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From Sketch to AR

Creating 3D Models & AR Animations

A Workshop for K-12 Educators

What Kind of Creature?

Creating 3D Animated Creatures for Fictionalized Landscapes

Miami-Dade County Public School Teachers

Creature illustration

About the Workshop

Teachers explore how paper sketches, digital drawings, iPad sketches, Photoshop compositions, marker textures, and drawn designs can become living forms in augmented reality. We begin with imagined environments, design creatures through sketching and layered textures, then use phone or tablet tools to generate simple 3D forms. The result is an animated GLB that can be viewed in AR in the classroom.

What You Will Learn

Materials

Please bring: your phone

Suggested but not required: tablet or laptop

Provided: computer paper

Nice to bring: patterned paper, sketchbook, colored pens or pencils, stickers, small craft materials

Apps and Tools

Two Hour Plan

  1. Welcome, goals, quick examples — fifteen minutes
  2. Character design and sketching — thirty minutes
  3. Image to 3D on devices — thirty minutes
  4. Animate and export to AR — thirty minutes
  5. Walk around showcase — fifteen minutes

👇 Scroll down for the complete step-by-step tutorial

The Animation Advantage

This workshop demonstrates how to create 3D models from hand-drawn images and turn them into AR animations. These techniques can be adapted for various grade levels and integrated into art, design, technology, and interdisciplinary curricula.

KEY CONCEPT: The fundamental difference between video and animation is that video is limited by what can be made in front of a camera. Animation frees you from physical constraints—gravity, proportion, physics, believability—none of these matter unless you want them to. Your students' creatures can be impossibly tall, asymmetrical, squashed, or stretched. Anything they imagine can exist in animation.
STEP 1

Create Your Environment

Draw a quick sketch of an environment where your creature will live.

Think beyond traditional drawing. Animation environments can be made from anything:

Materials to Consider:

  • Textures (fabric, paper, foil)
  • Found objects and materials
  • Collage elements
  • Mixed media combinations
  • Digital painting or traditional drawing

Remember: This environment doesn't need to follow real-world rules. It can be surreal, abstract, or impossible. Let your imagination determine the space.

Abstract environment example

Example: Abstract Environment

STEP 2

Design Your Creature

Create a creature that lives in this environment.

For this tutorial, we'll create a creature with:

  • Two arms
  • Two legs
  • One head
  • Symmetrical body structure

Why symmetrical? It's easier to animate and convert to 3D quickly.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

  • What kind of legs does this creature need to navigate the environment best?
  • Should they be long and spindly, or short and squat?
  • Should the arms match the legs, or be completely different?
  • What kind of head helps the creature survive in this space?
  • How many eyes, ears, or other features make sense? (Hint: You're not limited to human anatomy!)
Think about how the environment shapes the creature. Evolution in animation worlds works just like in nature—form follows function, but you get to define the rules.

Drawing Your Creature in T-Pose

The T-pose is essential for 3D conversion and animation:

T-Pose Requirements:

  • Both arms straight out to the sides (making a "T" shape)
  • Legs naturally hip-width apart
  • Body perfectly symmetrical
  • Standing upright and facing forward
  • All features clearly visible
Draw your creature on a SEPARATE piece of paper from the environment. Do not draw them together on the same surface. You'll need to photograph them separately.

📸 Photo Quality Matters for 3D Conversion

Example of difficult drawing for 3D conversion

❌ DIFFICULT: Not in T-pose, exaggerated arms, busy background

Example of good drawing for 3D conversion

✅ EASY: T-pose, white background, improved brightness/contrast

Why the Second Example Works Better:

  • White background - AI can easily separate the creature from the background
  • True T-pose - Arms straight out at sides, legs naturally apart
  • Clear proportions - Body parts are distinct and recognizable
  • Good contrast - Brightness adjusted so details are visible
  • Symmetrical - Easier for rigging and animation

Pro Tip: If your drawing has a colored background, photograph it, then use a photo editing app to increase brightness/contrast and remove or replace the background with white before uploading to 3D conversion tools.

