If I Were Starting 3D in 2025

3 Things I’d Do Differently

31 October 2025

Ross Plemya Creator

When I think back to my early days in 3D, I smile - mostly because I had no idea what I was doing.
I was jumping between SketchUp, Blender, Revit, and a dozen random YouTube tutorials, thinking I was “learning 3D.”
In reality, I was just running in circles.

If I could start again in 2025, with everything I know now, I’d do just three things differently.
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And if you’re just starting out - these three choices could save you years of confusion.

1. I’d Start Immediately - and Go All-In on 3ds Max + Corona Render

No SketchUp detours. No “maybe I’ll try Blender first.”
Straight to 3ds Max and Corona Render.

Why?
Because this combo is the backbone of the professional ArchViz industry.
Every major studio, every serious client, every top-tier freelancer I know - they all speak this language.

It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about mastering the tools that pay the bills.

When you learn 3ds Max + Corona Render, you’re stepping into an ecosystem with:

If I had started there, I’d have cut my learning curve in half.

2. I’d Take a Structured Course - Not Just Watch Random YouTube Videos

Here’s the mistake I made:
I thought watching tutorials on YouTube was the same as learning.

It’s not.

YouTube is great for inspiration and small tricks - but it’s terrible for building a foundation.
Most tutorials skip the “why.” They show you which buttons to click, but not how to think like a visualizer.

A good course does the opposite.
It builds your mindset, your eye, and your process.

If I were starting now, I’d pick a course run by someone who owns a real studio, not just a teacher.
Someone who’s delivered projects to actual clients, faced real deadlines, and knows what quality looks like in the market.

That’s exactly what I built inside Plemya School - a place where you don’t just learn to make pretty renders,
you learn how to turn 3D into a career.

Learning 3D isn’t hard.
Building a real career out of it is.
That’s where experience matters.

3. I’d Join a Studio Before Going Freelance

If you’re just starting out, freelancing might sound like freedom.
Work from home, set your own hours, charge your own rates.

But in reality, freelancing without experience is a trap.
You’ll waste months trying to find clients, undercharge for your work, and feel like you’re not progressing.

If I could redo it, I’d find a top studio in my city or country and apply - even as an intern.
That’s where you’ll learn how professionals think, communicate, and deliver.

You’ll understand:

To get that first job, I’d create just 2-4 strong exterior renders for my portfolio.
Exteriors usually pay more and show clients that you understand composition, lighting, and scale — the pillars of realism.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll be ready for both the studio and freelance worlds.
You’ll have real work experience, a portfolio that speaks for itself, and clarity about where you want to grow next.

The Shortcut I Wish I Had

If you’re a beginner reading this — remember:
Your biggest advantage is that you’re starting now.

All you need is clarity - and the courage to begin.

So here’s my invitation:
If you’re starting your 3D journey, send me your questions in a DM on Instagram.​
I read every message personally.
And if I can, I’ll record a video answering your question - so others can learn too.

Let’s make 2025 the year you stop watching - and start creating.

- Ross Plemya​
Founder, Plemya School
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​Real-world 3D training for artists who want to build a career, not just a render.