Blender: 3D Modeling Fundamentals

• Basic computer usage experience
• Familiarity with 3D modeling

Audience

• Artists
• Game developers
• Complete beginners

Blender is an open-source 3D computer graphics software tool set for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, interactive 3D applications and video games.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is aimed at artists, game developers, or complete beginners who wish to use Blender to create 3D models for interactive applications, video games, animated films, etc.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and core concepts of 3D modeling.
• Explore a variety of modes and tools for modeling and editing 3D meshes.
• Learn how to create animations and visual effects with Blender.
• Add curves, surfaces, metaballs, and hair particles to simulate realistic 3D motions.
• Use the tools for UV mapping/unwrapping, sculpting, and painting 3D models.
• Export 3D models and assets to a game engine, 3D printer, or other software. 

Format of the Course

• Interactive lecture and discussion.
• Lots of exercises and practice.
• Hands-on implementation in a live-lab environment.

Course Customization Options

• To request a customized training for this course, please contact us to arrange.

Introduction

• Blender vs Autodesk 3ds Max vs Cinema 4D
• Overview of Blender features and benefits

Getting Started

• Installing Blender
• Basic modeling concepts
• Navigating the UI

Editing Basics

• Types of editors
• Switching between edit and object modes
• Vertices, edges, and faces
• Editing mesh data and objects

Modeling Meshes

• Modeling modes
• Structuring meshes
• Adding primitives
• Selecting and editing meshes
• Object data, vertex groups, and custom data
• UV maps and unwrapping
• Mesh analysis and retopology

Curves and Surfaces

• Tools and structure
• Bézier and NURBS
• Transforming objects
• Shapes and splines

Metaballs and Hair Particles

• Tools and structure
• Adding and editing meta objects
• Using grease pencil
• Modifying particles

Sculpting and Painting

• Enabling selection masking
• Using the brush tool
• Shaping models in sculpt mode
• Adaptive sculpting methods
• Editing UV textures and images

Animation and Rigging

• Keyframes and keying sets
• Using armature for rigging
• Applying the lattice
• Constraints, actions, and drivers
• Markers, shape keys, and motion paths

Rendering 3D Scenes

• Render engines in Blender
• Eevee, cycles, and workbench
• Using cameras, light objects, and materials
• Shading nodes and color management
• Freestyle non-photorealistic (NPR) rendering
• Using layers and passes
• Rendering and previewing animations

Exporting Files

• Supported media formats
• Exporting files to Alembic
• Using the Collada module
• Exporting files as USD, SVG, and PDF

Troubleshooting

Summary and Next Steps