SketchUp for Absolute Beginners. Click for more info.

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SketchUp for Beginners is an exclusive course designed to take you through every detail you need to know to get started in this incredible program. I will take you from opening SketchUp for the very first time right through to designing a basic set based on one of my own designs from "The Sandman" and presenting this design in LayOut, SketchUp's sister program for drafting and construction drawings.

Each of the 10 easy-to-follow HD streamable episodes cover one or more specific SketchUp attribute, taking you from complete novice to competent user in less than 7 hours. Each episode is designed to be completed in approximately 30 - 60 mins freeing up time for you to practice what you are learning and apply to your own designs. You have access to the course in perpetuity meaning there is no time limit to complete - watch and rewatch the course as many times as you like in full HD streaming. In the future you can use the course as a reference guide any time you are stuck with any aspect of your design.

Not only that but all the accompanying 3D assets and drawings are yours to download and keep. These include the undercroft model and the kitchen model from the bonus episode on joinery. I am also throwing in a complete James Mansfield timber chart for SketchUp with 75 timber mouldings that you can use in your models.

The methods I teach here are the essential building blocks for the skills you will need to complete my more advanced Masterclass series.

NOTE: IT IS RECOMENDED THAT YOU HAVE A COPY OF SKETCHUP PRO TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE.

All 3D assets are back saved to early versions of SketchUp so that you can open them even if you do not have the latest version of SketchUp.

It is recommended that you also download my scrapbook for LayOut. This will save you a lot of additional time when putting your 2D construction drawings together.

Also please note: you may want to download the font spectre verde from here for free https://www.1001fonts.com/spectre-verde-bb-font.html 

If you do not have this font on your system then the fonts in the LayOut file provided will revert to your own default font. This is fine, but if you want it to look the same as my file you should download and install spectre verde. 

Episode 1: Setting up a Template

(20 mins runtime)

In this introductory episode I show you what to expect fromSketchUp straight out of the box! I'll show you best practice for setting up your own modelling template - very important for when we move into LayOut. Please note that I work in Imperial scale units. You are more than welcome to set your templates up in Metric if you prefer it makes no difference to the methods I will teach you.

Episode 2: Basic Tools overview

(38 mins runtime)

Let's spend some time looking at all the native tools and their presets, from how to orbit, pan and look around your model to using the rectangle and circle tools and how to offset, to guides and moving objects. Every tool is covered along with its additional functions if it has any.

Episode 3: Groups and Components

(20 mins runtime)

Ah the eternal question "should I use groups or components?". Well in this episode I'll show exactly how I use them and when it's best to use a group over a component and vice versa.

Episode 4: Solid Tools and Boolean operations

(29 mins runtime)

The key to really great SketchUp workflows is solid modelling. Master how to make something solid and you'll never have any problems. Boolean operations are the key to advanced modelling, working out negative space and really understanding how using one shape to cut away from another will advance your workflow and put you in a different league to your peers. I use boolean operation everyday, it's how I make elaborate spaceships and complicated staircases and I'm going to show you exactly how to do it.

Episode 5: Shadows and Layers/Tags

(30 mins runtime)

Using shadows to elevate your scenes and using Layers/Tags to organise your model and improve the function of the program.

Episode 6: Scenes and LayOut Introduction

(30 mins runtime)

Good organisation is the best habit to master, by putting everything you want to see in your LayOut drawing into a SketchUp scene you will be able to control your viewports a lot better and you'll gain much more understanding of the importance of good modelling habits and their effects on how the program runs.

Episode 7: Plugins and the 3D warehouse

(39 mins runtime)

Everyone always asks what plugins I use and the truthful answer is that 95% of what I do in SketchUp is done with native tools. There is however a time and a place for plugins and I'll show you how to install them and the ones I use most frequently. The same goes for 3D warehouse. I always try and model things myself but here I'll show you when best to use 3D Warehouse, its advantages and its disadvantages.

Episode 8: Additional Functionality

(60 mins runtime)

Ever wondered what all those extra dropdown menus do? Well here I'll take you through every menu and every function in a no nonsense way that should help clear up any questions you have about them. No need to get frustrated anymore. With my guide you'll see just what every drop down menu and secondary function does.

Episode 9: Using What We've Learned So Far.

(1 hour 13 mins runtime)

Using all of the skills we have learned so far we are going to put them into practice on our undercroft model, from finessing the vaulted ceilings, to using boolean operations to cut away unwanted geometry. We also look at adding extra detail like a flooring layout, stairs and additional arches to help you practice and get used to the workflow. You can apply these methods to any kind of geometry, whether it's a vaulted ceiling or a standard door. I want you to have fun with it and add any details you like from either the 3D warehouse or from one of my kitbash/asset pack libraries (also available on my Gumroad store)

Episode 10: Finalising Our LayOut Drawing.

(1 hour 6 mins runtime)

Taking our model in Layout for the final time, I show you update your scenes, add notes and dimensions and use scrapbooks to supercharge the speed of your workflow. I'll get you started but I want you to use your initiative to complete a drawing. Feel free to send it to me after you have completed the course for feedback and a critique.

Bonus Episode - Joinery Detailing

(36 mins runtime)

For everyone who wants to use SketchUp for their joinery business (and there is a lot of you who contact me all the time) I put together this bonus episode to show you how quickly you can use SketchUp to put together a basic kitchen cabinet drawing. Pulling on all the tips and tricks I show you in the main body of the course I'll show you how to quickly model a shaker style kitchen and run mouldings, how to show a tile splash back, how to colour your model and lastly how to present your drawing in LayOut for construction and how to display it in a way that will give you an edge over your competitors and help you land more clients.

You also get a free copy of my James Mansfield timber moulding chart.