1. Design & Illustration

Design & Illustration Learning Guides

Discover our selections of the best free design tutorials on a range of topics, all in one place. If you want to brush up your Photoshop skills or learn a new piece of software like Adobe XD, you’ll find learning guides here to help you do that. Or maybe you want something more specialised, like learning how to draw textures or how to paint hair. We’ve got guides to help you with that too.

Just browse through the list and click on a topic that interests you to discover more and to find links to our hand-picked selection of free tutorials, designed to teach you that new skill or software as easily and enjoyably as possible.

  1. Model and Render a KEF Speaker using Modo

    2 Posts
    In this two part tutorial, Justin Mitrache walks you through how to model and render a KEF speaker in Luxology Modo 401. Based on existing reference pictures, you'll begin by modeling the object itself, after which you'll set up standard studio lighting, assign textures and modify the shaders, before rendering out the final shot.
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  2. Next-Gen Video Game Hot Rod: The Complete Workflow

    9 Posts
    Ever wanted to know how the artists create those amazing cars for AAA video game titles? Well here's your chance to find out. In this incredible Tuts+ exclusive tutorial series, you'll follow professional CG artist and teacher Laurens Corijn, as he creates a high quality, next-gen, normal mapped Hot Rod for real-time use.
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  3. Modeling a Luger P08 using Subdivision Surfaces in Maya

    2 Posts
    Hard surface subdivision modeling can be a difficult concept to understand, however as it has become such a big part of today's production environment, learning it has become a necessity. Using the basic polygonal toolset, this two part, narrated time-lapse tutorial covers the process of modeling a Luger P08, and is a great introduction to a standard SDS workflow in Maya.
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  4. Create a Futuristic Airship Scene in C4D

    2 Posts
    In this intermediate two part tutorial, we'll be looking at how to create a futuristic aircraft using C4D's primitives, structure tools, Hyper/SweepNURBS, and the Landscape and Sky Shader objects. We'll also cover how to create simple but effective materials, how to use the Camera shader from MoGraph 2, and take a look at Advanced Render post-effects.
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  5. Introduction to Smoke Simulation in Blender 2.5

    5 Posts
    In this invaluable, in-depth series we’ll be taking a look at smoke and fire simulation techniques within Blender 2.5, and who better to take us through this process than the man behind the official documents themselves, Gottfried Hofmann. Prepare to be amazed at just what Blender can do for free.
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