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Stephen Ulibarri

Do you want to make 3D game assets for your own games? Perhaps you want to make animated cinematic scenes. If you've been wanting to get into 3D modeling in Blender, this is the perfect course.

I assume you have absolutely zero knowledge or experience in Blender, and we take it from the absolute basics. You'll learn the most important mesh editing tools and modifiers, and throughout the course you'll be challenged to make your own creations to apply the knowledge you've learned.

Each video has a mini-challenge, and I work through the solution as well.

Read more

Do you want to make 3D game assets for your own games? Perhaps you want to make animated cinematic scenes. If you've been wanting to get into 3D modeling in Blender, this is the perfect course.

I assume you have absolutely zero knowledge or experience in Blender, and we take it from the absolute basics. You'll learn the most important mesh editing tools and modifiers, and throughout the course you'll be challenged to make your own creations to apply the knowledge you've learned.

Each video has a mini-challenge, and I work through the solution as well.

Each section has a section challenge, which is more ambitious. I still work through the solution.

The end of the course challenge puts all of your skills to use, creating a full weapon asset.

In this course, you will learn:

  • Maneuvering in the Viewport

  • How Objects are used in Blender, including meshes, lights, and camera

  • How to use the 3D Cursor in various ways

  • How to edit a mesh in Edit mode vs. Object Mode

  • Loop Selection

  • Fill

  • Extrude

  • Proportional Editing

  • Transform Pivot Point changing

  • Inset

  • Bevel

  • Loop Cut

  • Knife Tool

  • Slide edges and vertices

  • Dissolve

  • Shade Smooth and auto smooth

  • Using reference images and sorting objects into Collections

  • Subdivision Surface Modifier

  • Solidify Modifier

  • Bevel Modifier

  • Mirror Modifier

  • Screw Modifier

  • The importance and consequences of applying scale

  • Shrinkwrap Modifier

  • Array Modifier

  • Boolean Modifier

  • Creation of many different mini projects, including a dagger, pot, sword, treasure chest, flying saucer, lantern, nunchucks, spiked ball and chain mace, and more.

Each lecture is structured so you learn one subject at a time and apply it in a mini challenge before you move on. A PDF cheat sheet of notes is included for the first two sections.

Join an active Discord community where you can talk with other students and game developers and help each other, collaborate, and have a good time.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to use blender
  • 3d modeling
  • Mesh editing tools for creating game assets
  • Blender modifiers

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to your first step as a 3D artist!

You can download the latest version of Blender.

We discuss the sources for getting help including the course Q & A and the Druid Mechanics Discord Community.

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We learn the basics of using Blender including maneuvering in the viewport, objects, the 3D cursor, and edit mode.

We learn how to move around in the Viewport and observe the objects in our scene

We learn about objects in our scene and how to select and deselect them

We learn about the 3D Cursor and the various ways we can use it in our scene

We learn about how to enter Edit Mode to change the geometry of our meshes

We are challenged to create our very first project, a scene with five stars!

We learn the most important mesh editing tools and how to alter geometry in Edit Mode

We learn how to select entire edge loops and edge rings

We learn how Fill can be used to connect two vertices with an edge, as well as fill faces in between selected vertices and faces

We learn about how to extrude faces, edges and vertices to expand our geometry

We learn about how proportional editing allows us to morph geometry around our selection with a smooth falloff

We learn how to change the transform pivot point to change the way we apply transformations

We learn how to inset faces

We learn how beveling works on our geometry and how we can use it to cut off corners

We learn how to make loop cuts, a very useful modeling tool

We learn how to use the knife tool to cut our own custom edges into the geometry

We learn how to slide edges and vertices, and how to remove duplicate vertices when we slide edges and verts into each other

We learn how to dissolve edges, a quick way to reduce our poly count

We learn about Shade Smooth and how it can be used to give the illusion of more polygons

We learn how to add reference images to serve as a guide for our models, as well as how to organize our objects into collections

Our Section 2 challenge is to create a lantern using the given reference image, applying the knowledge we've learned throughout this section and the course as a whole so far.

We learn about Blender's most powerful feature: Modifiers! We cover several of the most important modifiers Blender has to offer.

We learn about the Subdivision Surface modifier and how it works to increase poly count and make meshes more round

We learn about the Solidify modifier and how it can add thickness to flat geometry

We learn about the Bevel modifier and how it can bevel an entire mesh based on an angle threshold

We learn about the Mirror modifier and how we can use it to mirror our work across an axis for an object

We learn how to use the Screw modifier to twist an edge into a circular arc

We learn the importance of applying our scale for objects and how this affects modifiers

We learn how to use the Shrinkwrap modifier to wrap a mesh around another mesh

We learn how to use the Array modifier to repeat an object in space

We learn the various ways to use the Boolean modifier including Union, Intersect, and Difference

We create a pair of nunchucks and put the skills we've learned so far to use

We take on the final challenge of the course, putting all of the knowledge we've gained to use.

