SYLLABUS

DES 213
Digital Tools in 3D Design

 USC Roski School of Art & Design
Fall 2025 
Harris Hall, Room 112D
Tuesday 12:00 – 2:40 PM

Instructor: Breanna Browning
Office Hrs: By appointment
Email: breanna.browning@usc.edu

OVERVIEW SCHEDULE 
CLASS MATERIALS
RESOURCES



Arranged new -> old.  Homework assignments always due the next class period unless noted otherwise.

WEEK 14
November 25 In-Class 1 on 1 meetings. Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/95770499544. Please join at your time selected on the signup sheet.Homework
 Final Project

    Complete your final project. Submit your files to this Google Drive folder, titled “Lastname_Firstname” by 11 am next Tuesday 12/2.

    Be in class by 12:00 pm sharp next week, prepared to verbally present your work. You will have 2-3 minutes to present, followed by discussion.

    ***REMINDER: FINAL PROJECT DUE 12/2 BY 11:00 AM***

    WEEK 13
    November 18     In-Class 1 on 1 Blender technical help, project check-ins.
    Homework
         Final Project Draft

      By next week, you should have a mockup/rough draft of your final project presentation. This should include all slides (concept, digital images, phyical object images). We will review this draft together in 1 on 1 sessions. This check-in is mandatory and will be a part of your final project grade!

      Check-ins will be held via zoom 11/25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. 

      ***REMINDER: FINAL PROJECT DUE 12/2***

      WEEK 12
      November 11       In-Class No class - Vereran’s Day 

      WEEK 11
      November 4       In-Class 1 on 1 Blender technical help, project check-ins.

      Optional Tutorial: Blender 3 (Add-ons)         Homework
             Progress on Final Project

        Work on your final projects. 

        Submit an update (screenshots, renders, etc) this Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname.”


        WEEK 10
        October 28         In-Class Tutorial: Blender 2

        PDF: Final Project Brief
        Homework
                 Part 1: Progress on Blender Scenes

          Begin applying materials, textures, and environmental elements to your scenes in Blender using the skills learned in today’s tutorial. 

          Part 2: Final Project Writeup

            Referencing the Final Project Brief (above), write 1 paragraph describing your final project.

            Submit your screenshots or renderings and writing to this Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname.”


            WEEK 09
            October 21             In-Class Talk: Worldbuilding / 3D



             Tutorial: Introduction to Blender
            Homework
                         Part 1: Import Content to Blender  

              Import at least three models from your previous work (3d prints, 3d scans, etc) from Rhino into Blender. Explore the Blender interface and basic mesh editing tools. Begin experimenting with how you might compose a scene. Take 3-5 screenshots.

              Part 2: Concept Art

              Referencing your narrative write-up from last week, create 1-3 concept images. These images could depict the “mood” you’d like to communicate or specific scenes/designs you’d like to create in Blender for your final projects. Use any tools you’d like for this exercise (photoshop, collage, generative AI / image generation, etc). 

              Extra Credit: 3D Print

              Print the model you prepared for last week’s homework. 

              Submit your screenshots, concept images, and images of your 3d prints (extra credit) to this Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname.”


              WEEK 08
              October 14               In-Class No materials today.

              We’ll have a group conversation about your kitbashing work, followed by one-on-one project sessions to discuss narrative development and next steps.
              Homework
                             Part 1: 3D scans

                3D scan your kitbashed physical model (the one due today) and import it into Rhino. Take a screenshot of the imported model.

                Part 2: New 3D print prep

                Building on the work from the past two weeks—your 3D prints, digital and physical kitbashing, and our project/narrative discussions—prepare a new 3D print file.
                This new print can be a second iteration of your original, or something entirely new. It should connect meaningfully to your project narrative.

                Part 3: Narrative Write-up
                Synthesize your project narrative. Include the following sections: 
                • Project direction (3-4 sentences describing your current ideas on your project direction) 
                • Narrative overview (3-4 sentences describing your conceptual framework) 

                Submit your screenshots, 3d printable models, and narrative pdf to this Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname.”



                WEEK 07
                October 7                 In-Class Talk: Kitbashing



                 Tutorial: Basic Kitbashing Techniques

                Homework
                                 Part 1: Physical Kitbashing

                Take your existing 3D print and physically kitbash something onto it. Think of this as a small material or sculptural intervention — not a new print.

                • Your goal is to extend, modify, or re-contextualize the object using found materials, color, or texture. This could mean adding, altering, or covering parts of the form to create a new visual or tactile experience.
                • You can paint, wrap, glue, sand, or assemble. Try combining materials that contrast or emphasize the geometry of your print. 
                • Document your process and result with 3-5 high quality photos.


                Part 2: Digital Kitbashing 

                Create a digital kitbash in Rhino using models that connect to your ongoing project ideas.

