KeyShot Rendering Masterclass

  • Course
  • 130 Lessons

The KeyShot Rendering Masterclass is a comprehensive course all about creating professional-quality product renderings.

What if there was one KeyShot course that could take you from beginner to pro?

Everyone loves a juicy product rendering! But who has time to learn the finer points of the software to really make that image shine? While there are plenty of basic or beginner KeyShot tutorials out there, few take the time to address all the tools or how to finish an image to the professional level... which is exactly why I made this course.

Trusted by Designers From The Biggest Brands

When it comes to building competency, quality learning material is key. KeyShot Masterclass customers include designers, engineers and other creatives from more than 100 companies from around the world including:

Learning to render realistic looking images can be easy and fun. I'll show you how.

When I created my first 3D rendering in college, my mind was blown. It may have looked like trash, but the fact that I could drag and drop realistic-looking materials onto my CAD models was exciting.

Sure, I had a lot to learn, but it was just a matter of figuring out how to navigate the software. A few years later, I began freelancing full-time, and decided to really focus improving my rendering skills.

After countless hours of practice, becoming active in online forums and selling rendering services to my clients, I became comfortable and even began making KeyShot tutorials on YouTube. These tutorials got noticed and I was offered a position as a Global Training Specialist for Luxion, the makers of KeyShot.

I spent 3 years traveling the world teaching KeyShot to design and engineering teams from some of today's most recognized and respected brands.

Eventually, I left Luxion to start my own small product visualization studio, where I create renderings and animations for my own clients.

I'm fortunate to have found a way to earn a living doing something I love and I want to help as many people achieve that as well. Whether you're a student, freelancing on the side or are a professional with an employer, this course was made for you.

I've used KeyShot for more than 10 years now, and I built this course to fast-track your learning. My goal when I decided to build this course was to make it so good, it would take you from beginner to a professional-level of competency. 

And if you're self-taught in KeyShot, then this course will help fill those knowledge gaps and improve your habits and workflows. 

Testimonials

I think the KeyShot Rendering Masterclass is awesome, but of course, I'm biased. So here are some testimonials from those who've invested in their learning and worked through this course.
"Excellent and for anyone considering this, Will is one of the true heavy hitters in the industry.  If you are looking to improve your skills and more importantly, your understanding of KeyShot and how to get it to deliver better results, this is going to be an excellent investment."

Philip B. - Phasegroup

"Great course, helping me to refresh and systematize knowledge of KeyShot. Perfect density of information in each topic and speed of presenting. (one of few courses which you don’t need to watch on 1.25x :D) Thoughtful structure and working tips, clearly based on personal experience of Will, - make it truly helpful and enjoyable!" 

Kristina L.

I would strongly recommend anyone like me who has a good familiarity with the software but never really dived deep into visualization to try the course. I'm surprised by how much I wasn't taking advantage of within KeyShot, despite working professionally as an industrial designer. 

Ryan M. - Rode Microphones

This course, is in my opinion the best resource you can get for learning and improving your rendering skills with KeyShot. It's professional and easy to follow!

Simon K. - Spectral GmbH

Love the use of feature based lessons followed by projects, really helps you apply and consolidate what you learn!

Luke D.

"I was hooked on Keyshot the minute I saw it. I looked for courses to learn it and was lucky to find Will Gibbons master course. Sooo easy to follow."

Dan K.

Until now I taught myself KeyShot. The course has taught me lots of neat things and I'm not even finished yet. The lessons are presented and paced perfectly. I just wish I had purchased it years ago. It's worth every penny if you want to improve your rendering skills.

Nick P. - Packaging Automation Ltd

The course was really well laid out and very easy to follow along. It was great to see the process from start to finish! In particular the studio set ups was the key takeaway for me. It'll save me so much time in the future and make my workflow far more professional!

Oscar W. - Runnerfly

I was thrust into using KeyShot at a new job with zero training. The Masterclass took my limited knowledge to the next level. I refer constantly to areas of the course when challenged with new designs. Great investment in my training.

George F. - Harbor Frieght Tools

The KeyShot rendering masterclass helped me land my first job as an industrial designer. There is no doubt that this course is worth every penny. Immediately following the class, my rendering skills went from 1/10 to 8/10, something that you won't learn in any design school.

Michael Z.

You know I really love the both instructional and in action part of the class. Also I love the long videos, I appreciate you didn’t trim them or leave it up to interpretation, when you learning something valuable you’ll dedicate all the time it needs.