We are challenged to put our skills to the test by creating a Mace weapon!

Congratulations! Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides hands-on experience with mini-challenges in each video and section, reinforcing learning through practical application and immediate feedback, which is helpful for beginners
Covers essential mesh editing tools like Loop Selection, Fill, and Extrude, which are fundamental for creating and manipulating 3D models in Blender and other 3D software
Explores various modifiers such as Subdivision Surface, Solidify, and Bevel, which are essential for efficient and non-destructive 3D modeling workflows in Blender
Includes a final challenge to create a weapon asset, allowing learners to synthesize their knowledge and build a portfolio piece, which is useful for job applications
Uses Blender, which is a free and open-source 3D creation suite, making it accessible to learners with budget constraints and those who prefer open-source software
Features an active Discord community, which fosters collaboration, peer support, and networking opportunities among students and game developers, which is helpful for beginners

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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 Fundamentals - Modeling with these activities:
Practice Viewport Navigation
Practice navigating the Blender viewport to become comfortable with orbiting, panning, and zooming before starting the course.
Browse courses on Navigation
Show steps
  • Open Blender and create a new scene.
  • Practice orbiting around the default cube using the middle mouse button.
  • Practice panning the view by holding Shift and the middle mouse button.
  • Practice zooming in and out using the mouse wheel.
Read 'Blender For Dummies' by Jason van Gumster
Provide a gentle introduction to Blender, covering the basics of the interface, modeling, texturing, and animation.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Blender For Dummies'.
  • Read the chapters related to the Blender interface and basic modeling.
  • Follow the examples and exercises in the book.
Read 'Mastering Blender' by Oliver Villar
Supplement the course material with a comprehensive guide to Blender, covering a wider range of topics and techniques.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Mastering Blender'.
  • Read the chapters related to modeling and modifiers.
  • Experiment with the techniques described in the book.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Model Basic Shapes
Reinforce mesh editing skills by practicing modeling basic shapes like cubes, spheres, and cylinders.
Browse courses on Modeling
Show steps
  • Create a new Blender scene.
  • Add a cube, sphere, and cylinder to the scene.
  • Use mesh editing tools to modify the shapes.
  • Experiment with different transformations and modifiers.
Design a Simple Game Asset
Test and solidify skills by starting a project to design a simple game asset, such as a weapon or prop.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Choose a simple game asset to design.
  • Gather reference images for the asset.
  • Model the asset in Blender using the techniques learned in the course.
  • Export the asset in a format suitable for game engines.
Create a 3D Model Showcase
Solidify learning by creating a showcase of 3D models created during and after the course.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Select 3-5 models created during the course.
  • Create a simple scene to display the models.
  • Render images of the models from different angles.
  • Compile the images into a showcase presentation.
Follow Advanced Modeling Tutorials
Refine modeling skills by following advanced tutorials on specific techniques or complex models.
Browse courses on Advanced Modeling
Show steps
  • Search for advanced Blender modeling tutorials online.
  • Choose a tutorial that focuses on a specific technique or model.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
  • Adapt the techniques learned to your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Blender Fundamentals - Modeling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hobbyist Game Developer
A Hobbyist Game Developer creates games for fun and personal projects. This course is perfect for a hobbyist game developer who wants to create their own game assets. The course teaches through mini challenges and section challenges, and this reinforces learning. The course's emphasis on creating 3D models with Blender is ideal for hobbyist game developers who are interested in creating their own 3D art, and who would like to learn to take the next step in the creation of games.
3D Modeler
3D Modelers create three-dimensional digital representations of objects, characters, and environments. This course in Blender fundamentals provides essential skills and knowledge for anyone wanting to pursue a career as a 3D modeler. It covers core concepts such as mesh editing, modifiers, and object manipulation. The course curriculum goes through many fundamental topics, and the use of mini and section challenges help reinforce the core material. Completing the course will help build a strong foundation in 3D modeling using Blender, with the skills applicable across different industries.
Game Asset Artist
A Game Asset Artist creates the 3D models that populate video games. This course directly addresses the needs of an asset artist by teaching the fundamentals of Blender, a popular 3D modeling software. The course's focus on mesh editing tools, modifiers, and the creation of various assets, such as weapons, provides the exact skills an asset artist needs. Specifically, the mini and section challenges, such as creating a dagger and a lantern, build a portfolio and skill set relevant to the work of a game asset artist. A course like this provides a solid basis for creating high-quality game assets.
Indie Game Developer
Indie Game Developers often wear many hats, including creating their own game assets. This course gives a strong foundation for an indie game developer by teaching how to use Blender for 3D modeling. The course's emphasis on mesh editing tools, modifiers, and the challenges for creating game assets such as weapons directly apply to the work of an indie game developer who wants to create their own 3D assets. The course will teach the skills to create 3D models, the mini challenges, and the section challenges provide practical exercises in 3D modeling.
Augmented Reality Developer
Augmented Reality Developers create interactive experiences that overlay digital content onto the real world. This course may be helpful for an augmented reality developer who needs to create 3D assets for use in an AR environment. The course focuses on the essentials of 3D modeling, mesh editing, and modifiers using Blender. The skills taught in this course will assist in the creation of assets and environments for use in AR applications. It will help to communicate with artists and create their own simple 3D assets.
