Over the past couple of decades, we’ve seen an uptick in consumer-level hardware and software options for virtual reality (VR). And we’re finding new applications for it, including everything from playing video games to attending classes.
One relatively new application is VR-based 3D modeling, and thanks to a slate of software options, it has been rising in popularity. Makers can take their 3D designs to the next level with an immersive design process unlike any that can be had on a 2D screen.
Gravity Sketch is among the popular VR-based design tools, and since it represents a new way of modeling, we’ve compiled a list of the best tutorials to help you get started as well as build up your skills.
Ready to be immersed?
In App
As is often the case when learning a new modeling software, sometimes the best way to begin is to jump right in and get hands-on. Gravity Sketch’s in-app tutorials cover a wide range of topics, including how to use the program and the basics of the modeling workflow. “First Sketch Experience“, for example, shows users the ropes by walking them through creating a motorcycle and demonstrating the basic tools used to create the geometry.
- Level: Beginner
- Tutorial: In app
- Length: Varies
Features Overview
Gravity Sketch offers a variety of sketching and drawing tools, allowing you to model anything you can put your mind to. Learning a new program and all of its features can be overwhelming for beginners. This tutorial by The Spatial Canvas helps by walking viewers through each sketch feature, its function as well as how to use it. In addition to the feature set, the video offers an introduction to the fundamental principles of modeling, including vertex points and surface subdivision.
Some have commented that viewing this tutorial is especially helpful because it walks you through the creation of models using all of the program’s specialized geometry and appearance editing tools.
- Level: Beginner
- Tutorial: The Spatial Canvas via YouTube
- Length: ~50 minutes
Character Design
One of the most popular use cases for 3D modeling software is the creation of custom characters and creatures. With Gravity Sketch, you can easily create complex characters with its set of geometry and SubD tools. SouthernGFX walks you through each step of the creative process and covers how to use the tools while creating an alien character from scratch.
The tutorial is great for those who want to learn the character design workflow for Gravity Sketch but don’t know where to start. SouthernGFX also has videos on other Gravity Sketch topics, such as its SubD toolset and more advanced modeling techniques.
- Level: Beginner
- Tutorial: SouthernGFX via YouTube
- Length: ~36 mins
3D Printing
As with any 3D modeling platform, Gravity Sketch offers a great workflow for creating models to be 3D printed. From practical models to more creative designs, models can be easily sketched, then exported to a slicing software for printing.
The Gravity Sketch YouTube channel has an easy-to-follow tutorial for using a slicer in combination with Gravity Sketch and walks viewers through the process of exporting a model. If you prefer an infographic format, students from Tufts University created this simple tutorial for exporting it via Gravity Sketch’s LandingPad.
- Level: Beginner
- Tutorial: Gravity Sketch via YouTube
- Length: ~3 minutes
Game Design
Some users have found Gravity Sketch to be especially useful when designing intricate 3D levels for video games. The ability to interact with models in VR allows developers to get up close to precise details.
The Spatial Canvas offers a great tutorial on game-level design for beginners and walks viewers through the creation of a mountainous environment complete with foliage, boulders, and color shading. The tutorial takes into account the gaming experience by focusing on how to design levels to be fun and enjoyable to play. Exporting models for use in game development software is also covered.
- Level: Beginner
- Tutorial: The Spatial Canvas via YouTube
- Length: ~1 hour 15 mins
Automotive Design
Gravity Sketch is proving to be great for the automotive design. The internet abounds with examples of vehicles designed with the software. This tutorial series by the CarDesign.Academy shows you how to do it as well.
There are nine course available that take viewers through the different steps of creating a car model, including vehicle architecture to the design of the interior and exterior. There are also special segments on the SubD modeling toolset, which can be used to create fine details.
- Level: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
- Tutorials: CarDesign.Academy
- Length: Varies
Concept Art
Gravity Sketch has also been taken up by concept artists working in the entertainment industry. Some use the software to establish the basic shapes and forms of the object, then export the model to other programs to further develop the image.
If you’d like to give it a try, this three-part tutorial by Colie Wertz covers the fundamentals of creating concept art with Gravity Sketch in combination with a few other programs. Nearly 6,000 people have already taken it.
- Level: Intermediate
- Tutorial: Colie Wertz via ArtStation
- Length: ~3 hours 30 mins
Footwear Design
Footwear designers have also been warming up to Gravity Sketch. The official YouTube channel offers a tutorial that walks you through the workflow of creating a custom pair of sneakers inspired by animals. The facilitator talks about the design process in general, from concept to completed model.
There’s another cool series created by Tom Humphrey Studios that gets into the nitty gritty of modeling footwear in Gravity Sketch. The designer models a shoe from start to finish, all while narrating his thought process for each design decision.
The series assumes viewers know the interface and are familiar with all the tools, so beginners should probably start with the Gravity Sketch tutorial, as it has more navigation instructions. Nevertheless, both tutorials are a great starting point for designers who want to check out the footwear applications of the software.
- Level: Intermediate
- Tutorials: Gravity Sketch via YouTube, Tom Humphrey Studios via YouTube
- Length: ~2 hours each
Model Cleanup
Although Gravity Sketch can be used to create great models, it may be necessary to clean up or alter the models in other software before moving on to the next step in the design pipeline. Many users export the model to Blender, where the necessary changes are made.
This tutorial by The Spatial Canvas shows you how to do just that. The video walks users through the process of exporting models to Blender, then demonstrates how to find and fix any issues using Blender tools such as the UV Editor.
- Level: Intermediate
- Tutorial: The Spatial Canvas via YouTube
- Length: ~9 mins
AI-Generated Images to 3D Models
Thanks to recent advancements, AI-generated art has taken the internet by storm. Stunning artwork can be created in seconds using an art generation engine, such as Midjourney or Dall-E. The output of those tools are typically 2D images, but the images can be used to create 3D models using Blender and Gravity Sketch together.
This tutorial by James Robbins demonstrates the process with an AI-generated image of a helmet. The image is translated into a 3D model in Blender, cleaned up, then exported to Gravity Sketch for further transformation. With over 380,000 views, this technique seems to have struck a chord with many 3D artists.
- Level: Advanced
- Tutorial: James W Robbins via YouTube
- Length: ~8 minutes
License: The text of "The Best Gravity Sketch Tutorials" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.