Blender Character Creator for Video Games (Updated to 4.2) from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn to craft epic 3d characters in blender from scratch to pro level.
Dive into blender's interface by creating a fun mech character hands-on.
Build game-ready mechs and orcs to spawn in your own games and films.
Explore armour and clothing design to gear up your characters in style.

Master sculpting tools to shape your orc's muscles like a boss designer.
Discover retopology and modifiers to add overpowered details effortlessly.
Create stunning textures on low-poly meshes without lagging your game.
Level up your skills by rigging, posing, lighting, and rendering your models.

Learn to craft epic 3d characters in blender from scratch to pro level.
Dive into blender's interface by creating a fun mech character hands-on.
Build game-ready mechs and orcs to spawn in your own games and films.
Explore armour and clothing design to gear up your characters in style.
Master sculpting tools to shape your orc's muscles like a boss designer.
Discover retopology and modifiers to add overpowered details effortlessly.
Create stunning textures on low-poly meshes without lagging your game.
Level up your skills by rigging, posing, lighting, and rendering your models.

Syllabus

Introduction & Setup - New Blender 4.2 Content

Introduction to the course

Content Now in Blender 4.2!

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Lucy invites you to join us in our various community support forums in order to ask questions, connect with other students and share your progress.

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Downloading and setting up Blender

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exploring the interface and adding objects

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creating a person out of cubes

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Using edit mode and adding geometry

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Using the extrude command

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Adding modifiers for faster modelling

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Understanding the different transform options and object centres

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learning about materials and using the shader editor

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Understanding the different viewport render settings

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Learning how to finalise our projects by rendering

Mech Master - New Blender 4.2 Content

Section Intro - Mech Master

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Bringing in references images and building the cockpit of the mech

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Moving on to the undercarriage building on our modelling knowledge

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Looking closely and local and global transforms we build the legs

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this time we work on the laser guns at the sides of the mech to complete the modelling process

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We complete the modelling process of the mech by making small adjustments to the shape and placing it in a pose

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Now we have the modelling part finished we can work on the materials and use material slots to add two materials to one object

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Now we have an understanding of rendering out a still image we look to render an animated camera circling our mech

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Now the model is finished we look at how you can render a still image with cycles render engine

Blocking Out - New Blender 4.2 Content

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Intro

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A quick look at finding and collating reference images

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How to insert background images into Blender

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We start the process of building the orc by blocking out the body

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we continue the blocking out process by making the hand

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A quick guide to the updates to the blender interface in the sculpting workspace for blender 4.3

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This lecture looks at how we go into sculpt mode and hte sculpting work space but also looks at the types of error you might come across

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we add more detail to the blocked out character and look at the symmetry option in sculpt mode

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Continuing to block out the orc we learn about the Remesh option to add faces and even out topology

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Adding more muscle blocks to the upper body with a little bit more detail in the sculpt

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Now we use the same techniques to block out the lower body

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we develop the blocked out model by joining the pieces together

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We jump to box modelling this time learning useful skills often used when building clothing for characters

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we add a little more detail to the hand

Sculpting Level 1 - New Blender 4.2 Content

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Now we have a Basic block out we can start the process of sculpting in the first level of detail but getting the shape of the head

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creating the Shoulder plate

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In this lecture we learn the correct size and position of the eyes

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now the eyes are in place we can add the eyelids and reshape the area around the eyeballs

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refining the shape of the mouth and adding teeth

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Here’s a fun exercise to get you practicing your technique

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Now we focus on the hands working on the fingers and the thumb

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Now that we have the fingers and thumb we can join them all together for the hand

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We start work on adding some detail to the shape of the torso

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Continuing the torso we work on the back and arms getting a base shape from which to build

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we join the legs to the body and refine the base shape

Clothing - New Blender 4.2 Content

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We start looking at the techniques for clothing at the boots reshaping and building out different parts

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Using the shrink wrap modifier effectively

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creating the Extra Armour aspects of the boots

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Creating the Belt

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creating the loin cloth

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Challenge to make the strap for the characters shoulder plate

Retopology - New Blender 4.2 Content

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Unwrapping the mesh

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retopologising the fingers

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Before partaking in the fairly long process of manual retopology we learn how the process can be automated

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retopologizing the hand

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retopologizing the arm

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Retopologizing the body

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Tidying up the retopology for the body

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Working on the retopology of the waist area

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Working on the back of the waist

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Tidying up the topology around hte waist and starting to think about good topology

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Completing the topology of the legs

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working towards better topology we start on the face of the character

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we finish off the major loops and start connecting them up

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Filling in the gaps between face loops

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Filling in the holes at the front of the face

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close to finishing the head we fill in the back side

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Last part of the head is the ear which we have to join to the head in order for the shrink wrap to work

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Now we need to Join the original sculpt together so that we can shrinkwrap to just one object

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Now that we can shrinkwrap to one single mesh we can join the retopologised object together

Detailed Sculpt - New Blender 4.2 Content

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Adding the Multiresolution modifier so we can add much more detail to the sculpt

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Starting the detailed sculpt we work on the fingers and the hand

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Sculpting the detail of the arm and torso

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Sculpting the detail of the legs

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Sculpting the details of the Head

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Adding textures/ alphas to the draw brush and using them to sculpt details on the body

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Using Texture brushes and adding further details to the head

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Preparing the shoulder plate for sculpting

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Sculpting the shoulder plate for sculpting

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Sculpting the Horns

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Preparing the Boots

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sculpting the Boots

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Preparing and sculpting the belt plate

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Sculpting the lion cloth and working on the straps

Unwrap & Bake - New Blender 4.2 Content

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Updated to Blender 4.2, it remains compatible with older versions, ensuring accessibility for users with varying software setups

Project-based approach allows learners to immediately apply new skills to real 3D models, reinforcing learning through practical application

Includes challenges for each concept, encouraging learners to develop their own creative processes rather than just copying instructions

Covers retopology, which is essential for optimizing high-resolution sculpts for use in real-time applications like video games

Teaches rigging and posing, which are crucial steps in bringing 3D characters to life for animation and game development

Focuses on creating game-ready assets, making it directly applicable to those interested in game development and character design

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blender Character Creator for Video Games (Updated to 4.2) with these activities:

Review Blender Interface Basics

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Familiarize yourself with the Blender interface to navigate the software efficiently and reduce initial friction.

Browse courses on Blender

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Open Blender and identify key areas like the viewport, outliner, and properties panel.
Practice navigating the viewport using mouse controls (rotate, pan, zoom).
Experiment with adding and manipulating basic objects (cube, sphere, cylinder).

Read 'Blender For Dummies'

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Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to Blender's features and workflows.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Blender For Dummies'.
Read the introductory chapters covering the Blender interface and basic modeling techniques.
Refer to specific chapters as needed to clarify concepts covered in the course.

Practice Basic Modeling Exercises

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Reinforce your understanding of modeling tools and techniques through repetitive exercises.

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Choose a simple object (e.g., a table, a chair, a simple weapon).
Attempt to model the object from scratch using Blender's basic modeling tools (extrude, loop cut, bevel).
Repeat the exercise with different objects to build muscle memory and improve proficiency.

Five other activities

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Create a Simple Character Concept Sketch

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Develop your character design skills by creating a concept sketch that you can later translate into a 3D model.

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Brainstorm character ideas based on different genres (fantasy, sci-fi, etc.).
Create a rough sketch of your chosen character, focusing on overall shape and proportions.
Add details to the sketch, such as clothing, armor, and weapons.

Model a Simple Prop for Your Character

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Apply your modeling skills to create a prop that complements your character design.

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Choose a prop that is relevant to your character's backstory or personality (e.g., a sword, a shield, a potion bottle).
Gather reference images of the prop from different angles.
Model the prop in Blender, paying attention to detail and accuracy.
Texture the prop to give it a realistic or stylized look.

Follow Advanced Sculpting Tutorials

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Expand your sculpting skills by following tutorials that cover advanced techniques.

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Search for tutorials on specific sculpting techniques (e.g., adding wrinkles, creating realistic skin pores).
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, paying attention to the instructor's workflow and techniques.
Apply the learned techniques to your own character models.

