience is not required, but basic familiarity with 3D software and digital art workflows will help you get the most out of the content.
You’ll need Cinema 4D for modeling, Arnold for rendering (with the Arnold plugin installed), and Photoshop for post-processing. Optional: Maya for integration examples, and access to kitbash asset libraries like CGTrader is recommended.
You’ll learn to create sci-fi and fantasy 3D environments using Arnold toon shaders, develop personal visual styles, use kitbashing, block out scenes, refine renders in Photoshop, and apply advanced composition, lighting, and detailing techniques.
A moderately powerful computer is recommended, with a capable CPU and GPU for smooth rendering and scene manipulation in Cinema 4D and Arnold. Check Arnold’s system requirements to ensure compatibility.
Arnold toon shaders produce bold outlines, flat colors, and stylized shading for a non-photorealistic, illustrative look. The course covers setup, customization, and advanced tricks for unique visual results.
Yes, the course teaches you how to collect, organize, and use kitbash assets efficiently to construct detailed and cohesive 3D environments.
Absolutely. The course includes workflows for both sci-fi and fantasy landscape creation, addressing unique compositional, color, and detailing approaches for each genre.