Last Tuesday, August 13th, I took up 3D Modeling using open-source software called Blender. Earlier this year, I tried Blender 2.8 Beta. Initially, I struggled and found it frustrating since most tutorials followed the older software, and things changed throughout the beta.
3D Modeling Journey in the Making
Anyway, this time around, I started to pick processes up much more easily despite starting with Blender 2.79 tutorials. Following older tutorials required separate Internet searches to follow and find specific selections. Thus, I recommend starting with 2.8 based tutorials if you take up 3D Modeling with Blender.
While I’m thousands of hours away from mastering 3D modeling, I’m pleased with the projects I’ve worked on thus far. I feel confident in my efforts and understand the tasks I complete.
The upgrades in Blender 2.8 allow the free software to rival many of the higher-end products like Maya and Zbrush. While Blender’s “freeness” enables any person to get started in the complex learning process.
I’ve heard that some production companies will begin using Blender in upcoming projects due to the advancements in 3D rendering. Another exciting upgrade revolves around their grease pencil and the ability to animate 2D in the 3D modeling environment.
With so much flexibility, I’d be foolish not to utilize this product as a part of my artistic journey. Ultimately, I want to make custom characters and environments to create better merchandise. Which I can turn into short animations, some children’s or comic books, and potentially build a video game. Also, I found another open-source product Godot. The Godot software allows you to develop 3D video games from the results of your 3D modeling.
Shout Out to 3D Modeling Tutorial Gurus
My favorite part about Blender is that because it is free, many people make tutorials on how to use it. There are free through services like YouTube and paid for the more advanced stuff elsewhere. So far, I found several great teachers that deserve a shout out for the excellent educational services they provide. And, I will share with you some of my creations from their tutorials.
My First Lessons
As I mentioned earlier, I started with Blender 2.79 tutorials. In particular, I followed three series by Blender Guru. One to make a doughnut, another to make an anvil, and a third to create a wrecking ball animation. As a bonus, Andrew Price (Blender Guru) offers a short free PDF of keyboard shortcuts for Blender if you join his email list. I am not in any way affiliated with this list, but he deserves my recommendation.
I enjoyed the wrecking ball animation so much, that I followed a similar, but more complex version by W3 Productions. You can see my first rendered animation below.
More 3D Modeling Tutorials
Next, I followed a low poly character tutorial by CG Geek. I created the snowman following steps by BornCG. And I created the sword following tutorials by YanSculpts. After these, I watched the full set of tutorials by Blender as well as their short films. I found that CG Cookie provides excellent tips and tricks. While Ian Hubert does these excellent “lazy tutorials,” which inspire me to learn enough to follow and utilize them.
However, I must say my absolute favorite tutorials so far are by Grant Abbitt. I highly recommend Grant’s tutorials if you choose to try out Blender. What I love about his tutorials is that he teaches a technique then lets you do a lot of the work on your own, so each final product is unique. So far, I completed a low poly well (featured image) and started a sea shack scene, which will take more time.
DirtyWindshield Wants To Know About Your Passion Projects
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