Take Your CAD From Ordinary To EXTRAORDINARY!!
Unlock your creative potential with courses from our New Approach CAD Academy! Our innovative classes teach you the art of cutting-edge jewelry design, harnessing industry leading software like MatrixGold and ZBrush. Learn problem solving skills through project-based lessons in our dynamic learning environment - providing you a competitive advantage!
Our revolutionary CAD program will take you beyond ordinary (cookie cutter) designs, allowing you to add creativity & uniqueness to each piece of work. Using both dynamic commands (parametric) and Rhino 3D's surface modelling commands, you will learn to design extraordinary jewelry in the MatrixGold environment. Add ZBrush and the possibilities are limitless - unlocking your fullest design potential.
We aim to produce CADsmiths, as all too often, CAD designers don't know how to make proper jewelry. It's a huge problem for our industry but we are here to fix that and provide you with an educational experience that is second to none.
This is a 1 week course that explores the basic MatrixGold 3.1 toolset needed to begin modeling jewelry in 3D. No prerequisite.
Learn to navigate MatrixGold’s interface while exploring its exciting parametric modeling tools (Dynamic Commands) in depth. We also cover basic Rhino commands, simple rendering, and import/exporting of mesh files.
- September 4 - 8, 2023
- November 6 - 10, 2023
Tuition: $1,400
MatrixGold Essence
This is a 2 week intensive course that covers both MatrixGold 3.1 toolset and additional Rhino 3D commands/principles needed to begin modeling well-constructed jewelry in 3D. No prerequisite.
Learn everything you would in the MatrixGold Primer and so much more as we add powerful Rhino 3D concepts to the mix. Create superior surfaces with sound curvature continuity methods while exploring most NURBS surface creation tools and the new SubD toolset. We also cover rendering/animation techniques, workspace customization, import/exporting of mesh files, 3D printing, and even an introduction to ZBrush.
Schedule:
- April 24 - May 5, 2023
- June 5 - 16, 2023
- July 10 - 21, 2023
- August 21 - September 1, 2023
Tuition: $2,800
Fundamental ZBrush
This is a 1 week course that explores the vast ZBrush interface and introduces its unique approach to modeling. No prerequisite.
Learn to manipulate and digitally sculpt on your jewelry models as if it were clay. Make your digital jewelry stand out by giving them a unique "hand-made" look. We also cover how to use ZBrush as a companion to other 3D software (like Rhino 3D/MatrixGold) to take your designs to the next level. Finally, learn to avoid common design and production disasters by using ZBrush’s powerful plug-ins to repair bad mesh topology.
Schedule:
May 8 - 12, 2023
Tuition: $1,400
Essential ZBrush
This is a 1 week course that explores the principles needed to create organic and sculpted custom models for the jewelry industry. Fundamental ZBrush is required and should be taken the week prior.
Learn ideal mesh modeling techniques using a multitude of brushes and masks to sculpt intricate designs onto your jewelry. We also cover Keyshot 11 rendering to make your jewelry designs stand out with your clients and in your social media posts. Learn to apply physically based rendering materials to your models.
Tuition: $1,400
Dynamic CAD
This is an 6 week course that teaches the MatrixGold/Rhino 3D/ZBrush/Keyshot toolsets and principles needed to create well-constructed CAD production and rendering models for the jewelry industry. No prerequisite.
Learn to think completely outside the box with Parametric modeling, NURBS surface modeling, SubD modeling, and Mesh sculpting modeling all while producing a multitude of jewelry models and refining your CAD skills. Learn MatrixGold, ZBrush, Keyshot and other third-party programs giving you a better hybrid approach to modelling. We also cover advanced rendering techniques, 3D printing, and production standards.
- September 18 - October 27, 2023
Tuition: $8,400 plus Nominal Lab Fee (TBD)
Instructors:
