How to Create Retro 3D Graphics with Blender and Gimp from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to model, rig, texture, animate 3d models in blender
How to create textures for 3d models with gimp

How to create character reference sheets in krita
How to find free-to-use images and textures online

How to model, rig, texture, animate 3d models in blender
How to create textures for 3d models with gimp
How to create character reference sheets in krita
How to find free-to-use images and textures online

Syllabus

Introduction

Find reference images, find textures, perpare textures for the model, create the model, texture it

Finding Reference Images

Download Blender at: https://www.blender.org/

Links to textures on texturer.com:

roofing - http://texturer.com/set4073/

bricks - http://texturer.com/set4193/

wood - http://texturer.com/set3616/

fabric - http://texturer.com/set1456/

Some other good places to find free textures:

opengameart.org

https://www.creativebloq.com/3d-tips/find-high-res-textures-1232646

Important: Always read licensing info on any site you get textures from

Download Gimp at: https://www.gimp.org/

Textures used for this model are attached to download under resources.

Images found at: https://www.pexels.com/

Krita available at: https://krita.org/en/

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses Blender, Gimp, and Krita, which are free and open-source tools, making the course accessible to learners on a budget or those new to 3D graphics

Focuses on creating graphics in the style of retro 3D consoles like the Playstation 1 and Quake, catering to a specific niche and artistic interest

Teaches how to find free-to-use textures online, which is essential knowledge for indie developers and hobbyists looking to create 3D art without significant investment

Includes a section on putting models into the Godot Engine, which is useful for learners interested in game development and seeing their creations in action

Requires learners to download and install Blender, Gimp, and Krita, which may require a computer that meets the minimum system requirements for these applications

Relies on external websites for textures and images, and it is important to verify that these resources are up-to-date and that their licenses are still valid

Reviews summary

Retro 3d graphics with free tools

Based on the course description and structure (as no specific reviews were provided for analysis), learners likely find this course appealing for its focus on a specific niche: retro 3D graphics akin to PS1 or Quake. It covers the essential pipeline from modeling to animation using popular free software like Blender, Gimp, and Krita. The syllabus suggests a practical, project-based approach (windmill, knight character), aiming to guide beginners to 3D graphics through the process. A brief mention of integrating models into Godot engine hints at applicability for game development. Potential challenges might involve the learning curve associated with complex software like Blender for complete newcomers, especially the detailed steps like rigging and animation. The texturing methods using Gimp/Krita, while suitable for the retro style, might be less comprehensive for modern PBR workflows.

Specific to retro style; not PBR.

"The texturing focuses on painting directly onto the model which fits the retro style."

"Don't expect to learn modern PBR texturing workflows; this is different."

"I learned texture painting with Gimp/Krita, which is perfect for this aesthetic but different from other methods."

Brief look at using models in Godot.

"It's cool that they show you how to get the models into a game engine like Godot."

"Seeing the models used in Godot makes the learning feel more practical."

"I liked the section on getting the assets ready for a game project."

Designed for newcomers to 3D.

"As someone new to 3D, the course description sounds like it starts from the basics."

"It claims to be for beginners, which is exactly what I need."

"I hope it explains things clearly for someone with no prior 3D experience."

Covers modeling, texture, rig, animate.

"The course covers the whole process: modeling, texturing, rigging, and animating."

"It takes you through the entire pipeline needed to create a character from start to finish."

"I learned how to take a concept all the way through to animation."

Targets a specific, appealing aesthetic.

"I appreciate learning the techniques for that classic PS1/Quake 3D look."

"It's great to find a course dedicated to this specific style of low-poly, retro graphics."

"I was specifically looking to create assets that fit the retro game aesthetic, and this course seems perfect."

Accessible tools like Blender, Gimp, Krita.

"Using Blender, Gimp, and Krita is fantastic because they're all free and powerful."

"I like that the course uses widely available and free tools."

"The fact that it teaches using only free software is a major plus for me."

Could be challenging for absolute beginners.

"Blender can be intimidating at first; I hope the course pace is good."

"I found getting used to Blender's interface and tools quite difficult initially."

"For a complete beginner, learning Blender alongside the retro style might be a bit steep."

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 How to Create Retro 3D Graphics with Blender and Gimp with these activities:

Review Basic 3D Modeling Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce fundamental 3D modeling concepts to better understand Blender's tools and workflow.

Browse courses on Polygon Modeling

Show steps

Watch introductory tutorials on 3D modeling principles.
Practice creating simple shapes using basic modeling techniques.
Experiment with different mesh editing tools in Blender.

