From Zero 2 Hero
Learn the full CG and VFX workflow used in real productions, from modeling to final compositing. Based on the Artstation award-winning “CG 2 Real” tutorial, now expanded into a complete, structured, production-ready course.
Course details
Duration
8 Weeks
Lectures
135
Video
13+ HRs
Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Updated:
December 5, 2025 17:33
Category
The right course to become
a great 3d generalist
135
Step-by-step lessons
Covering the full CG/VFX workflow, from modeling to final render.
16
Major Modules
Structured learning path covering fundamentals, workflows, and real-world production tasks.
13+
Hours of Pre-Recorded Videos
Packed with practical demonstrations and real production examples.
52
GB
Project Files
Devided per modules to easily follow this course step-by-step
Beginner to Intermediate
Perfect for artists who want to build strong fundamentals or refresh their CG knowledge.
Always updating material
Continuous updates based on new techniques and student feedback
Private Discord channel
Join the PXLmentor Discord server for direct feedback, peer reviews, and networking with 1,000+ professionals.
Basic info
- Software used: Maya, ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, Substance Painter, Arnold and Nuke
- Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Course type: Pre recorded and self paced
- Instructor: Cristian Spagnuolo, VFX and CG Supervisor
- Community: Private student channels inside the PXLmentor Discord → https://discord.com/invite/Jka3SGdmRq
Learn with the tools used in real productions:.
Course requirements
- Basic understanding of modelling, texturing and rendering
- Familiarity with node based compositingInstalled software:
- Maya or equivalent, Substance Painter, a PBRrenderer such as Arnold, and a compositing tool like Nuke
- A workstation capable of rendering and compositing medium complexity scenes
You only need basic CG knowledge and the software listed above, everything else is taught step by step.
Intended audience
This course is designed for:
- CG generalists and VFX artists who want to understand the full production pipeline
- Students transitioning into real-world workflows
- Artists aiming for photoreal results and strong portfolio pieces
- Freelancers wanting efficient and reliable workflows
For anyone tired of random tutorials and finally ready to learn the real VFX workflow.
Join this course to boost
your skills and launch your career!
Sign up now for the best deals!
And you will get all future course updates for FREE.
MODULE 01 - How to work with CAD files
MODULE 02 - Import CAD models into your DCC
MODULE 04 - Autoremesh Vs Retopo
MODULE 05 - Modelling
-
1
Use the SkinWrap Modifier -
2
Finish the Headlight
-
3
Final considerations
-
4
Plan the next steps
-
5
Try ZBrush AutoRetopo
-
6
Cleanup the geo
-
7
Use the quad modelling tool
-
8
5x Speedup Model Session
-
9
Final consideration on the fender model
-
10
Prepare the frame model for Topogun
-
11
Work with Topogun
-
12
Final adjustment and overall model view
-
13
Use the lattice modifier
-
14
Use the blendShape modifier
-
15
Model screws and bolts - Part 01
-
16
Model screws and bolts - Part 02
MODULE 09 - Intro to Shading in Maya
MODULE 08 - Lighting & Shading Foundations
MODULE 11 - Lookdev in Substance Painter
-
1
Prep the model in Maya
-
2
Import and check the model in SP
-
3
Bake the maps
-
4
Check and fix maps issues
-
5
Procedural textures with projections
-
6
Decal, stancil and painting
-
7
Texture the leather seat
-
8
Add stitches
-
9
Use the gradient to color your stitches
-
10
Base texture for the exhaust
-
11
Add color variation
-
12
Add welding details
-
13
Texture and detail the handles
-
14
Export your textures
MODULE 12 - Lookdev in Maya and Arnold
-
1
Intro to lookdev in Maya
-
2
Setup your scene
-
3
Curvature and Occlusion Shader
-
4
The sampler info node
-
5
The round corner node
-
6
Mix the bump and the round corner node
-
7
Tires procedural shader
-
8
Tires details in photoshop
-
9
Texture the plate in photoshop
-
10
Apply the plate texture to the shader
-
11
Lookdev the frame
-
12
Lookdev the handles
-
13
Lookdev the main layer-shader
MODULE 14 - Scan your location
MODULE 16 - Compositing
Course Pricing
Enroll today to get the best pricing.
All future course updates are included.
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What’s included:
Got Questions?
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Hundreds of students are already applying the knowledge they have acquired with PXLmentor in their personal and professional works.
What is from ZERO to HERO?
From Zero to Hero is a complete CG and VFX pipeline course that teaches you the entire process used in real productions.
You learn modeling, sculpting, texturing, shading, lighting, rendering and compositing in a single, structured workflow designed by a VFX Supervisor.
It is the foundation every CG generalist should have, but most never learn properly.
You learn modeling, sculpting, texturing, shading, lighting, rendering and compositing in a single, structured workflow designed by a VFX Supervisor.
