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Unreal 5 Blueprint Tools for Artists

Thomas Harle

Welcome to my Unreal Engine 5 Blueprints Course - Blueprints for Art Tools, here on Udemy.  This course will take you from the basics of the Blueprint toolkit and introductory concepts, to a fully interactable dynamic light asset, a book pile spawner, a fence spline tool and an animated fire light. With over 40 example blueprints breaking down each new concept that gets introduced as well as the step by step process of the worked examples. This is the perfect introductory course for someone new to blueprints or someone more experienced looking to expand their skillset.  Over the course of 7 hours, all broken down into bite size 10-15 min videos, we cover everything from the UI, Variables, Events, Triggers, Loops, Randomisation, Splines, Timelines and so much more.

Read more

Welcome to my Unreal Engine 5 Blueprints Course - Blueprints for Art Tools, here on Udemy.  This course will take you from the basics of the Blueprint toolkit and introductory concepts, to a fully interactable dynamic light asset, a book pile spawner, a fence spline tool and an animated fire light. With over 40 example blueprints breaking down each new concept that gets introduced as well as the step by step process of the worked examples. This is the perfect introductory course for someone new to blueprints or someone more experienced looking to expand their skillset.  Over the course of 7 hours, all broken down into bite size 10-15 min videos, we cover everything from the UI, Variables, Events, Triggers, Loops, Randomisation, Splines, Timelines and so much more.

Each chapter contains many examples, full of handy comments, as well as a many corresponding video lectures that explains in full detail what is being done and why - so you're learning both the techniques being used and building up a base of  background knowledge of first principal concepts, allowing you to build up your own effects in future.

With industry standard practices from my 15 year career, including 5 years of teaching Game Art at a Masters Degree level, this course will empower you to make your own Blueprint Tools to speed up your workflow.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the basics of the blueprint toolkit, using industry standard best practices
  • Understand the powerful concepts of user exposed variables, for loops, splines, timelines and much more
  • Start to understand the performance implications of draw calls and how to best control that when spawning meshes dynamically
  • Understand the tools and concepts of player based interaction with blueprints

Syllabus

Download the source files
Introduction
Learn the basics of the Blueprint toolkit
Introduction to the Course
Read more
Introduction to the UI
Material Inheritance
BP Inheritance
Parameter Start
Parameter Material Setup
Exposed Parameters
Colour and Mesh Parameters
Organisation
Make a dynamic and interactive prefab asset using a street light example
Prefab Mesh Visibility
Prefab Mesh Location
Prefab Light
Prefab Light Material
Function Setup
Function Between
More Functions
Lamp Function
Events and Inputs
Auto Light
Counter
Destruction
Learn how to use dynamic loops and spawners to create dynamic generated assets
Randomisation
For Loops
Loop Index
Random Mesh Array
Save Mesh Array
Random Colour Loop
Seeded Random
Book Pile Loop
Width From Bounds
Cumulative Height
Random Scale and Rotation
Manual Random Index
No Duplicates
Random Scale
Height Scale
Draw Calls Setup
Draw Calls Comparison
Atlasing
Learn how to use the spline component in blueprints to make dynamic assets such as a fence tool
Spline Meshes
Spline Components
Spline Loop
Spline Segments
Spline Number of Meshes
Fence Posts Loop
Fence Random Posts
Fence Planks
Fence Planks Alignment
Fence Final Post
Books Setup
Books Cast
Books Child Construction Script
Books Clear Existing Books
Line Traces
Other Traces
Trace Setup
More Traces
Learn the basics of the Timeline node and some advanced techniques to expand the functionality
Timeline Introduction
Timeline Lerps
Timeline Random Start
Timeline Random Loop
Timeline Spline
Timeline Rotation Fix
Fire Light and Recap

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Uses industry-standard practices from a 15-year career, including 5 years of teaching Game Art at a Masters Degree level, which may help learners gain practical skills
Covers topics such as dynamic loops and spawners to create dynamic generated assets, which are useful for creating complex and varied game environments
Explores the use of the spline component in blueprints to make dynamic assets such as a fence tool, which is useful for level design and environmental art
Teaches the basics of the Timeline node and some advanced techniques to expand the functionality, which can be used to create complex animations and effects
Focuses on using Blueprints to create art tools, which can speed up the workflow for artists and allow them to create more complex and detailed assets
Requires Unreal Engine 5, which may require learners to upgrade their systems or learn a new engine if they are not already familiar with it

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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 Unreal 5 Blueprint Tools for Artists with these activities:
Review Unreal Engine Fundamentals
Reinforce your understanding of the Unreal Engine interface, navigation, and basic object manipulation before diving into Blueprints.
Browse courses on Unreal Engine
Show steps
  • Open Unreal Engine and explore the editor interface.
  • Create a new project and familiarize yourself with the content browser.
  • Practice moving objects, scaling them, and rotating them in the viewport.
Read 'Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5'
Supplement your learning with a dedicated book on Blueprints to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the system.
View Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5'.
  • Read the chapters that cover the topics discussed in the course.
  • Experiment with the examples provided in the book.
Blueprint Practice: Create a Simple Interactive Object
Reinforce your understanding of Blueprint basics by creating a simple interactive object that changes color when clicked.
Show steps
  • Create a new Blueprint Actor in Unreal Engine.
  • Add a Static Mesh component to the Blueprint.
  • