In this course, we’ll create an S&W Shield Plus pistol using the bevel shader pipeline—from reference to render.

Duration: 12 hours of instructional content.

Focus: CAD modeling and texturing.

Level: From beginner to confident intermediate artist.

Pipeline

We will be working through the bevel-shader pipeline without using ZBrush:

- Low-poly (Plasticity): Create a pistol model based on reference images using NURBS curves and surfaces

- Low-poly export and optimization (Blender, PiXYZ): Export the low-poly model from Plasticity to PiXYZ and convert it to a polygon object. Import the low-poly model into Blender for further cleanup.

- UV unwrapping (Blender): Unwrap the pistol in Blender

- High-poly (Plasticity): We add detail to the high-poly model based on the reference

- High-poly export, naming, and materials (Blender, PiXYZ): We export the high-poly and low-poly models to Marmoset, assign bevel sizes to the high-poly materials based on the object’s dimensions.

- Baking (Marmoset Toolbag): Baking maps using the bevel shader (available only in Marmoset Toolbag version 5 and later)

- Texturing (Substance Painter): Creating plastic and metal materials for the pistol with slight wear and tear.

- Rendering (Marmoset Toolbag): We’ll set up the lighting and camera for a striking presentation in your portfolio.

Why take this course?

- “Weapon Art isn’t just about modeling—it’s the ability to tell an object’s story through details and materials.”

- Relevance: You’ll learn techniques that are in high demand at top studios right now.

- Versatility: Basic software knowledge is enough to successfully complete the course.

Result: A finished piece for your portfolio that you’ll be proud to show an employer.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, you will have acquired the skills to create optimized game models with realistic textures and will have mastered the creation of hard-surface objects in CAD using NURBS, as demonstrated by a detailed 3D model of a pistol.