It is the foundation every CG generalist should have, but most never learn properly.
Why is this course so well-known?
Because it is based on the original “CG 2 Real” tutorial, selected among the top eight tutorials of the year by ArtStation for Film and TV Artists.
It became popular because it was the first tutorial that explained the whole CG workflow clearly, without hiding mistakes or skipping steps.
This new version takes that award winning approach and expands it into a complete training program.
It became popular because it was the first tutorial that explained the whole CG workflow clearly, without hiding mistakes or skipping steps.
This new version takes that award winning approach and expands it into a complete training program.
What’s new in this updated version?
Everything.
This edition includes new tools, updated workflows, improved explanations, corrected techniques, better examples, and a fully structured learning path.
It is no longer a tutorial, it is a complete course with modules, assets and production ready training.
This edition includes new tools, updated workflows, improved explanations, corrected techniques, better examples, and a fully structured learning path.
It is no longer a tutorial, it is a complete course with modules, assets and production ready training.
What will I learn step by step?
You will learn the full CG and VFX workflow used in real studios:
• Modeling and sculpting
• Cloth generation with Marvelous Designer
• UV layout and texturing
• Lookdev and shading for photoreal results
• Lighting inside Maya and Arnold
• Rendering clean and efficient passes
• Compositing the final shot in Nuke
• Presentation and portfolio ready output
You finish with a complete project from start to final render.
• Modeling and sculpting
• Cloth generation with Marvelous Designer
• UV layout and texturing
• Lookdev and shading for photoreal results
• Lighting inside Maya and Arnold
• Rendering clean and efficient passes
• Compositing the final shot in Nuke
• Presentation and portfolio ready output
You finish with a complete project from start to final render.
What software do I need?
You will need Maya or a similar DCC, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Marvelous Designer, Arnold or any PBR renderer, and a compositing tool such as Nuke.
All software requirements are clearly listed inside the course.
All software requirements are clearly listed inside the course.
Can I use Blender or another DCC instead of Maya?
Yes, you can follow many parts of the course with Blender or another DCC, especially modeling, UVs, shading philosophy and lighting concepts.
The techniques are universal, but the interface and tools differ.
If your goal is to work in film or advertising, Maya remains the industry standard.
The techniques are universal, but the interface and tools differ.
If your goal is to work in film or advertising, Maya remains the industry standard.
What level of experience is required?
What level of experience is required?
You only need basic familiarity with 3D.
Beginners will build solid foundations, and intermediate artists will fix bad habits, learn real production logic and gain clarity on the full workflow.
If you feel lost between random tutorials, this course is built for you.
You only need basic familiarity with 3D.
Beginners will build solid foundations, and intermediate artists will fix bad habits, learn real production logic and gain clarity on the full workflow.
If you feel lost between random tutorials, this course is built for you.
Is this course live or pre-recorded?
The course is fully pre recorded and self paced.
You can study anytime, anywhere and repeat lessons as needed.
You can study anytime, anywhere and repeat lessons as needed.
Will I get project files and assets?
Yes.
More than fifty gigabytes of project files are included — models, textures, scenes and example setups — divided by module for easy follow along.
More than fifty gigabytes of project files are included — models, textures, scenes and example setups — divided by module for easy follow along.
Does the course will include updates?
Yes.
Zero 2 Hero receives continuous updates as tools evolve or new techniques become relevant.
All future updates are free once you enroll.
Zero 2 Hero receives continuous updates as tools evolve or new techniques become relevant.
All future updates are free once you enroll.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes.
You receive a digital Certificate of Completion once you finish all lessons and quizzes.
It is ideal for your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
You receive a digital Certificate of Completion once you finish all lessons and quizzes.
It is ideal for your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
How does this course help my career?
You learn the actual workflows used in studios, the logic behind production decisions and how to present work supervisors expect to see.
This gives you:
• Stronger portfolio pieces
• A clearer understanding of the pipeline
• Faster and cleaner workflows
• More confidence in professional environments
This is the kind of knowledge that helps juniors become employable and intermediates become reliable.
This gives you:
• Stronger portfolio pieces
• A clearer understanding of the pipeline
• Faster and cleaner workflows
• More confidence in professional environments
This is the kind of knowledge that helps juniors become employable and intermediates become reliable.
Can I contact the instructor?
Yes.
All students join the private channel inside the PXLmentor Discord community, where Cristian answers questions and offers guidance.
This is not a “buy and forget” course, you have real support.
All students join the private channel inside the PXLmentor Discord community, where Cristian answers questions and offers guidance.
This is not a “buy and forget” course, you have real support.
Want to know more?
Send us an email or book a 15 min 1 to 1 FREE call with us.
We’ll be sure to answer all your questions.
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