Academic Phoenix +
@academicphoenix.bsky.social
I'm Monica, aka Academic Phoenix. I'm an artist, art director, and educator sharing tutorials on Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and more. Creating great art is tough. My goal is to help you master tools so you can focus on bringing your vision to life!
New tutorial is live! Dive into Maya 2026’s OpenPBR shader and learn how to master Base Color, Specularity, and Transmission for realistic, cinematic materials. Perfect for artists who want their 3D work to shine like the big screen!
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/hwGO4SwHKjo
#Maya2026 #OpenPBR #tutorial #3d
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/hwGO4SwHKjo
#Maya2026 #OpenPBR #tutorial #3d
🔥 Maya 2026 OpenPBR Tutorial – Base Color, Specularity & Transmission Explained!
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 7:57 PM
New tutorial is live! Dive into Maya 2026’s OpenPBR shader and learn how to master Base Color, Specularity, and Transmission for realistic, cinematic materials. Perfect for artists who want their 3D work to shine like the big screen!
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/hwGO4SwHKjo
#Maya2026 #OpenPBR #tutorial #3d
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/hwGO4SwHKjo
#Maya2026 #OpenPBR #tutorial #3d
Teaching my Intro to 3D class how to model a cozy living room ✨ Such a fun exercise that covers extruding with a curve, the create text tool, bend deformers, and more. Next up: adding books, plants, and vases to make this space feel alive 🌿📚🏠
#3DModeling #Maya3D #3DArt
#3DModeling #Maya3D #3DArt
October 30, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Teaching my Intro to 3D class how to model a cozy living room ✨ Such a fun exercise that covers extruding with a curve, the create text tool, bend deformers, and more. Next up: adding books, plants, and vases to make this space feel alive 🌿📚🏠
#3DModeling #Maya3D #3DArt
#3DModeling #Maya3D #3DArt
New Tutorial Drop! 🎃
Celebrate Halloween by making a spooky ghost animation in Maya using nCloth, wrap deformers, texturing & rendering. Perfect for adding some tricks and treats to your 3D skills!
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/AyX-asHq4Q8
#3d #halloween #tutorial #autodeskmaya
Celebrate Halloween by making a spooky ghost animation in Maya using nCloth, wrap deformers, texturing & rendering. Perfect for adding some tricks and treats to your 3D skills!
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/AyX-asHq4Q8
#3d #halloween #tutorial #autodeskmaya
👻Spooky Ghost Animation in Maya | nCloth, Wrap Deform, Texturing & Rendering Tutorial #3d #tutorial
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 6:57 PM
New Tutorial Drop! 🎃
Celebrate Halloween by making a spooky ghost animation in Maya using nCloth, wrap deformers, texturing & rendering. Perfect for adding some tricks and treats to your 3D skills!
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/AyX-asHq4Q8
#3d #halloween #tutorial #autodeskmaya
Celebrate Halloween by making a spooky ghost animation in Maya using nCloth, wrap deformers, texturing & rendering. Perfect for adding some tricks and treats to your 3D skills!
▶️ Watch here: youtu.be/AyX-asHq4Q8
#3d #halloween #tutorial #autodeskmaya
🌀 New Tutorial! 🌀
Got messy spiral geometry in Maya? Learn how to clean it up, reduce polygons, and keep your mesh smooth + production ready!
🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/4-ixGk0a4Rc
#Maya #3DModeling #autodeskmaya #3DArt #3d #cg #tutorial
Got messy spiral geometry in Maya? Learn how to clean it up, reduce polygons, and keep your mesh smooth + production ready!
🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/4-ixGk0a4Rc
#Maya #3DModeling #autodeskmaya #3DArt #3d #cg #tutorial
🌀Fix Pesky Spiral Geometry in Maya | Clean Mesh & Reduce Polygons #3dmodeling #autodeskmaya #3d
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 5:55 PM
🌀 New Tutorial! 🌀
Got messy spiral geometry in Maya? Learn how to clean it up, reduce polygons, and keep your mesh smooth + production ready!
🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/4-ixGk0a4Rc
#Maya #3DModeling #autodeskmaya #3DArt #3d #cg #tutorial
Got messy spiral geometry in Maya? Learn how to clean it up, reduce polygons, and keep your mesh smooth + production ready!
🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/4-ixGk0a4Rc
#Maya #3DModeling #autodeskmaya #3DArt #3d #cg #tutorial
Reposted by Academic Phoenix +
California has a great mail-in voting system! Our ballots arrived today, and we’re voting in this crucial special election. republicans are running TV commercials packed with lies. Don’t be fooled. We are voting against the trump agenda. If you’re a Californian, vote Yes on Proposition 50! #yeson50
October 4, 2025 at 2:12 PM
California has a great mail-in voting system! Our ballots arrived today, and we’re voting in this crucial special election. republicans are running TV commercials packed with lies. Don’t be fooled. We are voting against the trump agenda. If you’re a Californian, vote Yes on Proposition 50! #yeson50
🎉 New Tutorial!
Learn to design vibrant papel picado in Maya for Latin Heritage Month 🌺✂️ Perfect for adding festive detail to your 3D projects!
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/Mq00sGE789s
#Maya3D #3d #cg #autodeskmaya #Tutorial #LatinHeritage
Learn to design vibrant papel picado in Maya for Latin Heritage Month 🌺✂️ Perfect for adding festive detail to your 3D projects!
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/Mq00sGE789s
#Maya3D #3d #cg #autodeskmaya #Tutorial #LatinHeritage
🎉 Create Papel Picado in Maya | 3D Tutorial + Free Textures
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
October 1, 2025 at 5:58 PM
🎉 New Tutorial!
Learn to design vibrant papel picado in Maya for Latin Heritage Month 🌺✂️ Perfect for adding festive detail to your 3D projects!
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/Mq00sGE789s
#Maya3D #3d #cg #autodeskmaya #Tutorial #LatinHeritage
Learn to design vibrant papel picado in Maya for Latin Heritage Month 🌺✂️ Perfect for adding festive detail to your 3D projects!
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/Mq00sGE789s
#Maya3D #3d #cg #autodeskmaya #Tutorial #LatinHeritage
☕🐾 Just dropped a new tutorial! 🐾☕
Learn how to light & render an isometric Cat Café in Maya + Arnold. Perfect for giving your 3D scenes that cozy vibe ✨
📺 Watch here youtu.be/6ixY8xkpZfM
#Maya #3DArt #Lighting #Rendering #CatCafe #ArnoldRenderer #IsometricArt #3D #3DTutorial
Learn how to light & render an isometric Cat Café in Maya + Arnold. Perfect for giving your 3D scenes that cozy vibe ✨
📺 Watch here youtu.be/6ixY8xkpZfM
#Maya #3DArt #Lighting #Rendering #CatCafe #ArnoldRenderer #IsometricArt #3D #3DTutorial
Isometric Cat Café Tutorial | Texturing, HDRI Lighting, and Fog Effects | Part 7 | #3d #autodeskmaya
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
September 29, 2025 at 10:04 PM
☕🐾 Just dropped a new tutorial! 🐾☕
Learn how to light & render an isometric Cat Café in Maya + Arnold. Perfect for giving your 3D scenes that cozy vibe ✨
📺 Watch here youtu.be/6ixY8xkpZfM
#Maya #3DArt #Lighting #Rendering #CatCafe #ArnoldRenderer #IsometricArt #3D #3DTutorial
Learn how to light & render an isometric Cat Café in Maya + Arnold. Perfect for giving your 3D scenes that cozy vibe ✨
📺 Watch here youtu.be/6ixY8xkpZfM
#Maya #3DArt #Lighting #Rendering #CatCafe #ArnoldRenderer #IsometricArt #3D #3DTutorial
✨ New Tutorial Alert! ✨
Finished texturing the Cat Café isometric 3D environment in Substance Painter 🐾☕️
Next up: importing textures and rendering in Maya
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/skuVsF9WrT0
#3DModeling #SubstancePainter #Maya #IsometricArt #3D #CG #catcafe
Finished texturing the Cat Café isometric 3D environment in Substance Painter 🐾☕️
Next up: importing textures and rendering in Maya
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/skuVsF9WrT0
#3DModeling #SubstancePainter #Maya #IsometricArt #3D #CG #catcafe
Isometric Cat Cafe Texturing Tutorial | Part 6 | Import Textures and Alphas in Substance Painter #3d
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
September 18, 2025 at 4:21 AM
✨ New Tutorial Alert! ✨
Finished texturing the Cat Café isometric 3D environment in Substance Painter 🐾☕️
Next up: importing textures and rendering in Maya
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/skuVsF9WrT0
#3DModeling #SubstancePainter #Maya #IsometricArt #3D #CG #catcafe
Finished texturing the Cat Café isometric 3D environment in Substance Painter 🐾☕️
Next up: importing textures and rendering in Maya
Watch here 👉 youtu.be/skuVsF9WrT0
#3DModeling #SubstancePainter #Maya #IsometricArt #3D #CG #catcafe
🐾 Follow along as we build our 3D isometric cat café!
