There was a time when 3D animation felt completely out of my league in the same way AI might feel to many in 2025. But after seeing this amazing trailer of Age of Empires II Definitive Edition, I knew I wanted to create something like that.

Back in 2020, I had no idea how to model, texture, or animate in 3D, but I had one powerful reason to learn: I wanted to show my love for this game... and that was enough to dive head-first into the fundamentals of 3D, learning about meshes, shaders, and everything in between.

The animation’s style was rooted in the Age of Empires universe, so I mixed official concept art with my own motion design, then layered in 3D assets to give it depth and a medieval feel. I wanted the palette, textures, and modeling to serve the story and let it breathe this sense of nostalgia for this video game.

The best part? I finished it! And when I shared it online, the official Age of Empires community loved it so much they dedicated a full page to it. That recognition still makes me proud.

For me, it’s proof that you don’t need to start with all the skills. You just need the drive to learn, the patience to practice, and the willingness to put your work out there.