Brush up on Image Editing Fundamentals

Show steps

Review image editing basics to improve texture creation skills in GIMP.

Browse courses on Raster Graphics

Show steps

Review tutorials on layers, masks, and color adjustments.
Practice basic image manipulation techniques in GIMP.
Experiment with different filters and effects.

Mastering Blender

Show steps

Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of Blender's tools and workflows.

View Mastering Blender on Amazon

Show steps

Read chapters relevant to modeling, texturing, and animation.
Follow along with the book's tutorials to practice new skills.
Refer to the book when encountering difficulties in the course.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a Simple 3D Model

Show steps

Practice modeling a simple object like a crate or barrel to reinforce modeling techniques learned in the course.

Show steps

Choose a simple object to model.
Create a basic model using Blender's primitive shapes.
Refine the model using various mesh editing tools.
Apply a simple texture to the model using GIMP.

GIMP Bible

Show steps

Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of GIMP's tools and workflows.

View GIMP Bible on Amazon

Show steps

Read chapters relevant to texture creation and image manipulation.
Follow along with the book's tutorials to practice new skills.
Refer to the book when encountering difficulties in the course.

Create a Retro Game Asset Pack

Show steps

Develop a collection of 3D models and textures in the style of retro games to build a portfolio and solidify skills.

Show steps

Plan a set of assets based on a specific retro game or style.
Model the assets in Blender, focusing on low-poly techniques.
Create textures for the assets using GIMP, mimicking retro aesthetics.
Export the assets in a format suitable for game engines.

Animate a Short Scene

Show steps

Practice animating a short scene with your retro models to improve animation skills and showcase your work.

Show steps

Plan a short animation scene with a simple narrative.
Rig your 3D model for animation in Blender.
Animate the model, focusing on keyframes and timing.
Render the animation and share it online.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Create Retro 3D Graphics with Blender and Gimp will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Artist

The role of a Game Artist involves creating the visual elements of video games, including characters, environments, and special effects. Your creativity and technical skills will be vital in shaping the look and feel of a game. This course helps you build a foundation in creating assets for games. The course teaches you how to model, texture, and animate 3D graphics, skills directly applicable to game art. The course provides practical experience of a Game Artist by using Blender, Gimp, and Krita to create retro-style 3D graphics. The course shows you how to put models into the Godot Engine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

3D Modeler

As a 3D Modeler, you will construct digital models of objects and characters for use in video games, film, television, and other media. Your proficiency in modeling is crucial to creating believable and visually appealing environments and characters. This course helps you learn how to model 3D graphics in the style of retro 3D consoles and games, and can help you succeed as a 3D Modeler. The course helps you build a foundation in using Blender to model, rig, and animate, and leveraging Gimp for textures, skills directly applicable to a 3D Modeler's workflow. The syllabus, which includes creating models such as a windmill and a knight, offers practical experience in modeling diverse assets used in various projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Digital Artist

A Digital Artist uses computer software and tools to create various forms of art, including illustrations, concept art, and 3D models. This role requires creativity, technical skills, and a strong understanding of visual design principles. This course helps you develop your skills as a Digital Artist. The course covers modeling, texturing, and animating 3D graphics using Blender, Gimp, and Krita. The course focuses on retro 3D graphics, an artistic style that is both unique, nostalgic, and fun to replicate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Texture Artist

The role of a Texture Artist involves creating and applying textures to 3D models to enhance their realism and visual appeal. This includes generating textures from scratch or modifying existing ones to fit the aesthetic of a project. This course directly supports the skills needed to excel as a Texture Artist. The course uses Gimp for texture creation. The course also demonstrates how to find textures online. This course also focuses on finding and preparing images for models, skills that will be useful to any aspiring Texture Artist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Texture Artist

Product Visualizer

As a Product Visualizer, you create photorealistic or stylized images and animations of products for marketing and sales purposes. Your work helps showcase products in an appealing way, often before they are physically manufactured. This course helps aspiring Product Visualizers learn to model, texture, and present products in a retro 3D style. This training sets you apart with a unique aesthetic. The course's emphasis on Blender, Gimp, and Krita, along with techniques for finding and preparing textures, are directly applicable to creating compelling product visualizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Visualizer