Efrain V.

Will is well spoken and moves through the material at a good pace. The combination of FBL and PBL is a great way to learn because it allows you to understand the potential of the tools and then apply them in a practical scenario. For those looking to level up their renderings, this course is a great investment!

Mitch A. - Altair

10 years of progress

Compare these two images above...

I'm sharing this to show that regardless of your skills, you can improve drastically. In the beginning, I was NOT good at this. Think of KeyShot Rendering Masterclass as your personal shortcut.

Fast-track your learning with the most comprehensive KeyShot course available

I'm confident in saying that this is the most comprehensive step-by-step course available on how to use KeyShot. And thanks to the unique format, I think it's the only one like it.

Most tutorials are either feature-based or project-based and both come with pros and cons.

Feature-based tutorials cover all the tools and features thoroughly but are often boring. Project-based tutorials guide you to a specific result, but don't address all the tools and features.

I wanted the benefits of both approaches, so I decided to create a library of feature-based courses as well as a project-based component. After learning about some of the features, we'll begin a project and you'll join me as I create 4 portfolio-ready images. This way, you'll have a direct application of the knowledge gained in the feature-based lessons. 

Project-based lessons

About a year ago, I bought a Google Home Mini and disassembled it to create a completely accurate 3D model of it, down to the millimeter. I finished the model in painstaking detail, down to the smallest internal PCB components and wires. My plan was to use this model to create another personal portfolio piece. 

When I decided to create this KeyShot course, I wanted to include a 3D model for the project-based lessons that wasn't overly basic or boring, like so many other tutorials. So, I decided to include the model I spent nearly a year making in my spare time. Not only will you have the model to learn from, but you can use it in any way, personal or commercial without any restrictions (as long as you don't sell it).

What if You Get Stuck Along the Way?

Each video lesson has a comments section below it. If you get confused or stuck at any point, just drop a comment and I'll get back to you typically within a day. You might even find that your question has already been answered in the comments section!

Still not good enough?

Just email me with your questions and mention that you're working through the Rendering Masterclass. I'm happy to help anyone who's bought my course.

What if You Don't Like the Course?

While I have done my best to create an amazing course and describe it accurately, I understand that I can't please everybody. 

If you take the course and feel like I did not deliver on the value I promised, just email me asking for a refund. I will issue one.

To be eligible for a refund, the request must be made less than 90 days from date of purchase.

Answers to Your Questions

What version of KeyShot do I need to take this course?

KeyShot Pro at a minimum. I recommend KeyShot 10 or newer in order to be able to follow along with all the features I show. If you are on an older version, many concepts and tools will be the same. I recommend KeyShot 7 or newer to take advantage of studios as well as the material graph. If you have an older version of KeyShot that is not KeyShot Pro, such as KeyShot for Zbrush or KeyShot for other CAD tools you should NOT purchase this course.

How long will I have access to the course for?

As long as it’s online (at least the next couple of years).

Do I need a powerful computer to do this course?

Of course, the higher-end the better. Please refer to the minimum requirements on KeyShot's website.

Do I need a background in film or photography to take this course?

Absolutely not. There are chapters on how to make interesting images, how to study great work and how to improve your own images to create strong work.

How much experience do I need to have to take the Rendering Masterclass?

None. The more you have, the easer it'll be to digest, but I built the course expecting some students to have zero experience using KeyShot.

What software is used or needed besides KeyShot?

This course walks you through doing some post-production techniques in Photoshop and or Lightroom. You could achieve these effects using some other software like Affinity Photo or similar. 

Can I download the video lessons?

Unfortunately, not at this time. This is a platform limitation.

Can our studio/department share the course?

I can’t stop you… but it’s meant to be purchased for a single user. I offer discounts on corporate/bulk purchases, so shoot me an email if you’re interested. will@willgibbons.com

Can I get a receipt or invoice to expense or claim this purchase on my taxes?

Yes, I have instructions on how to do that included in the files/downloads section of this course.

How long is the course?

There is about 15 hours of video lessons.

Is there a payment plan for those who can't afford the one-time price?

There is not a payment plan for my courses at this time. I have priced the course as low as I can without devaluing the content too much. I understand it may be too expensive for many. I give away a lot of free content on my website, YouTube channel, email newsletter and answering emails and DMs. If this course is too expensive for you now, I recommend you consume my free and cheaper content to help you improve your earning power. My course will be here when you are ready. 