Study 'Anatomy for Sculptors'

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Deepen your understanding of human anatomy to create more realistic and believable character models.

View Anatomy For Sculptors, Understanding the Human... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Anatomy for Sculptors'.
Study the chapters covering the major muscle groups and skeletal structure.
Refer to the book while sculpting to ensure accurate anatomical representation.

Contribute to a Blender Add-on

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Enhance your Blender skills by contributing to an open-source add-on project.

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Find an open-source Blender add-on project on platforms like GitHub.
Review the project's documentation and code to understand its functionality.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, new features, or documentation improvements.
Submit your contributions to the project maintainers for review.

Career center

Learners who complete Blender Character Creator for Video Games (Updated to 4.2) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Character Artist

A Character Artist creates 3D models of characters for video games, films, and other media. This role involves sculpting, modeling, texturing, and rigging characters, and this course provides a comprehensive introduction to all of these skills within Blender. The course specifically focuses on creating a fully realized character, from initial block-out to final rendering, making it directly applicable to the day-to-day work of a Character Artist. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on creating game-ready assets means you'll understand the technical considerations for character design. Anyone interested in creating high quality 3D characters should take this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Artist

3D Modeler

3D Modelers create three dimensional assets for games, film, advertising, or other areas as needed. The role requires proficiency in various modeling tools. This course allows learners to build foundational knowledge and advanced skills in the powerful modeling software Blender. The course specifically teaches modeling, sculpting, retopology, and texturing. These are all core skills that a 3D Modeler uses on a daily basis to build models from scratch. The course is beneficial to anyone looking to build 3D assets or improve their 3D modeling skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Game Artist

A Game Artist creates the visual assets for video games, including characters, environments, and props. This may involve modeling, texturing, and sometimes animation. This course provides a practical project based introduction to character creation, which is a crucial part of game art. By focusing on a complete character workflow, from initial block out to final render, the course offers the skills needed to succeed as a Game Artist. The course includes detailed explanations on modelling, sculpting, retopology, and texturing using Blender, which are essential to the role of a Game Artist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

Digital Sculptor

A Digital Sculptor creates highly detailed 3D models using sculpting software. This course dives into the sculpting tools within Blender, teaching how to shape characters with muscle detail and surface textures. This course provides a comprehensive way to learn and apply your knowledge of digital sculpting. The course includes hands on implementation of sculpting techniques. A Digital Sculptor may work on a range of projects from film to games to product design. Understanding character sculpting, as taught by this course, is a crucial skill for the Digital Sculptor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Sculptor

Creature Designer

Creature Designers create the designs for fantastical creatures often for film or games. This role greatly benefits from proficiency in 3D modeling. This course provides a way to learn character modeling in Blender, and also covers the process of creating original designs. The course includes sculpting techniques to create muscle detail and clothing design. This creative process is directly relevant to Creature Design. This course is especially beneficial to those who want to create original creatures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creature Designer

Texture Artist

Texture Artists create the surface details of 3D models. This role greatly benefits from a good understanding of 3D modeling and how surface details interact with the underlying model. This course covers texturing on low-poly meshes, a necessary skill for game assets. It teaches how to create detailed surface textures that are performant. The skills taught in this course are particularly relevant to a Texture Artist. The pipeline taught here is helpful to understanding the complete 3D production environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Texture Artist

Indie Game Developer

An Indie Game Developer is often responsible for many facets of game design, including asset creation. This role benefits from a comprehensive understanding of 3D modeling. This course provides a structured approach to learning 3D character creation in Blender. The course focuses on building a game ready character. This is especially helpful to Indie Game Developers who are building their games from the ground up. The course also provides a project based learning approach which is ideal for the Indie Game Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer

Virtual Reality Artist

A Virtual Reality Artist creates assets and environments for virtual reality experiences. This often involves 3D modeling and texturing. This course allows learners to become proficient in character creation, which is a core skill for this role. It uses Blender modeling software, which is used throughout the game development industry. The ability to create high-quality, game-ready assets is highly beneficial to those working in virtual reality environments. Anyone who is looking to build a career in virtual reality development would find this course very beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Artist

Freelance 3D Artist

A Freelance 3D Artist works on a variety of 3D projects, often for different clients. This role entails flexibility and broad skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and potentially animation. This course may serve as a foundation for building a freelance career, as it provides a full pipeline for 3D character creation. The emphasis on creating portfolio-ready work is particularly helpful for freelancing. The course provides practical skills for the different facets of 3d asset creation. It focuses specifically on building characters, which is a marketable skill for any Freelance 3D Artist.