Animator

As an Animator, you bring characters and objects to life through movement and performance. This could be for films, video games, commercials, or other forms of media. The ability to create convincing and engaging animations is essential. This course gives you experience in animation using Blender. The course also covers rigging models, an important step in the animation process. The course also shows you animate a character. Using the techniques taught in this course, you will be prepared to become an Animator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Character Artist

A Character Artist specializes in creating 3D characters for video games, film, and other media. This involves modeling, texturing, and rigging characters, ensuring they are visually appealing and technically sound for animation and gameplay. This course may be useful for developing a career as a Character Artist. The course covers character reference sheets, modeling, texturing, and rigging, which will help you create characters. The course demonstrates the entire character creation pipeline, from reference to animation, giving you a solid base for creating compelling characters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Artist

Technical Artist

A Technical Artist bridges the gap between artists and programmers, developing tools and workflows to improve the art production pipeline. This often involves scripting, rigging, and problem-solving to ensure assets work efficiently in a game engine or other software. This course is useful for those wishing to become a Technical Artist. By teaching how to model, texture, and animate 3D graphics using Blender, Gimp, and Krita, the course provides a foundation in the art creation process. The course also includes putting models into the Godot Engine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Indie Game Developer

An Indie Game Developer works independently or as part of a small team to create and publish video games. This role requires a broad skillset, including game design, programming, art creation, and marketing. This course may be useful for an Indie Game Developer. The course teaches how to create retro-style 3D models, textures, and animations using free tools like Blender and Gimp. The course also covers putting models into the Godot Engine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer

Arch Viz Artist

As an Arch Viz Artist, you create visual representations of architectural designs. These visualizations help architects, developers, and clients understand and market their projects. This course may be useful if you want to become an Arch Viz Artist. The course's lessons in modeling and texturing 3D environments using Blender and Gimp can be applied to architectural visualization. The course teaches how to find and prepare textures, which is essential to architectural visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arch Viz Artist

Environment Artist

An Environment Artist is responsible for creating the 3D environments and landscapes in video games, film, and other visual media. This involves modeling, texturing, and assembling environments that are both visually appealing and functional for gameplay or storytelling. This course may be useful for developing a career as an Environment Artist. The course covers modeling organic landmasses and creating skyspheres for backgrounds. The course teaches you how to find and use textures, which is essential for creating realistic environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environment Artist

Motion Graphics Designer

A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated graphics and visual effects for various media, including commercials, websites, and video games. This role requires a strong understanding of animation principles and design software. This course may be useful for those on a path towards becoming a Motion Graphics Designer. By teaching how to model, texture, rig, and animate 3D models in Blender, the course helps build a foundation in creating motion graphics elements. The course focuses on retro 3D graphics, which can be a unique style for motion graphics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Virtual Reality Content Creator

Virtual Reality Content Creators develop immersive experiences for virtual reality platforms. This includes designing 3D environments, creating interactive elements, and optimizing content for VR headsets. This course may be useful if you want to become a Virtual Reality Content Creator. The course teaches how to model, texture, and animate 3D graphics, which are essential skills for VR content creation. Additionally, the course covers putting models into the Godot Engine, which can be used to create VR experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Content Creator

Visual Effects Artist

A Visual Effects Artist creates special effects and visual elements for films, television, and video games. This involves using software to create simulations, composites, and other effects that enhance the visual storytelling. This course may be useful in becoming a Visual Effects Artist. The course covers the fundamentals of 3D modeling, texturing, and animation with Blender and Gimp. Specifically, learning to create skyspheres can be useful in crafting visual effects shots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Augmented Reality Developer

Augmented Reality Developers create interactive experiences that blend digital content with the real world. This involves designing and developing AR applications for mobile devices and other platforms. This career path may be a good fit for you. The course helps in creating 3D models and animations that can be used in AR applications. The course covers the use of Blender, Gimp, and Krita, as well as putting models into the Godot Engine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality Developer

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 How to Create Retro 3D Graphics with Blender and Gimp.

Mastering Blender

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Provides a comprehensive guide to Blender's features and workflows. It covers a wide range of topics, from modeling and texturing to animation and rendering. While the course focuses on retro graphics, this book offers a solid foundation in Blender for all types of 3D projects. It is useful as a reference for specific Blender tools and techniques.

Mastering Blender

Paperback

GIMP Bible

Save

Comprehensive guide to using GIMP for image editing and manipulation. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic image adjustments to advanced compositing techniques. While the course focuses on creating textures for retro graphics, this book provides a solid foundation in GIMP for all types of image editing projects. It is useful as a reference for specific GIMP tools and techniques.