Take a clear photograph of your creature in T-pose. Make sure the lighting is even and the entire drawing is visible.

Gestural creature in T-pose

Example: Gestural Figure in T-Pose

This creature uses the same gestural, painterly approach as its environment. Notice the T-pose with arms extended, symmetrical body, and how the loose, expressive brushwork gives it character while maintaining the basic structure needed for 3D conversion.

STEP 3

Convert Your Image to 3D

Use AI generators to transform your 2D drawings into 3D models.

There are various image-to-3D AI generators available. Here are some tested options:

Free Options (with limitations):

  • Trellis3D - https://trellis3d.co/online
    Offers free credits to create a 3D model from your drawing with download capability.
  • Tripo3D - https://www.tripo3d.ai/
    Offers free credits to create a 3D model from your drawing with glb only download capability AND animates them automatically, be careful to download smaller size for AR uses
  • Animate Anything - https://www.anything.world/animate-anything
    Creates 3D from 2D images with download capability into different formates AND animates them automatically. Check current pricing.
  • Hyper3D - https://hyper3d.ai/
    Offers free credits and allows for various download formats.

Paid Options (Recommended for Quality):

  • Meshy.ai - https://www.meshy.ai/
    Excellent quality and faithful to original images. Requires paid credits for downloads. Sign up to receive initial free credits for testing.
Fun Experimental Tool: Try Monster Mash - a playful tool perfect for demonstrating the concept and letting students experiment!
💡 What are "textures" in 3D?

Textures are images that get wrapped around 3D models to give them color, detail, and surface properties. Think of a texture like gift wrap on a box—the box (mesh) has a shape, and the wrapping paper (texture) gives it visual appearance. Textures can include color patterns, surface roughness, reflectivity, and other visual details that make a 3D model look realistic or stylized.

📁 Understanding 3D File Formats
GLB (GL Binary)

A binary version of glTF. Single file containing everything (geometry, textures, animations). Best for web and AR applications. Smaller file size.

GLTF (GL Transmission Format)

JSON-based format with separate files for textures and geometry. More human-readable. Industry standard for web-based 3D. Often called "the JPEG of 3D."

FBX (Filmbox)

Autodesk's proprietary format. Excellent for animations and rigging. Widely supported in professional software (Blender, Unity, Unreal, Maya). Good for complex projects. Typically downloads as a zip file containing the base untextured mesh along with separate texture files.

OBJ (Wavefront Object)

Simple, text-based format. Only stores geometry (no animations or rigging). Universally supported. Great for static models. Often comes with an MTL file for materials.

STL (Stereolithography)

Primarily used for 3D printing. Only stores surface geometry (triangles). No color, texture, or animation data. Simple but limited.

🆓 Complete List of Free Image to 3D Model Creators

Here is a comprehensive list of free or credit-based AI image-to-3D creators that offer either genuine free access or free credits for new users.

• Meshy AI - https://www.meshy.ai

Create 3D models from images or text in seconds, with free usage for basic access or image conversion.

• Rodin AI (Hyper3D) - https://hyper3d.ai

Instantly convert 2D images to 3D models; free credits available for testing without subscription.

• HexaGen by Hexa3D - https://gen.hexa3d.io

Free online converter instantly generates 3D models from single or multi-angle images, customized for creators. No signup required.

• Canva Magic Media AI 3D Model Generator - https://www.canva.com/ai-3d-model-generator/

Offers free generation of 3D images from text prompts; integrates with Canva's design ecosystem.

• TRELLIS 3D AI - https://trellis3d.co

Upload any image and generate professional-grade 3D assets; totally free to use with no credit limit mentioned. No signup required.

• Tripo3D AI - https://www.tripo3d.ai

Generate 3D models from images, doodles, or text, with rapid results and professional quality; supports single image input.

• 3D AI Studio - https://www.3daistudio.com

Lets users transform images or text into high quality 3D assets, offering a free platform for creation.

• CGDream AI 3D Model Generator - https://cgdream.ai

Free service for image to 3D conversion, designed for easy asset generation without costs. No signup required.

