Side Quest Levels of Difficulty

How to use the levels of difficulty

Each Side Quest program caters to participants at different skill levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.

To help you determine the appropriate level, we’ve included a chart outlining the range of skills roughly associated with each difficulty level in Blender, Procreate, and Nomad 3D Sculpt.

To determine readiness for an intermediate or advanced-level workshop, look at the skills associated with that level. It's important to note that even if you don't recognize every skill on the list, you can still join the workshop and learn. We encourage participants to choose a level that provides a suitable challenge. Please contact Chris Willey if you have any questions or require further clarification.


Being comfortable…defined

When we refer to being comfortable using software or technique, we refer to familiarity and fluency with the software or technique.

  • Being comfortable means understanding how to perform everyday tasks, utilize essential functionalities, and conduct workflows appropriately and without much oversight.

  • Being comfortable suggests that the person can navigate the software or technique with confidence they understand the general workflow because of experience gained over time.

  • Being comfortable means someone doesn't need to be proficient in all techniques or features but can add new skills to their growing abilities.

  • Being comfortable implies a level of resilience in the face of setbacks. Difficulties are intimidating and can be resolved in time without feeling overwhelmed.


Blender

Blender Beginner:

Navigation and Object Manipulation:

  • Navigating 3D Space within Blender

  • Selecting, Adding, Deleting, and Duplicating Objects in Object Mode and Edit Mode

  • Transforming Objects (Move, Rotate, Scale) in 3D Space

Object Editing and Manipulation:

  • Editing 3D Objects (Vertices, Edges, Faces, Origins)

  • Using the 3D Cursor effectively

  • Understanding global vs. local space in Blender

Mesh Editing:

  • Working with Editing Tools (Extrude, Inset, Bevel)

  • Setting Scale, and Resetting an Origin if needed

Lighting & Materials:

  • Add and Adjust Virtual Lights

  • Applying Materials to Objects

  • Duplicate, Delete, and Rename Materials 

Camera and Rendering:

  • Manipulating the Virtual Camera

  • Understanding 3D Viewport Shading Options

  • Rendering 3D scenes in Blender

Scene Organization and User Interface:

  • Organizing the 3D Scene with the Outliner

  • Effectively using the User Interface of Blender

 

Blender Intermediate:

Mesh Editing:

  • Advanced Object Selection Techniques (Loop Select, Circle Select, Lasso)

  • Understanding the relationship between Origins, Pivots, and the 3D Cursor

  • Using Operators for Advanced Mesh Editing (Subdividing, Filling, Merging)

Curve Editing and Geometry:

  • Advanced Curve Editing and Conversion to Geometry

  • Using the editing tools in the Curve Editor

Modifiers:

  • Applying and Adjusting Modifiers for Complex Object Manipulation

  • Understanding how to stack, and apply modifiers

  • Lighting and Reflections:

  • Working with HDRI Images for Realistic Lighting and Reflections

Rendering and Output:

  • Customizing Output Settings for Rendered Scenes

Materials:

  • Using Node Wrangler to create advanced PBR materials

  • Mastering UV Mapping and Unwrapping Techniques

  • Creating and Adjusting Procedural Textures

Particles:

  • Using Particle Systems for Dynamic Effects (Hair, Fur, Fire, etc.)

Animation:

  • Animating Objects

  • Editing Keyframing in the Timeline

  • Rendering an Animation in Blender

Compositing and Post-Processing:

  • A basic understanding of the Composite Tab

Camera Techniques:

  • Advanced Camera Techniques (Depth of Field, Camera Tracking)

 

Blender Advanced:

Mesh Editing:

  • Being able to create flawless hard surface models

  • Have an understanding of the Retopology process

3D Modeling and Sculpting:

  • Sculpting and Digital Clay Modeling

2D Drawing and Animation:

  • Drawing with the Grease Pencil tools

Animation and Rigging:

  • Character Rigging and Animation

  • Graph Editor and keyframe interpolation, using Keyframe Modifiers

  • Advanced Character Animation (IK/FK, Constraints, Facial Animation)

Particles, Simulations and Dynamics:

  • Simulations and Dynamics (Cloth, Fluids, Rigid Bodies)

  • Advanced Particle Systems and Particle Hair

  • Importing and baking .VDB files

Texturing and Materials:

  • Editing and Transforming UVs for Precise Texture Placement

  • Advanced Procedural Texturing and Texture Mapping

  • Advanced Shader Creation and Node-based Material Editing

  • UV Texture Painting

Lighting and Rendering:

  • Advanced Lighting Techniques (Global Illumination, Light Groups)

  • Advanced Render Settings and Optimization

Compositing and Effects:

  • Advanced Compositing and Node-based Effects

  • Geometry Nodes and Simulation Nodes:

  • Constructing, Editing, and Troubleshooting node based on generations

 

Procreate

Procreate Beginner:

Canvas and Navigation:

  • Creating and setting up a new canvas

  • Navigating the canvas using gestures (pinch to zoom, swipe to pan)

Brushes and Colors:

  • Selecting and adjusting brushes

  • Choosing colors and using the color picker

Drawing and Painting:

  • Drawing and sketching on the canvas

  • Applying colors and filling areas

  • Smudging and blending colors

  • Using layers to organize artwork

Selection and Transformations:

  • Making selections and using selection tools

  • Scaling, rotating, and flipping artwork

  • Moving and resizing selected areas

Text and Typography:

  • Adding text and adjusting its properties

  • Using different fonts and styles

Erasing and Undoing:

  • Erasing parts of the artwork

  • Utilizing the undo and redo functions

Exporting and Sharing:

  • Exporting artwork in various formats (JPEG, PNG, etc.)

  • Sharing artwork via social media or other platforms

 

Procreate Intermediate:

Layer Management:

  • Creating and organizing layers

  • Adjusting layer opacity and blending modes

  • Clipping layers and using layer masks

  • Grouping and merging layers

Brush Customization:

  • Creating custom brushes and brush sets

  • Adjusting brush settings and dynamics

  • Using brush gestures and shortcuts

Advanced Selection Techniques:

  • Refining selections using edge detection and refine edge tools

  • Transforming and distorting selections

  • Using selection masks and alpha lock

Color Adjustments and Effects:

  • Applying adjustments, such as brightness, contrast, and saturation

  • Using layer effects and blending options

  • Adding filters and special effects

Vector Tools and Shape Creation:

  • Utilizing vector tools for precise shapes and lines

  • Creating and editing vector-based artwork

  • Combining vector and raster elements

Advanced Text and Typography:

  • Applying advanced text effects and styles

  • Warping and distorting text

  • Creating text on a path or shape

Digital Painting Techniques:

  • Working with grids, guides, and vanishing points for accurate perspective

  • Utilizing advanced blending modes and brushes for realistic textures

  • Exploring different painting techniques (e.g., wet blending, glazing)

  • Incorporating textured brushes and overlays

Customization and Workflow Optimization:

  • Creating and using custom brushes, palettes, and color sets

  • Setting up personalized shortcuts and gestures

  • Utilizing Procreate's advanced features and preferences

Animation:

  • Creating simple animations with keyframes and timeline

  • Exporting animations as GIF or video files

 

Procreate Advanced:

Advanced Brush Creation:

  • Creating complex custom brushes with advanced settings and textures

  • Utilizing brush dynamics and tilt/pressure sensitivity

  • Creating and sharing custom brush sets

Advanced Layer Techniques:

  • Working with layer blend modes and advanced blending options

  • Utilizing layer masks for precise editing and adjustments

  • Exploring layer effects and styles for unique effects

Advanced Selection and Masking:

  • Mastering selection techniques with precise edge refinement

  • Using multiple selection tools in combination

  • Creating and editing complex masks for detailed control

Advanced Image Editing:

  • Utilizing advanced adjustments and filters for in-depth image manipulation

  • Combining different editing techniques for creative effects

  • Retouching and compositing elements seamlessly

Digital Illustration Techniques:

  • Exploring advanced digital illustration techniques, such as linework and shading

  • Utilizing advanced layer organization and non-destructive workflows

  • Creating detailed and intricate illustrations

Advanced Text and Typography Design:

  • Creating custom lettering and typographic compositions

  • Exploring advanced text effects and styles with layering and blending

  • Incorporating textures and patterns into typography designs

Advanced Animation:

  • Creating complex animations with frame-by-frame techniques

  • Exploring advanced animation features, such as onion skinning and keyframe manipulation

  • Adding audio and exporting high-quality animated videos

Advanced Perspective and Composition:

  • Mastering perspective drawing and incorporating complex compositions

  • Exploring advanced composition techniques for dynamic and visually appealing artwork

 

Nomad Sculpt

Nomad Beginner:

Navigating the Interface:

  • Familiarizing yourself with the Nomad Sculpt user interface

  • Understanding the various menus and tools available

  • Navigating the 3D viewport using touch gestures

Basic Object Creation:

  • Creating primitive shapes, such as cubes, spheres, and cylinders

  • Adjusting the size, position, and rotation of objects

  • Duplicating and deleting objects

Sculpting Tools and Brushes:

  • Using basic sculpting brushes to manipulate the geometry

  • Sculpting and shaping objects with smooth, inflate, flatten, and other brushes

  • Adjusting the brush size and strength for desired effects

Working with Layers:

  • Creating and managing layers for organizing sculpting work

  • Adjusting the opacity and visibility of layers

  • Using layers for non-destructive sculpting workflows

Symmetry and Mirroring:

  • Enabling symmetry to sculpt symmetrically on objects

  • Understanding the mirroring options and axis controls

  • Achieving consistent shapes and forms using symmetry

Basic Detailing and Texturing:

  • Adding surface details and textures to objects

  • Applying basic color and material properties to enhance the sculpt

  • Exploring basic texture painting tools and brushes

Exporting and Sharing:

  • Exporting sculptures in common formats (e.g., OBJ, STL)

  • Sharing sculptures with others or transferring to other devices

  • Understanding the options and settings for exporting your work

 

Nomad Intermediate:

Intermediate Sculpting Techniques:

  • Exploring advanced sculpting brushes and tools for more intricate details

  • Utilizing dynamic topology for adding and refining geometry

  • Experimenting with different brush alphas and settings for desired effects

  • Understanding the importance of reference images and sculpting from reference

  • Implementing dynamic posing and gesture sculpting techniques

  • Exploring creative sculpting approaches and experimenting with different styles

Retopology and Remeshing:

  • Understanding the concepts of retopology and creating clean topology

  • Using the remeshing tools to optimize and refine the mesh

  • Achieving better subdivision and sculpting results through proper topology

Detailing and Texturing:

  • Incorporating advanced texture painting techniques for realistic surface details

  • Utilizing alpha brushes and stamps for intricate patterns and designs

  • Exploring texture projection and projection painting for precise texturing

Mesh Manipulation and Editing:

  • Using advanced mesh editing tools for complex modifications

  • Working with selection tools to isolate and edit specific parts of the mesh

  • Applying smooth, inflate, and other deformations for refining shapes

Working with Layers and Groups:

  • Organizing complex sculpting projects using layers and groups

  • Exploring advanced layer blending modes and opacity settings

  • Utilizing layer masks and alpha brushes for non-destructive editing

Intermediate Sculpting Brushes:

  • Creating and customizing your own sculpting brushes

  • Utilizing specialized brushes for specific sculpting tasks

  • Exploring the potential of alpha brushes and custom stamps for unique effects

Optimization and Performance:

  • Understanding techniques for optimizing your sculpting performance

  • Reducing polygon count and managing mesh density for better performance

  • Utilizing decimation and simplification tools for efficient sculpting workflows

 

Nomad Advanced:

Advanced Sculpting Tools and Brushes:

  • Mastering advanced sculpting brushes and tools for precise sculpting

  • Utilizing dynamic topology and adaptive tessellation for high-resolution details

  • Exploring specialized brushes and custom alphas for intricate sculpting effects

Advanced Retopology Techniques:

  • Implementing advanced retopology workflows for creating clean and efficient topology

  • Utilizing the quad-draw tool for manual retopology and topology optimization

  • Exploring automated retopology solutions and integrating them into your workflow

Advanced Detailing and Texturing Techniques:

  • Pushing the boundaries of texture painting with advanced brush customization

  • Utilizing procedural textures and substance integration for realistic material effects

  • Incorporating advanced UV mapping techniques for precise texture placement

Advanced Mesh Editing and Manipulation:

  • Mastering advanced mesh editing tools for complex geometry modifications

  • Utilizing advanced selection and transformation techniques for precise edits

  • Exploring remeshing and mesh decimation workflows for optimization and refinement

Advanced Sculpting Workflows:

  • Incorporating advanced sculpting workflows, such as multi-resolution sculpting and layers

  • Combining sculpting with other techniques like painting, displacement, and mask creation

  • Exploring creative sculpting techniques for character design, creature creation, or environment sculpting

Advanced Posing and Rigging:

  • Rigging and posing your sculptures for dynamic and expressive poses

  • Utilizing advanced rigging tools and deformation techniques for realistic posing

  • Exploring animation workflows and keyframe animation for bringing sculptures to life

Advanced Rendering and Presentation:

  • Mastering advanced rendering settings for high-quality visualizations

  • Exploring lighting techniques, HDRI environments, and light baking for realistic rendering

  • Utilizing post-processing effects and compositing for finalizing and enhancing your renders