Just finished it, awesome course! I would like to UV unwrap it and paint a custom texture on it as a next learning project, but I'm wondering if I would need to do a retopology of the model before unwrapping? (or can I get away with a smart UV project and start painting in 3D right away)?
You could, but the problem with trying to unwrap a sculpt, especially if it's a high density triangulated mesh, is that it's going to be very time consuming to try and get the seams placed where you would like them. Then you have to figure out how to get the jagged edges to fit in the texture space and, well, it's just really messy. I would not suggest unwrapping the sculpt for texturing personally.
You could perhaps get away with it if it's static. If it's static, you don't have to worry about making sure the mesh is good for deformations. I would suggest decimating it, though, so it's easier to unwrap, but even then, you're depending on the software to give you good enough results to work from when unwrapping.
This is my opinion, but my focus is more on characters, where retopology is more important for my pipeline. It's good practice, though, to retopologize something. It may work for your pipeline, but depending where you're going with this, if you're working with someone, how would they try to understand your model? Or heck, yourself when you look at this project a month later? Will you understand what you did? A retopologized mesh is a lot easier to read, especially with UVs.
Bottom line, if you want to experiment with how would this work, do it. Experimenting is a great way to learn the limits of something.
The order doesn't really matter if you know how to bake textures. you might need to touch up the bake though.
Thank both of you for your explainations! In my case I'll start with learning retopology since I want to rig it and animate it at some point anyway :)
Speaking about retopo ssuperchaton
If you have some extra dough just lying around and thinking about throwing it in the trash you could get Quad Remesher license for a decent quick and dirty retopo/remesh. It will get you a decent amount of progress on the retopo before you need to make adjustments.
Or you could use free tools like InstantMesh or the built-in quad remesher, or you just totally go all in and do everything by hand (I have done this a few times).
Retopoflow is a great add-on as well but also on the pricey side. I have both of these and love them.
Also: I highly recommend to make a copy of your model for safe keeping before doing retopo, that is always my recommendation.
I think you can already start drawing in 3D. Although, of course, it would be easier to judge if I knew what you studied before. Can you please share which course you completed? I'm wondering if I haven't done it yet. I'm just trying to achieve success in this area, so I study everything to the maximum. I am also currently working on one teaching project in the framework of the college. This educational site https://studymoose.com/success helps me with my research. Maybe you will be interested. And in response to your question. I think you can already start drawing in 3D. Although, of course, it would be easier to judge if I knew what you studied before.