• LumaLabs Genie - https://lumalabs.ai/genie

Free to use, allowing for unlimited generations (as of early 2025).

• Masterpiece Studio - https://masterpiecestudio.com

Provides 250 free credits on signup for converting images to 3D models; additional paid plans and credits available.

• Bylo AI - https://bylo.ai

Offers a trial with free credits for turning photos into 3D figures and editing them online.

• ComfyUI + Hunyuan3D

Fully free, open-source workflow to locally generate 3D models from images; useful for more advanced users and Blender integration. Tutorial video

• Polycam AI Model Generator - https://poly.cam/tools/3d-model-generator

Allows image-to-3D conversion; basic free access with paid upgrades for advanced features.

• MakerWorld AI - https://makerworld.com

Operates on a points system but points are easy to acquire for free use.

• Dzine (Stylar AI) - https://www.dzine.ai

Provides 100 free credits upon registration and refreshes 30 free credits daily for image and design tasks.

💡 Usage Tips

  • Most platforms allow basic generations for free and paid options for higher volume or more advanced models.
  • For Blender workflows and custom asset editing, Meshy AI, ComfyUI, Masterpiece Studio, and TRELLIS 3D are highly recommended.
  • For no-signup access, HexaGen, TRELLIS 3D AI, and CGDream provide simple conversion tools for immediate asset creation.
  • Remember to check each platform's current credit system, as free tiers may change over time.

Workflow Options

Option 1: All-in-One Tools

Some tools like Animate Anything handle both 3D conversion AND animation in one platform. This streamlines the workflow but may require paid credits.

Option 2: Two-Step Process

Convert to 3D using one tool (like Meshy.ai, Trellis3D, or Hyper3D), then animate using a separate tool (like Mixamo - see Step 4). This gives you more control over each stage.

💡 For Your Classroom:

Consider testing multiple tools to find what works best for your students. Free options are great for demonstrations, while paid tools may be worth the investment for serious projects. Even a single shared account can help demonstrate the full workflow before students use free alternatives.

STEP 4

Animate Your Creature

After creating your 3D creature, you have several options for adding animation.

Method 1: All-in-One Tools

Some platforms handle both 3D conversion and animation:

Automatic Rigging & Animation:

  • Meshy.ai - Built-in rigging and animation features. Your creature can be animated directly within the platform. Requires paid credits for final downloads.
  • Animate Anything - Automatically rigs and animates your 2D-to-3D conversions.

Method 2: Adobe Mixamo (Separate Animation Tool)

MIXAMO - THE FREE ANIMATOR'S TOOL
If you have a 3D model and want to add professional animations, Adobe Mixamo is completely free and powerful.

Adobe Mixamo Features:

  • Website: https://www.mixamo.com/
  • Cost: Completely FREE (Always)
  • Library: Hundreds of pre-made animations (walking, running, dancing, fighting, etc.)
  • Auto-Rigging: Upload your model and Mixamo automatically rigs it
  • Accepted Formats: OBJ and FBX only (use converter for other formats)
  • Export: Downloads as FBX only
  • Compatibility: Works with most WebAR applications

Mixamo Workflow:

  1. Upload your 3D model (OBJ or FBX only - use converter if you have GLB or other formats)
  2. Let Mixamo auto-rig your character
  3. Browse the animation library
  4. Preview animations on your model
  5. Adjust animation settings (speed, trim, etc.)
  6. Download as FBX with animation embedded
Mixamo only supports OBJ and FBX formats for uploading models. If your 3D conversion tool outputs a different format (like GLB), you'll need to convert it first.

🔄 File Format Converter

Some free 3D conversion tools only export in formats that Mixamo doesn't support (like GLB). Use this free converter to change between formats:

Convert3D: https://convert3d.org/glb-to-obj

Common conversions needed:

  • GLB → OBJ - When free tools export GLB but Mixamo needs OBJ
  • FBX → GLB - When Mixamo exports FBX but AR platforms prefer GLB
  • OBJ → FBX - For compatibility with certain animation workflows

Pro Tip: Bookmark this converter! You'll likely need it when working with free 3D tools and Mixamo, as they often use different file formats.

