3D Art

The program gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the process of creating three-dimensional images and animations.

Apply now

3D Art Education

3D Art is about images that can be explored from different sides and angles, unlike 2D images which are “flat” and are usually associated with Concept Art. 3D art helps to instill a level of depth and liveliness in a given image. This is especially important in video games. It can be used to create characters, environments, props and anything in between.

 

Why choose 3D Art?

The overall aim of the 3D Art program at ARC Academy is to build the skills and knowledge in 3D art and animation needed by students to become successful members of a game studio. The program’s highlight is the final semester when students from all programs (Game Design, Concept Art, 3D Art and Game Programming) come together to create a game prototype with a studio producer. Studying takes place on-site at our campus, with classes mostly on evenings and weekends to suit anyone with a busy schedule.

What you get?

Studying at ARC Academy provides you with a wide area of knowledge in game development but the main benefits for you upon graduation are:

Certificate recognized by the game industry

Professional lecturers from game studios

Personalized feedback

Halls equipped with the necessary software and hardware

Working on a real game prototype with a studio producer

Strong Portfolio, ready to be used for job applications

Who is the 3D Art program for?

Our Program in 3D Art is suitable for a wide range of people with an interest in visual art and computer graphics. If you are into creating realistic images and are willing to dig deep into the features of specific software this Program is for you. Studying 3D Art at ARC Academy would suit you if you are not satisfied with creating impressive images but want to make them look “alive” as well.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you finish this course you should have acquired the following knowledge and skills, which you’ll be able to use right away in your work or add to your resumé:

  • You will be able to create three-dimensional models of environments and worlds for games, developing landscapes, architectural settings, and objects to create atmosphere and visual depth.
  • You will work with software such as Blender and Substance Painter—essential tools in the gaming industry.
  • You will create three-dimensional models of characters, creatures, and costumes, mastering the skills of sculpting, modeling, and texturing figures with unique designs and characteristics.
  • You will master the entire process of game creation—from conceptual development to the realization of a prototype (demo).
  • You will learn the basics of animation and animate three-dimensional models of characters, creatures, objects, and special effects for games.
  • You will be fully prepared to meet the industry demands as 3D artists and to build a successful career in this sector.

What would you study?

Curriculum

The 3D Art program at ARC Academy is a 2-year (4 semester) program. During the course, you will acquire the knowledge, skills and techniques to work in the field of 3D art and learn how to use 3D image creation software used in the game industry.

Select way of study

First semester

During the first semester, you will study the fundamentals of art, 3D modeling and animation.

  • Intro
  • Production
  • 3D Art (Intro)
  • Composition
  • Perspective
  • Anatomy
  • Live Drawing
  • Digital Painting (Intro)
  • Traditional Animations (Intro)

Second semester

In the second semester, you will dive deeper into the 3D modeling of characters and environment. You will get acquainted with digital sculpture and consolidate your knowledge of animation. The topics covered by this period of the program are:

  • Assistance
  • Soft Skills
  • Game Engines (Intro)
  • Chr. Modelling
  • Env. Modelling
  • Animation

Third semester

During the third semester, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in the field of 3D Art.

  • Project Structure
  • Game Engines (Advanced)
  • UI/UX Design
  • Advance Chr. Concept Modelling
  • Advance Env. Concept Modelling

Fourth Semester: Game Lab

The program ends with a Game Lab. In it, the students unite in creating a video game, where everyone contributes with the acquired skills and career roles that they seek to develop. Students with a 3D Art profile are involved in creating the levels, environment and animations of the sub-profile in which they specialize. Working during the Game Lab allows you to learn through your own experience what the process of developing a video game is.

Meet the Lecturers

Our classes are taught by seasoned professionals who are willing to transfer industry know-how to the younger generation. The teaching process is interactive and mostly practice-oriented. That is why lecturers follow closely each student’s progress and provide personalized feedback.