Virtual Reality Developer
Virtual Reality Developers create immersive experiences for virtual reality platforms. This course may be helpful for a virtual reality developer who needs to create 3D models for VR environments. The course's focus on modeling in Blender will help a VR developer who needs to create their own objects and environments. The skills in this course would apply to building the assets used in VR experiences, and this course will provide a basic understanding of asset creation. This is a good starting point for a VR developer who needs to use 3D modeling software.
Technical Artist
Technical Artists bridge the gap between art and technology in creative industries, often working with 3D art pipelines. This course may be helpful for a technical artist who needs to understand the fundamentals of creating 3D assets using Blender. The course covers essential mesh editing tools, modifiers, and object manipulation. While a technical artist may not create assets all the time, the course's focus on Blender would give them a good understanding of the 3D asset creation process, which is essential for a technical artist who needs to work within production pipelines.
3D Animator
3D Animators bring digital characters and objects to life through movement and performance. While this course focuses on modeling, understanding how 3D objects are made is helpful for a 3D animator. Knowing how models are built and structured using mesh editing tools and modifiers in Blender allows animators to better understand the models they animate. With a foundation in Blender, 3D animators are better positioned to collaborate with modelers and troubleshoot issues related to 3D assets. The course will give a strong foundation in object creation.
Visual Effects Artist
Visual Effects Artists create compelling visuals for film, television, and other media. This course may be helpful for a visual effects artist who needs to create 3D models for use in visual effects. The course provides an introduction to core concepts such as mesh editing, modifiers, and object manipulation, using Blender. Visual effects artists use a variety of 3D tools in their work, and they often modify 3D models, making the skills taught in this course directly applicable to some of the work that visual effects artists do. The course will provide a foundation in the fundamentals of 3D modeling.
Level Designer
Level Designers create the environments and layouts for video games. It's useful for a level designer to understand how game assets are created. The course provides a strong foundation in Blender, a popular 3D modeling software, allowing level designers to better understand the process of creating 3D assets. While a level designer may not directly create models, understanding the tools and techniques, like mesh editing and modifiers covered in this course, will provide a useful perspective and would inform their work. Understanding modeling will help the communication between level designers and asset artists.
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designers create the overall structure and gameplay of video games. While this course focuses on 3D modeling, gaining an understanding of the process of game asset creation is useful for game designers. A video game designer who understands the basics of how a game asset is built will be able to communicate more effectively with the asset creation team. The course provides an understanding of 3D modeling through Blender which will help a designer gain an understanding of the technical constraints and possibilities of game assets.
Product Designer
Product Designers create the look and feel of consumer products. Sometimes, product designers use 3D modeling tools to create prototypes of their designs. This course may be useful for product designers who need to understand 3D modeling using Blender. The course teaches the fundamentals of object creation, and the many exercises in creating objects may be useful for product designers. While a product designer might not use all of the same tools as a game asset artist, the basic concepts of modeling translate across fields. The course would provide a foundation in 3D design.
Motion Graphics Artist
Motion Graphics Artists create animated graphics for various media. This course may be helpful for a motion graphics artist who wishes to create some of the base 3D models that they will animate. The course provides a foundation in 3D modeling through Blender. While motion graphics artists may work primarily in animation and compositing software, this course can help them better understand the creation and manipulation of 3D objects. The course may be helpful to those who want to use 3D elements in their motion graphics projects. This course can provide a foundation in 3D content creation.
Architectural Visualization Artist
Architectural Visualization Artists create renderings and animations of architectural designs. This course in Blender may be useful for architectural visualization artists, as it provides an introduction to 3D modeling in Blender. The focus of the course on mesh editing and modifiers is applicable to the creation of architectural models and environments. This course provides a foundation for users who may want to create their own architectural models, assets, or environments, making it a good place to start learning Blender.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers create learning materials and experiences. This course may be helpful for an instructional designer who wishes to make 3D models for use in the creation of educational materials or experiences. Using this course, an instructional designer can potentially create their own content rather than outsourcing it. The course touches on multiple core 3D modeling skills that would help create simple models. This course can provide an introduction to 3D content creation for an instructional designer.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Blender Fundamentals - Modeling:

Reading list

We've selected one 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 Fundamentals - Modeling.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Blender, covering a wide range of topics from basic modeling to advanced rendering techniques. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles of 3D modeling in Blender. While the course focuses on fundamentals, this book offers additional depth and breadth for those seeking to expand their knowledge. It is commonly used by intermediate Blender users.

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