I have been studying 3D Web for 3 years.
These are the 6 simple (but effective) pieces of advice I'd give anyone starting out (or who wants to get started). When I first started learning this topic I made a lot of mistakes and wasted precious time because I didn't learned in other-from the fundamentals to the most advance topics.
Learning doesn't have to be hard, but it can be if you don't plan wisely.
Advice #1: Don’t Start with Three.js
A common mistake beginners make is diving straight into Three.js without understanding the basics of 3D graphics. Start with Blender to learn essential concepts like lighting, geometry, and materials.
Advice #2: Master Blender First
Blender provides a solid foundation in 3D scene composition. Focus on learning the basics of lighting, creating geometry, and using shader and geometry nodes.
Advice #3: Understand Three.js Isn’t a Game Engine
Three.js is a rendering API, not a game engine like Unity or Unreal. It's designed to render graphics on the web, making it more of a tool for visualizations rather than full-fledged game development.
Advice #4: Choose Your Learning Path Wisely
If you know React, consider starting with React Three Fiber or TresJS for VueJs. Both offer the right level of abstraction to get you comfortable with 3D concepts before diving deep into Three.js.
Advice #5: Invest in Learning Shaders
To make your 3D projects stand out, mastering shaders is key. Your work will outshine others when you have strong shader skills, and it’s worth investing time in this area.
Advice #6: Decide Your Path and Build a Portfolio
Whether you want to create websites, games, or tools, your focus will shape your portfolio. A unique, well-targeted portfolio is essential for landing the job you want and filtering out the clients you don’t.
Honestly, I wish someone had told me these 6 things earlier in my career.
But I'm at least glad I can pass them along to you.