Do you have any student discounts?

There are no discounts for students. Everyone in this course is a student. This is a massive course and it costs significantly less than formal education courses and course materials. If you're serious about building skills as a student, think of this as an alternative to taking another course at your college. 

Table of contents

Course Introduction

Course overview and what to expect
C0L0 - Course overview & contents
Preview
Downlaoding an Invoice.mov

Project Files

Here are all the project files referenced to throughout this course and made available to you.
Project Files
1 Hero Shot Inspiration.zip
2 Model.zip
3 Reference Photos.zip
4 Google_Device_Fabric.zip
5 Artwork.zip
6 KeyShot Demo Files.zip
7 Renderings.zip
8 Presentations and Visuals.zip
License Agreement.txt
KeyPad - C5 L3 Example.bip
Assembly (KeyShot for Zbrush users only)

Chapter 1 - The Blueprint

In chapter 1, we'll
  • Gather reference images
  • Study inspiration images
  • Take a tour of included project files
C1L0 - The blueprint intro
C1L1 - Gather Reference
Preview
C1L2 - Make it dynamic
C1L3 - Project file tour

Chapter 2 - Model Preparation

In chapter 2, we'll cover
  • Details to add to CAD
  • Color and part names
  • Assembly structure
  • Set dressing
  • Exporting CAD
C2L0 - Model preparation intro
C2L1 - Detail in CAD models
C2L2 - Colors & part names
C2L3 - Assembly structure
C2L4 - Set dressing
C2L5 - Exporting CAD
Chapter 2 - Model Preparation: Quiz

Chapter 3 - KeyShot Scene Setup

In chapter 3, we'll cover
  • Importing models to KeyShot
  • KeyShot user interface
  • KeyShot navigation
  • Moving parts
C3L0 - KeyShot scene setup intro
C3L1 - Importing the model
C3L2 - KeyShot user interface
C3L3 - KeyShot navigation
C3L4 - Moving parts in KeyShot
C3L5 - Rounded edges
Chapter 3 - KeyShot Scene Setup: Quiz

Chapter 4 - Materials

In chapter 4, we'll cover
  • Applying materials
  • Linking and unlinking materials
  • Editing material properties
  • Saving materials
C4L0 - Materials intro
C4L1 - Applying materials
Preview
C4L2 - Linking and unlinking materials
C4L3 - Editing material properties
C4L4 - Saving materials
Chapter 4 - Materials: Quiz

Chapter 5 - Textures

In chapter 5, we'll cover
  • Applying textures
  • Texture mapping types
  • Center on texture modes
  • UV texture mapping
C5L0 - Textures intro
C5L1 - Applying textures
Preview
C5L2 - Texture mapping types
C5L3 - Center on texture modes
C5L4 - UV texture mapping
C5L5 - Normal maps
Chapter 5 - Textures: Quiz

Chapter 6 - Labels

In chapter 6, we'll cover
  • What labels are
  • Creating labels pt. 1 - Illustrator
  • Creating labels pt. 2- Photoshop
  • Applying labels in KeyShot
C6L0 - Labels intro
C6L1 - What's a label?
C6L2 - Creating labels pt.1: Illustrator
C6L3 - Creating labels pt.2: Photoshop
C6L4 - Applying labels in KeyShot
Chapter 6 - Labels: Quiz

Chapter 7 - Material Graph

In chapter 7, we'll cover
  • Building materials
  • Procedural textures
  • Every procedural texture explained
  • Utility nodes
  • Adding imperfections
  • Displacement
  • Geometry nodes
C7L0 - Material graph intro
C7L1 - Building materials
C7L2 - Procedural textures
C7L3 - Overview of every procedural texture
C7L4 - Utility nodes
C7L5 - Adding imperfections
C7L6 - Displacement
C7L7 - Geometry nodes
Chapter 7 - Material Graph: Quiz

Project Based Lesson 1 - Material Block-in

In chapter C7 PBL 1, we create all the materials for the the scene that we'll eventually be lighting and rendering to create highly polished renderings. 
C7 PBL 1L0 - Material block-in intro
C7 PBL 1L1 - Material block-in 1 - Table & external parts
C7 PBL 1L2 - Material block-in 2 - Lower housing
C7 PBL 1L3 - Material block-in 3 - Speaker
C7 PBL 1L4 - Material block-in 4 - Antennae
C7 PBL 1L5 - Material block-in 5 - Main PCB top
C7 PBL 1L6 - Material block-in 6 - Main PCB bottom