In Part 5 of the tutorial series, we dive into UV mapping all the environment assets — a crucial step before adding textures and style.
📺 Watch now: youtu.be/MpZ4w6XzCt8
#3d #3dart #tutorial #autodeskmaya #uvmap #gameart #catcafe
In Part 5 of the tutorial series, we dive into UV mapping all the environment assets — a crucial step before adding textures and style.
📺 Watch now: youtu.be/MpZ4w6XzCt8
#3d #3dart #tutorial #autodeskmaya #uvmap #gameart #catcafe
UV Mapping Speedrun! Isometric Cat Café in Maya | Part 4 #tutorial #3d #autodeskmaya
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
August 7, 2025 at 5:16 PM
🐾 Follow along as we build our 3D isometric cat café!
In Part 5 of the tutorial series, we dive into UV mapping all the environment assets — a crucial step before adding textures and style.
📺 Watch now: youtu.be/MpZ4w6XzCt8
#3d #3dart #tutorial #autodeskmaya #uvmap #gameart #catcafe
In Part 5 of the tutorial series, we dive into UV mapping all the environment assets — a crucial step before adding textures and style.
📺 Watch now: youtu.be/MpZ4w6XzCt8
#3d #3dart #tutorial #autodeskmaya #uvmap #gameart #catcafe
☕🐾 Part 3 is here! We’re adding foliage, signage, a pour-over coffee set, and cozy cat furniture to our 3D Cat Cafe in Maya!
Modeling never looked this cute. 😍
Watch now 👉 youtu.be/Q6uwFxCxAWs
#3d #autodeskmaya #3dmodeling #catcafe
Modeling never looked this cute. 😍
Watch now 👉 youtu.be/Q6uwFxCxAWs
#3d #autodeskmaya #3dmodeling #catcafe
Model a Cozy Cat Cafe in Maya - Part 3 | 3D Foliage, Coffee Gear, and More! #tutorial #autodeskmaya
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
July 31, 2025 at 6:25 PM
☕🐾 Part 3 is here! We’re adding foliage, signage, a pour-over coffee set, and cozy cat furniture to our 3D Cat Cafe in Maya!
Modeling never looked this cute. 😍
Watch now 👉 youtu.be/Q6uwFxCxAWs
#3d #autodeskmaya #3dmodeling #catcafe
Modeling never looked this cute. 😍
Watch now 👉 youtu.be/Q6uwFxCxAWs
#3d #autodeskmaya #3dmodeling #catcafe
🚨 New tutorial drop!🚨
Part 2 of my isometric 3D café series is live 🍰☕
We’ll keep building up this cute low-poly scene in Maya—perfect for portfolios!
Watch now and level up your 3D modeling game 🎮
#3DModeling #Maya3D #IsometricArt #LowPoly #CGI #3D #3Dart youtu.be/UWRVWFinIDc
Part 2 of my isometric 3D café series is live 🍰☕
We’ll keep building up this cute low-poly scene in Maya—perfect for portfolios!
Watch now and level up your 3D modeling game 🎮
#3DModeling #Maya3D #IsometricArt #LowPoly #CGI #3D #3Dart youtu.be/UWRVWFinIDc
Model a Cat Cafe in Maya Part 2 | Chairs, Signage, and Espresso Machine #autodeskmaya #tutorial
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
July 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
🚨 New tutorial drop!🚨
Part 2 of my isometric 3D café series is live 🍰☕
We’ll keep building up this cute low-poly scene in Maya—perfect for portfolios!
