Abstract 3D Art
A course by Ali Sahba, Multidisciplinary Designer and Photographer
Joined February 2020

Combine different digital tools to create photorealistic illustrations from concept to completion
Experimentation is essential for telling stories in a different way. That’s why designer Ali Sahba combines different tools and software in his 3D projects, allowing him to create realistic visual renders that push the limits of contemporary storytelling.
In this course, get inspired by your craziest ideas and explore the possibilities that exist when you blend powerful digital tools in a single project. Take your idea from concept to completion by playing around with shape, color, and composition in a 3D space and create something original. Learn to build on your knowledge and prepare your final imagery for sharing online or inside your portfolio.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 16 downloads
- 97% positive reviews (63)
- 1,781 students
- 15 lessons (2h 35m)
- 16 additional resources (5 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Intermediate
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create an abstract 3D illustration of your choice (the instructor will make a twisted arm) and apply a photorealistic render.

Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn about 3D illustration and software, and for designers and illustrators who want to combine multiple programs and tools in their creative work.
Requirements and materials
To take this course, basic knowledge of 3D programs and familiarity with complete digital workflows is recommended.
To follow along in this course, you will need a good computer with the following programs installed: Maxon Cinema 4D, Marvelous Designer, the Redshift render plugin, and a photo editing program like Photoshop.

Reviews

Ali Sahba
A course by Ali Sahba
Ali Sahba is a multidisciplinary designer and photographer based in London. He currently works at London design studio Man vs Machine, creating 3D animations, illustrations, and other projects for a wide range of digital and print media.
By creating work that is clean, minimal, and colorful, Ali has achieved a client list that includes Apple, Microsoft, Adidas, Oreo, Ritter Butzke, and LeCrobag, among others. His work can be found on his website or seen on his Instagram feed.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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What We Will Do in the Course?
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U2
Formulating the Concept
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The Concept and the Idea
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Mood Board and Assets
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U3
Creative Combination
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Creating Base Model in Cinema 4D
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Bringing Base Model in Marvelous Designer and Simulating Fabrics 1
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Bringing Base Model in Marvelous Designer and Simulating Fabrics 2
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Composition and Lighting in Cinema 4d and Redshift Render Engine 1
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Composition and Lighting in Cinema 4d and Redshift Render Engine 2
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Texturing and Shading in Cinema 4D and Redshift 1
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Texturing and Shading in Cinema 4D and Redshift 2
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Setting up the Render
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U4
Post Production
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Colour Correction and Editing in Photoshop
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Presenting Your Work on Instagram and/or Behance
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FP
Final project
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Abstract 3D Art
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners with no prior experience in 3D or motion design. It covers foundational concepts and gradually builds up to advanced techniques.
You will need Cinema 4D, Marvelous Designer, Redshift, Photoshop, and InDesign. Access to online resources like textures.com, Megascans, and Poliigon is also recommended.
You’ll learn how to blend fine art photography principles with 3D modeling, lighting, and rendering to create compelling visual stories and conceptual images.
The course teaches you how to collect references, build mood boards in InDesign, and use them to guide your creative direction and 3D design process.
Yes, you’ll learn to create, simulate, and export realistic fabric models in Marvelous Designer and integrate them into Cinema 4D projects.
No prior graphic design experience is required. The course explains graphic design principles and shows how to apply them in 3D and motion design projects.
You’ll explore Cinema 4D and Redshift for photorealistic rendering, including lighting setups, camera settings, material creation, and render optimization strategies.



good course, But it can be better if the author talks more about his thought process behind the abstract art rather than showing how to color correct in photoshop and use marvelous and c4d
Nice and beneficial course. Thank you.
Excelente curso, bien explicado y rapido .
Love it
muy buen curso