🦴 Complete List of Free 3D Rigging & Auto-Rigging Tools

The following auto-rigger tools for 3D models are available completely free or provide recurring free credits for rigging and animation tasks.

• Mixamo - https://www.mixamo.com

Adobe's free online auto-rigging platform, ideal for humanoid characters. Offers unlimited use for uploading, auto-rigging, and downloading animated models in FBX format.

• AccuRIG by Reallusion - https://actorcore.reallusion.com/auto-rig

Downloadable desktop tool for quick, high-quality automatic rigging. Totally free to use, supports export to Blender, Unreal, Maya, iClone, etc., and adds full skeleton and finger rigs.

• Meshy AI - https://www.meshy.ai

Provides automated rigging (including for non-humanoid models) directly in the browser. Free basic usage lets you auto-rig and animate models with an easy workflow.

• Tripo3D Studio - https://www.tripo3d.ai

Offers free auto-rigging as part of its AI 3D pipeline; supports both rigging and rapid animation tasks at no cost.

• Cascadeur - https://cascadeur.com

Robust physics-based animation suite with strong auto-rigging capabilities. Free tier supports indie artists and education, with AI-driven skeleton and pose setup.

• Anything World - https://anything.world

Web-based platform for auto-rigging and animating 3D models for games and metaverse apps; offers a free tier for unlimited usage.

• Rig Creator (Blender Add-On)

Free beta add-on for Blender aimed at easy auto-rigging, suitable for character artists and quick project needs.

• Animate Anything - https://www.anything.world/animate-anything

Offers 20 free credits per month for AI rigging and animation on custom 3D characters.

• Clothy3D Studio

Includes auto-fitting clothing functionality for 3D character rigs, available with a free individual account.

• Blender Internal Auto-Rigging - https://www.blender.org/

Blender itself offers built-in automatic rigging features for quick skeleton generation in 3D characters, entirely free.

💡 Recommendations

  • For Blender users, Mixamo and AccuRIG are the most popular and offer smooth workflows with Blender compatibility.
  • For animation with physics or complex rigging, Cascadeur's free version is widely regarded as powerful for both hobbyists and educators.
  • Meshy AI is recommended for fast, browser-based rigging of diverse character types, including quadrupeds and stylized models.
  • All these options provide usable rigs for both animation and game development with minimal limitations for free or with easily renewable credits.

Method 3: 3D Editors (Advanced)

For complete control over your animations, use professional 3D software:

Professional 3D Animation Software:

💡 Recommended Workflow:

For budget-conscious educators: Create your 3D model using any tool with free credits (like Trellis3D or Hyper3D), then animate it using Mixamo (100% free) on an iPad or laptop/desktop. This combination costs nothing and produces professional results.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital content—such as 3D models, animations, images, or information—onto the real world as viewed through a device's camera.

Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which creates a completely immersive digital environment, AR enhances the real world by adding virtual elements to it. You see your actual surroundings through your phone or tablet screen, but with digital objects appearing to exist in that space.

AR in Everyday Life:

  • Snapchat and Instagram filters that add digital effects to your face
  • Pokémon GO placing creatures in your neighborhood
  • IKEA's app letting you preview furniture in your room
  • Navigation apps showing directions overlaid on street views
  • Museum exhibits bringing artifacts to life with additional information

For artists and animators, AR opens up exciting possibilities: your animated creatures can inhabit real spaces, your artwork can come alive on gallery walls, and viewers can interact with your creations in their own environments.

What is WebAR?

WebAR (Web-based Augmented Reality) is AR technology that runs directly in a web browser—no app download required.

Unlike traditional AR apps that require installation from an app store, WebAR experiences are accessed through a simple URL or QR code. Users simply open a link in their mobile browser, grant camera permissions, and instantly view 3D content overlaid on their real-world environment.

How WebAR Works:

  1. User scans a QR code with their phone camera or clicks a link
  2. Browser opens and loads the WebAR experience
  3. Camera permission is requested and granted
  4. AR content appears in the real world through the phone's camera
  5. User interacts by moving their phone to view the 3D model from different angles

Advantages of WebAR:

  • No app installation - Instant access reduces friction
  • Cross-platform - Works on iOS and Android
  • Shareable - Just share a link or QR code
  • Lower barrier to entry - Users more likely to try it
  • Easy updates - Changes happen on the server, no user update needed

Think of it like putting a virtual sculpture in someone's living room, except this sculpture can dance, walk, or perform any animation you've created—all viewed through their phone screen as if it's really there.

STEP 5

Choose Your AR Platform

There are many types of AR experiences you can create, ranging from simple viewers to complex, trigger-based scenes.

Types of AR Experiences:

Type 1: Simple 3D Viewers

These apps allow you to view 3D objects in your space using your phone. They typically operate through QR codes that link directly to your 3D model.

How they work: Scan QR code → Model appears → View from any angle

Type 2: Image/Object Trigger-Based AR

These platforms let you create entire scenes where real images or objects trigger animations. The AR system first identifies the trigger (like a poster, painting, or specific object), then places your 3D content on top of it or around it.

How they work: Point camera at trigger → System recognizes it → Animation appears and plays

Recommended Platforms for This Workshop:

For this demonstration, we'll focus on two platforms that represent different levels of complexity:

PLATFORM 1: ARTIVIVE (Simple - Great for Beginners)

🎉 Exclusive Discount for Workshop Attendees!

ArtsatFIU100

1 MONTH FREE of Artivive Pro Plus subscription

Valid for first-time buyers only

PLATFORM 2: LENS STUDIO (Advanced - Professional Tool)
  • Snapchat's AR creation platform
  • More complex but extremely powerful
  • Create sophisticated AR experiences
  • Cost: Completely FREE
  • Website: https://ar.snap.com/lens-studio
💡 Choosing Your Platform:

Start with Artivive if you want quick results and an intuitive interface. Move to Lens Studio when you're ready for more control and advanced features. Both are excellent tools—it just depends on your comfort level with technology and the complexity of experience you want to create.

📱 Complete List of AR Viewer Apps

Here is a comprehensive list of augmented reality viewer apps that allow you to upload a 3D file stored on your phone and visualize it in your environment.

Free AR Viewer Apps

XR Viewer (Android/iOS)
  • Upload GLB, GLTF (Android) or USDZ, OBJ, GLTF, FBX, STL, 3DS (iOS) files
  • Free to use on both platforms
ViewAR (Web)
  • Drag & drop GLB/glTF or upload USDZ files
  • Temporary links for free users, upgrade for permanent hosting
p3d.in (Web)
  • Instantly share and view models online and in AR
  • Simple browser-based solution
STEP 6

Artivive Workflow

Artivive is a professional image-triggered AR platform that will be demonstrated during this workshop.

Artivive is a paid platform and cannot be used during the free workshop session. I will demonstrate the Artivive workflow so you can see how it works, but you'll need to use the workshop discount code to try it yourself after the session.
THE ARTIVIVE CONCEPT

Remember that environment image you created at the very beginning? That's where your creature was from and what shaped its identity. With Artivive, when someone points their phone at that physical artwork, your animated creature appears in its world through AR.

Getting Started with Artivive (After the Workshop)

Access Artivive Bridge:

💡 For Your Classroom: Once you've tried Artivive yourself using the discount code, consider whether it's right for your students. The platform is intuitive enough that most students can work independently after seeing one demonstration.

📧 Custom Education Discount Plans

If you're interested in discussing custom education pricing for your school or district, contact Artivive directly:

Karin Gutmaher
karin@artivive.com

Mention Ariel Baron-Robbins and Florida International University (FIU) when reaching out.

STEP 7

Lens Studio - Advanced AR Creation

Lens Studio is Snapchat's professional AR creation platform - powerful, complex, and completely free.

WHY LENS STUDIO?
  • Professional-grade AR development tools
  • Advanced features for complex interactions
  • Publish directly to Snapchat (200+ million daily users)
  • WebAR capabilities for broader reach
  • Completely FREE - no hidden costs

Getting Started:

Learning Resources

Workshop leader's learning notes:

View Notion Notes →
Don't try to have students master everything at once. Start with a simple goal (like placing an animated creature in a room), achieve it, then gradually add complexity.
STEP 8

Build Your Own AR App with AI

You can now create custom AR applications using AI-assisted coding - no traditional programming knowledge required.

🚀 THE FUTURE IS HERE

AI coding assistants have democratized software development. You can create custom AR apps through natural language conversation with AI tools.

🎨 What is "Vibe Coding"?

"Vibe coding" is a term that describes the process of creating code by describing what you want in natural language to an AI assistant, rather than writing traditional code syntax. Instead of memorizing programming languages, you "vibe" with the AI—explaining your vision, iterating on ideas, and refining the output through conversation.

Why it's called "vibe" coding:

  • It's intuitive and creative, like having a creative conversation
  • You're working with the AI's "vibe" or understanding of what you want
  • The process feels more like collaboration than traditional programming
  • It's fun, experimental, and accessible to non-programmers

Example: Instead of writing complex HTML/CSS/JavaScript, you might say "Make the background yellow when someone hovers over the button" and the AI generates the code for you.

💡 Teaching Vibe Coding to Students

Teaching students how to "vibe code" is a great way to prepare them for the future of software development. Vibe coding is:

  • Fun and creative - Students can see their ideas come to life immediately
  • Accessible - No prior coding knowledge required
  • Future-focused - AI-assisted development is becoming the industry standard
  • Empowering - Students learn they can build anything they can imagine
  • Collaborative - Teaches effective communication with AI tools

Note: This entire website tutorial you're reading right now was created using vibe coding! I described what I wanted to an AI assistant, refined it through conversation, and created a fully functional educational resource.

AI-Assisted Coding Platforms

Replit (Recommended for Beginners):

  • Website: https://replit.com/
  • AI Feature: "Vibe Code" - conversational coding assistant
  • Best for: Quick prototyping, web-based apps

Example: AR Object Viewer

Try the custom AR viewing app:

Launch AR Object Studio →

This app was built using Replit's AI assistant through natural language conversation.

💡 For Your Classroom: Creating a custom AR app through vibe coding might seem advanced, but it's actually incredibly accessible. Consider starting a project where students collaboratively design and build their own AR exhibition app using vibe coding techniques. The process teaches computational thinking, problem-solving, effective communication with AI, and creative technology skills—all while creating something uniquely theirs. The barrier to entry has never been lower, and students find vibe coding both fun and empowering.
EXAMPLE

Complete Workflow: From Drawing to 3D Animation

Here's how the process works from start to finish:

1. Create the Environment

Abstract environment

This abstract environment was created with multicolor inks and mixed media.

2. Design the Creature (T-Pose)

Creature in T-pose

The creature shares the same gestural, painterly aesthetic as its environment. Arms are extended in T-pose with symmetrical body structure.

3. Convert to 3D

Upload your creature photo to an image-to-3D tool:

  • The AI recognizes the T-pose structure
  • Converts the 2D drawing into a 3D model
  • Maintains the painterly, gestural qualities
  • Creates a model ready for animation

4. Animate Using Mixamo (or other tool)

Add animation to your 3D model:

  • Upload the model (FBX, OBJ, or GLB format)
  • Tool automatically rigs it for animation
  • Choose from pre-made animations or create custom ones
  • Download the animated model

5. Place in AR Environment

Use Artivive or Lens Studio to complete the experience:

  • Import your animated 3D creature
  • Set your painted environment as the AR trigger
  • When someone points their phone at your painting, the creature appears and animates
  • The 2D artwork comes alive with its 3D animated inhabitant

The result: Your hand-painted world and its creature exist together in augmented reality!

💡 Teaching Tip: Have students photograph both their environment and creature during class, then demonstrate the upload process as a group. This reduces individual troubleshooting time and allows everyone to see the AI conversion in real-time.