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Augmented Reality Artist

Augmented Reality Artists create 3D content for augmented reality applications. These roles require skills in 3D modeling and asset creation. This course provides a practical way to learn character creation in 3D using Blender. The course covers the entire pipeline from the initial block out to final rendering. This is directly helpful for Augmented Reality Artists. This course can also teach you the technical skills needed to create 3D assets for a realistic augmented reality experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality Artist

Technical Artist

Technical Artists bridge the gap between art and technology, optimizing assets and workflows for game production. While not purely focused on a single aspect of character creation, this course provides a useful understanding of the full character creation pipeline in Blender. A Technical Artist will work with the models created by others, and this course enables one to understand the processes involved. The course covers modeling, sculpting, retopology, texturing, and rigging. Any person who intends to work in a technical role with 3D art would benefit from this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Concept Artist

Concept Artists create the initial designs for characters, environments, and props, often working in 2D and 3D. While this course primarily focuses on 3D character creation, it helps build an understanding of design principles, character anatomy, and the process of bringing a concept to life in three dimensions. The course may be useful to Concept Artists who wish to understand how 3D models are built. The skills learned can also directly enhance 3D concept work. By using Blender, you will gain a practical understanding of how your 2D designs are created in three dimensions.

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3D Animator

3D Animators bring characters and objects to life through movement and performance. While this course emphasizes character creation, it also covers the fundamentals of rigging and posing models which is essential for animation. This course may be useful to 3D Animators because it helps build a foundational knowledge of 3D model creation. Character modeling is crucial to the overall animation process. Understanding the technical aspects of the modeling pipeline may be useful to 3D Animators. Though this course does not focus on the specifics of animation, it provides valuable preparation for future work in the field.

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Previsualization Artist

A Previsualization Artist creates 3D models and animations to plan scenes for films or games. This role requires proficiency in 3D modeling and understanding of scene composition. This course may be useful to Previsualization Artists as it introduces character modeling in Blender. Using a step-by-step approach, the course covers the full process of bringing a character to life. Although this course is not specialized for previs, it introduces the core concepts of modeling that are critical to success in this field. The skills learned in this course may be useful to create realistic, usable character models in previs work.

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Visual Effects Artist

Visual Effects Artists work on a range of models and effects for film and television. This role benefits from a solid understanding of 3D modeling and texturing. This course may be useful for those who are working towards a Visual Effects Artist role, as it introduces character modeling in Blender. By learning how to model, texture, and rig a character, one may understand the 3D pipeline used throughout the visual effects industry. Although this course does not focus on effects, it introduces important foundational principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blender Character Creator for Video Games (Updated to 4.2).

Anatomy for Sculptors, Understanding the Human...

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Is an invaluable resource for understanding human anatomy and how it relates to sculpting. It provides detailed illustrations and explanations of muscles, bones, and other anatomical features. While the course covers basic sculpting techniques, 'Anatomy for Sculptors' provides the in-depth anatomical knowledge needed to create realistic and believable character models. This book is commonly used by professional sculptors and character artists.

Anatomy For Sculptors, Understanding the Human...

Hardcover

$$$

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Blender's features and workflows, making it an excellent resource for beginners. It covers the basics of modeling, texturing, animation, and rendering. While the course provides hands-on experience, 'Blender For Dummies' serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying concepts and exploring additional features not covered in the course. It is particularly helpful for those with no prior 3D modeling experience.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Putting Knowledge to Work

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Blender Character Creator for Video Games (Updated to 4.2)

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Activities

Career center

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