# UK CG training
Learn 3D, VFX, animation, and motion graphics.
Independent UK reviews of Blender, Maya, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Escape Studios, CGMA, and every serious CG course in 2026. Read before you spend a pound.
01 Independent editorial
02 UK salary + career context
03 Affiliate-disclosed on every review
04 Updated 2026
# software / zbrush
Best ZBrush courses in 2026: UK learner’s guide.
ZBrush is Maxon’s digital sculpting standard. Every character artist at Framestore, DNEG, Weta FX, ILM London and Aardman uses it. Blender’s sculpting has caught up on the low end. ZBrush still owns the high-poly detail work that Soho VFX and AAA games ship.
Skill level: intermediate (Blender-sculpting-first for absolute beginners) £328/yr subscription, £838 perpetual, 30-day free trial
Typical career use.
ZBrush is the character and creature sculpting standard across UK VFX (Framestore, DNEG, MPC, Cinesite), UK animation (Aardman, Blue Zoo, Passion) and games (Rockstar North, Creative Assembly, Sumo Digital). The pipeline is ZBrush for high-poly sculpt, Maya for retopo and rig, Substance Painter for texture, then Nuke / Unreal for the render / integration. Junior character artists in Soho land at £26,000 to £34,000, mid-level £38,000 to £55,000, senior £55,000 to £85,000. Freelance day rates for high-poly creature work are among the highest in the pipeline.
Related courses worth your time.
- CGMA character sculpt tracks: £790 per 10-week course, sculptors from Naughty Dog and ILM on the mentor bench.
- Gnomon online character courses: £1,050 per 10-week term, same instructors as the LA BFA.
- CG Spectrum concept + 3D character diploma: £4,800+, mentor-led.
- Domestika ZBrush character bundles: £14 to £99 per course, good foundational sculpt path.