Watch now and level up your 3D modeling game 🎮
#3DModeling #Maya3D #IsometricArt #LowPoly #CGI #3D #3Dart youtu.be/UWRVWFinIDc
Part 2 of my isometric 3D café series is live 🍰☕
We’ll keep building up this cute low-poly scene in Maya—perfect for portfolios!
Watch now and level up your 3D modeling game 🎮
#3DModeling #Maya3D #IsometricArt #LowPoly #CGI #3D #3Dart youtu.be/UWRVWFinIDc
Reposted by Academic Phoenix +
I'm teaching a digital sculpture class using ZBrush, demonstrating the power of alphas and other essential techniques to my students! Had a lot of fun!
#DigitalSculpting #ZBrush #3DModeling #ArtEducation #CGI #GameArt #Alphas #SculptingTechniques
#DigitalSculpting #ZBrush #3DModeling #ArtEducation #CGI #GameArt #Alphas #SculptingTechniques
February 6, 2025 at 3:34 AM
I'm teaching a digital sculpture class using ZBrush, demonstrating the power of alphas and other essential techniques to my students! Had a lot of fun!
#DigitalSculpting #ZBrush #3DModeling #ArtEducation #CGI #GameArt #Alphas #SculptingTechniques
#DigitalSculpting #ZBrush #3DModeling #ArtEducation #CGI #GameArt #Alphas #SculptingTechniques
Reposted by Academic Phoenix +
Library Path Post
January 26, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Library Path Post
✨ New Tutorial Alert! ✨
Want to create stunning 3D crystals in Maya? 💎 My latest YouTube tutorial walks you through the entire process—from modeling the perfect crystal shape to texturing and rendering for a sparkling, realistic look.
#3D #AutodeskMaya #Animation #games #tutorial #CGArt
Want to create stunning 3D crystals in Maya? 💎 My latest YouTube tutorial walks you through the entire process—from modeling the perfect crystal shape to texturing and rendering for a sparkling, realistic look.
#3D #AutodeskMaya #Animation #games #tutorial #CGArt
💎Create Dazzling Crystals in Maya | Easy and Fast Tutorial | Model, Texture, Light & Render
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
January 24, 2025 at 10:57 PM
✨ New Tutorial Alert! ✨
Want to create stunning 3D crystals in Maya? 💎 My latest YouTube tutorial walks you through the entire process—from modeling the perfect crystal shape to texturing and rendering for a sparkling, realistic look.
#3D #AutodeskMaya #Animation #games #tutorial #CGArt
Want to create stunning 3D crystals in Maya? 💎 My latest YouTube tutorial walks you through the entire process—from modeling the perfect crystal shape to texturing and rendering for a sparkling, realistic look.
#3D #AutodeskMaya #Animation #games #tutorial #CGArt
Reposted by Academic Phoenix +
Creativity is like a houseplant, not an endless well. You need to seek out sunlight, water, and nutrients in art, shows, music, experiences, and more to tend to it. And just like plants it has its dormant and active periods and you may not seem improvement for some time.
January 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Creativity is like a houseplant, not an endless well. You need to seek out sunlight, water, and nutrients in art, shows, music, experiences, and more to tend to it. And just like plants it has its dormant and active periods and you may not seem improvement for some time.
Bernie 4 years ago and now today. Wild how it all repeats itself.
January 22, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Bernie 4 years ago and now today. Wild how it all repeats itself.
I guess that's it. I'll go read a book now.
January 19, 2025 at 6:43 AM
I guess that's it. I'll go read a book now.
Hi everyone who loves animations! Here is a breakdown/analysis of the new League cinematic. Beautiful, to say the least. 🤩
youtu.be/lhFi7w4J0f4
#LeagueofLegends #nexus #animation #games
Reacting to League of Legends ‘Welcome to Noxus - Bite Marks’ | Cinematic Breakdown & Analysis
YouTube video by Academic Phoenix Plus
youtu.be
January 15, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Hi everyone who loves animations! Here is a breakdown/analysis of the new League cinematic. Beautiful, to say the least. 🤩
youtu.be/lhFi7w4J0f4
#LeagueofLegends #nexus #animation #games
Hi everyone! First post on Bluesky 😀
November 28, 2024 at 5:50 PM
Hi everyone! First post on Bluesky 😀