                • Import at least three different 3D models from the internet (see Resources). Choose elements that feel relevant to your current direction or visual world.
                • Then, combine them into a single composition or object. 
                • Incorporate parts from at least two of the imported models, and add at least one custom modeled element of your own design. 
                • You can modify, merge, cut, re-scale, or re-texture as needed — the goal is to experiment and explore form, not to make something polished or printable.
                • Take 3-5 screenshots of your kitbashed model.


                Submit your photos and screenshots Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname.”

                WEEK 06
                September 30
                 In-Class Talk: History of 3D + New Tools for Modeling



                 Tutorial: Generative 3D

                Homework
                                 Part 1:
                Finalize / Send 3D Prints

                • Double-check: closed polysurfaces, 1–2 mm wall thickness, correct size/units (mm), 75 mm dimension.
                • Submit STL + confirm print order with Galen Labs
                • Bring prints to class next week (Oct 7!!!)

                Part 2:
                Generative 3D Models + 3D Scans 

                • Generate 5–10 models (related to your project) using AI 3D tools
                • Make 5 scans of physical objects (related to your project) using scanning apps 
                • Import the models to Rhino and take screenshots. 
                • Submit your screenshots to this Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname”

                WEEK 05
                September 23
                 In-Class Tutorial: Rhino 3 / Preparing for 3D Printing

                Homework
                                 Your assignment this week is to prepare your model so it is fully 3D printable. Use part/all of your existing model (or build a new one if needed). Your 3D prints should relate to your project narrative/direction.

                Technical Specs: 

                • Check to make sure your models are printable, closed polysurfaces
                • Verify wall thickness: minimum 1–2 mm
                • Export as an STL File 
                • Keep your design under the build volume (specified by Galen Labs)Your 3D prints must have one dimension that’s at least 75 mm. Contact me if your project requires an exception. 


                Submit the following to this Google Drive folder. Name your folder “Lastname_Firstname.”

                • Screenshots of your model (3D viewport) 
                • Screenshots of your model properties (Selected and showing properties panel. Must be Closed Polysurface/Solid.)
                • STL File 

                Note: Your 3D prints are due Monday, October 7. If you are confident that your model is printable and ready, you may get ahead with printing at Galen to prevent a backlog next week.


                WEEK 04
                September 16
                 In-Class Tutorial: Rhino 2
                 
                Homework
                                 For this week, use your profile curves from last class (or new ones if you prefer) to build at least one complete 3D object using extrusion, revolve, loft, booleans, and refinement tools. Focus on making a closed polysurface that could eventually be prepared for 3D printing — don’t worry if it needs re-modeling later, we’ll cover cleanup next week. 

                Submit a single pdf with 6 screenshots in at least two different display modes (e.g. Shaded and Rendered or Ghosted). Name it “Lastname_Firstname_HW4.pdf” and upload it to this Google Drive folder.


                WEEK 03
                September 9
                 In-Class Tutorial: Intro to 3D (Rhino 1) 
                Homework
                                 Practice using Rhino’s curve tools to draw clean 2D outlines of the physical object you made (or are still making).

                Create at least two different outline drawings of your object: 

                • One outline that matches it as closely as possible.
                • One simplified or interpretive version that reduces it to its essential geometry.
                • When you’re finished, take clear screenshots of each outline (use Zoom Extents so they’re well framed) and submit a single PDF to this Google Drive folder (sign in with USC email). Name it “Lastname_Firstname_HW3.pdf” 

                WEEK 02
                September 2

                 In-Class Talk: Embracing Error + Presentation Logic


                 
                Homework

                Part 1

                • Make something physical:  Using your concepts from Week 1, build a physical prototype of some kind. Don’t aim for perfection — the goal is experimentation, process, and exploration.  You may use any materials available to you (including found objects).

                • Photograph the result: in at least 3–5 clear images from different angles. Consider the techniques we discussed in today’s talk including what you’re trying to communicate, quality of lighting/background/context, perspective, etc - “art direction.” 

                • Be prepared to talk about: What concept you were testing, what surprised you in the making, and how the material pushed back or changed your idea. Bring your physical objects (if they’re not too big/fragile/small) and your images to class next week.

                Part 2

                • Install Rhino: Install the trial version of Rhino on your personal computers (free). See Resources for link.


                WEEK 01 
                August 26

                In-Class Talk: Introduction / Course Framing (download pdf)



                Tutorial: No pdf today. Refer to “Image Generation (basic)” on the Resources page. 
                Homework

                • Narrative: For next week, begin developing the concept you will carry through the semester. Write a short paragraph (5–7 sentences) describing your initial idea, theme, or line of inquiry. This should not be a polished project proposal — think of it as an exploration of what excites you, what you’re curious about, or a question you’d like to pursue through making. 
                • References: Alongside the paragraph, create a mood board of visual examples that speak to your concept. Use both AI-generated images (experimenting with different prompts and tools) and reference images you collect from other sources (artworks, objects, environments, found images, etc.). The goal is not to make final work, but to map the territory of your idea: what it looks like, feels like, and how it might grow.

                Bring your digital or physical files to class next week and be ready to present your work. 
                © Breanna Browning 2025