Chapter 8 - Lighting

In chapter 8, we'll cover
  • How HDRIs work
  • Environment Settings
  • Making custom HDRIs
  • About physical lights
C8L0 - Lighting intro
C8L1 - How HDRIs work
C8L2 - Environment settings
C8L3 - HDRI editor settings
C8L4 - Making custom HDRIs
C8L5 - About physical lights
Preview
C8L6 - Emissive light
C8L7 - Area light
C8L8 - Point light
C8L9 - IES light
C8L10 - Spot light
C8L11 - Light manager
Chapter 8 - Lighting: Quiz

Chapter 9 - Cameras

In chapter 9, we'll cover
  • Creating, saving and updating cameras
  • Camera positioning and orientation
  • Camera lens settings
  • Depth of field
C9L0 - Cameras intro
C9L1 - Creating saving updating cameras
C9L2 - Camera position & orientation
C9L3 - Camera lens settings
C9L4 - Depth of field
Chapter 9 - Cameras: Quiz

Chapter 10 - Studios

In chapter 10, we'll cover
  • The power of studios
  • Creating model sets
  • Multi-materials
  • Image styles
  • Combining everything to make studios
C10L0 - Studios intro
C10L1 - Power of studios
C10L2 - Creating model sets
C10L3 - Creating multi-materials
C10L4 - Creating cameras
C10L5 - Creating environments
C10L6 - Creating image styles
C10L7 - Creating studios
Chapter 10 - Studios: Quiz

Chapter 11 - Staging

In chapter 11, we'll cover
  • Adding primitive geometry
  • Adding models or props
C11L0 - Staging intro
C11L1 - Adding primitive geometry
C11L2- Adding models or props
Chapter 11 - Staging: Quiz

Project Based Lesson 2 - Studio Setup

In chapter C11 PBL 2, we set up 4 different studios for distinct rendering styles and maximum flexibility. 
C11 PBL 2L0 - Studio setup intro
C11 PBL 2L1 - Studio setup

Project Based Lesson 3 - Lighting and finishing studios

In chapter C11 PBL 3, we finish up dialing in each studio adding unique lighting and final tweaks to materials and other scene settings.
C11 PBL 3L0 - Lighting & finishing intro
C11 PBL 3L1 - Finishing studio 2
C11 PBL 3L2 - Finishing studio 3
C11 PBL 3L3 - Finishing studio 4
C11 PBL 3L4 - Finishing studio 1

Chapter 12 - Rendering and Output Settings

In chapter 12, we'll cover
  • Real-time render settings
  • Material samples
  • Render layers
  • Output, file format and passes
  • Render mode and samples
  • Render queue
C12L0 - Rendering and output settings intro
C12L1 - Real-time render settings.mov
C12L2 - Material samples
C12L3 - Render layers
C12L4 - Output file format & passes
C12L5 - Options mode & samples.mov
C12L6 - Render queue
Chapter 12 - Rendering and Output Settings: Quiz

Project Based Lesson 4 - Rendering

In chapter C12 PBL 4, we go over how to pick render settings for our final renderings of our project we've been working on.
C12 PBL C4L0 - Rendering intro
C12 PBL C4L1 - Final render settings

Chapter 13 - Post Production

In chapter 13, we'll cover
  • How to use a depth pass
  • Render layers and passes in Photoshop
  • Removing fireflies
  • Photoshop camera RAW
  • Saving and best practices
C13L0 - Post production intro
C13L1 - Depth pass
C13L2 - Render layers and passes in Photoshop
C13L3 - Removing fireflies
C13L4 - Photoshop camera RAW
C13L5 - Saving best practices
Chapter 13 - Post Production: Quiz

Project Based Lesson 5 - Post Production

In chapter C13 PBL 5, we take our final renderings into Photoshop for some post production to add final touches.
C13 PBL C5L0 - Post production intro
C13 PBL C5L1 - Studio 1 post production
C13 PBL C5L2 - Studio 2 post production
C13 PBL C5L3 - Studio 3 post production.mov
C13 PBL C5L4 - Studio 4 post production
C13 PBL C5L5 - Final rendering review

Chapter 14 - Next Steps

In chapter 14, we'll cover
  • Closing thoughts
  • Steps to take to grow
  • Recommended resources
  • Community
C14L0 - Next steps & parting thoughts