Ivan Koritarev Concept Artist

Borislav Bogdanov Art Director

Emil Sergiev 3D Artist

Evgeny Tenev Lead Game Producer

Ivan Spassov 3D Artist, Snapshot Games

Dilyan Nedelchev Concept Artist

Anthony Christov Co-founder, ARC Academy

Anton Markov CGI Artist

Petar Atanasov 3D Artist

Anatoli Bovyanski 2D Artist

Stefan Vassilev Senior Gameplay Programmer, Bloober Team

Radoslav Koynov Staff UX Designer, Fortis Games

Nikolay Stanchev Senior Technical Artist, UPP a.s.

Bilyana Stremska Life drawing and gesture sketching

Veselina Davidkova 3D Environment Artist and Illustrator

Alexander Nasonov Videogames Producer, iTales

The application process

To reach the admission with us, you need to go through the following steps:

Step 1

Application

The application includes: personal information, your CV, a portfolio and motivation for studying at the Academy. You should also attach your certificate of English language proficiency.

Step 2

Interview

The interview is your chance to concisely present yourself as a quality candidate for ARC Academy.

Step 3

Practical Task

As a final step, you will be given a task with specific conditions, depending on the program you have chosen.

Apply now

Foundations in Digital Arts

  • 6 months
  • Preliminary course
  • Distance

This program provides fundamental knowledge and skills in traditional art, helping you to apply them to digital drawing. It’s a great starting point for those looking to build a portfolio and feel more confident in continuing their education in art programs.

Learn more

Tuition fees

Learn more about Fees and Funding

First academic year

First fee

50% of the first academic year fee with the submission of the documents (this guarantees your place in the program)

On-campus

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian and EU Students

Distance learning

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian Students

2 880 Euro for International students (EU and Non-EU students)

Second fee

Fee 2: 50% of the fee for the first academic year – (until September 15, 2025)

On-campus

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian and EU Students

Distance learning

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian Students

2 880 Euro for International students (EU and Non-EU students)

Second academic year

First fee

Fee 1: 50% of the fee for the second academic year – (until July 15, 2025)

On-campus

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian and EU Students

Distance learning

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian Students

2 880 Euro for International students (EU and Non-EU students)

Second fee

Fee 2: 50% of the fee for the first academic year – (until September 15, 2026)

On-campus

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian and EU Students

Distance learning

2 400 Euro for Bulgarian Students

2 880 Euro for International students (EU and Non-EU students)

Learn more about Fees and Funding

Alumni stories

Thousands of students have gone through the ARC Academy experience. Here are a few of their stories:

All Stories

Teodor Kalamov

Concept Artist, Haemimont Games

“Our tutors were professionals with experience in the field and they introduced me to the expectations and realities of the industry. I was kind of armed with the knowledge to figure out how to prepare and what to put in my portfolio, which ultimately helped me land a job.”

Mihail Ivanov

2D Concept Designer, Evolution Engineering Bulgaria

“I started working even before I graduated from the Academy, but the professionalism of the lecturers, the advice and knowledge they gave me during the training unlocked in me the desire to develop, learn and improve every day. With this attitude comes self-confidence and confidence in what you do and you show it when you apply for a job position. Everything else is a matter of a lot of work and a little luck.”

All Stories

Game Lab

ARC Academy students complete their studies with a practical project, developing a video game as a team. Each participant contributes with their acquired skills, taking on a role that aligns with their career goals—ranging from designers to 2D and 3D artists. Under the guidance of mentors, they create their first game by following the real workflow of an indie studio. This approach not only enhances their technical and creative abilities but also prepares them for the dynamics of the professional environment.

All projects

Yunache – Game of Class 2024

Candy Chaos – Class of 2024

Actia – Class 2023

Mesozoic Mayhem – Class 2023

Chainer – Class of 2022

CAIM – Class of 2020/2021

All projects

Partners

Apply now and start your gaming and creative career with ARC Academy!

Apply during Early Admission (until March 31) to take advantage of special opportunities for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Ready to take your education further? Head to our secure application process and submit an application for admission.

More about our Admissions

Got a question?

Book a free consultation with the ARC team

If you’d like more information on the application process, admission requirements or enrollment, feel free to write to us and a team representative will get in touch with you shortly.

Contacts