M3DS Academy: From a Backyard Shed to a Global Leader in 3D Education

A Vision Born in a Shed

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) — In 2016, Stefan Mitrov, a 20-year-old with a passion for 3D art and game design, began his journey in a modest backyard shed in Skopje, North Macedonia. Armed with just $5,000 and no guarantees, Stefan launched M3DS Academy with the dream of offering world-class 3D art education to students without them having to leave their home country. Despite the initial challenges, the hunger for knowledge and determination to succeed led Stefan to build a thriving institution.

The Humble Beginnings

Stefan’s path was unconventional. In a country not known for its high-tech industries, he became a self-taught 3D artist, using online resources to master the craft. Starting from scratch in the shed, M3DS Academy was officially born. Stefan’s relentless work ethic saw him spending long hours teaching himself new skills to stay ahead of his students. Despite financial setbacks and close calls with bankruptcy, his vision never wavered. Stefan was determined to provide young North Macedonian students with the opportunity to study 3D art without leaving home.

Building a Legacy: M3DS Culture

What has set M3DS Academy apart is its commitment to mentorship. Instead of relying on impersonal pre-recorded videos, the academy focuses on live, daily mentorship, ensuring students receive personalized, real-time feedback from instructors. This hands-on approach has cultivated a tight-knit community, with many alumni securing jobs at major studios like Ubisoft, Marvel, and HBO.

Simon Zafirovski, who started as a student, now leads the academy’s Games and Education department, embodying the transformative power of M3DS Academy’s mentorship-driven model.

Recognition and Partnerships

In 2017, Stefan became the youngest Autodesk Certified Instructor globally, which significantly boosted the academy’s credibility. That same year, M3DS secured a partnership with Epic Games as an Unreal Engine Academic Partner. These alliances brought cutting-edge tools and knowledge to the academy, enhancing the educational experience and attracting students worldwide. M3DS became an Autodesk Authorized Training Center, providing industry-standard education that could compete globally.

Industry Recognition and Global Expansion

By 2020, M3DS Academy had established itself as North Macedonia’s leading institution for 3D art. In 2024, it was ranked in the Top 10 Game Design & Development schools worldwide—an incredible achievement for an institution that was less than a decade old. The academy’s continued success can be attributed to its industry connections, evolving curriculum, and commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges.

A Global Community: The Power of Mentorship

M3DS Academy’s reach now spans over 104 countries, making it a global hub for aspiring 3D artists. Students and instructors work closely together, creating a community of collaboration and support. Stefan’s leadership ensures that each student is not just learning technical skills, but also gaining the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in the competitive world of 3D art and game development.

Award: M3DS Academy Named Best Online 3D Art & Game Development School in the World

We are thrilled to announce that M3DS Academy has been named the Best Online 3D Art & Game Development School in the World for 2025 by Best of Best Review. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the academy’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovative teaching methods, and its profound impact on the 3D art and game development communities.

This recognition further solidifies M3DS Academy’s position as a global leader in 3D education, highlighting its unique mentorship-driven approach and its capacity to prepare students for successful careers in the industry. The honor also reflects the academy’s resilience and the vision of Stefan Mitrov, who built the institution from the ground up in a small shed to become a beacon of opportunity for aspiring artists worldwide.

Why M3DS Academy is Revolutionizing 3D Education

What makes M3DS Academy stand out in the crowded field of online education? The answer lies in its focus on live, mentorship-driven instruction. This model ensures that students are not just learning software, but gaining industry-relevant, real-world skills. With industry partnerships from giants like Autodesk and Epic Games, M3DS students are taught with the latest tools and techniques, preparing them for the competitive nature of 3D art and game development.

M3DS Academy’s curriculum is designed to build a professional portfolio, which is essential for securing jobs in the industry. The academy’s strong reputation has led to graduates landing positions at top companies, including Ubisoft, Marvel, and HBO.

Transforming Lives, One Student at a Time

Stefan’s commitment to his students goes beyond teaching software. He believes in transforming lives. Success stories from alumni like Simon Zafirovski, now Head of Games and Education, and Marko Lazov, who has worked on AAA games, prove the academy’s ability to nurture talent and cultivate leaders.

A Global Reach and Career-Focused Approach

M3DS Academy serves students from over 100 countries, ensuring a diverse and collaborative learning environment. The academy’s curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the industry, ensuring that students graduate not only with the skills but also with the discipline and confidence needed to succeed in the real world.

M3DS Academy’s rise from humble beginnings to global recognition is a story of perseverance, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With its innovative approach to education, strong industry connections, and focus on student success, M3DS Academy is truly shaping the future of 3D art and game development education.

As the Best Online 3D Art & Game Development School in the World, M3DS Academy continues to empower students to reach new heights in their careers, ensuring that tomorrow’s 3D artists are equipped with the skills and support they need to succeed.

Visit M3DS Academy to learn more, book a free trial, and start your journey toward becoming an industry-ready 3D artist today.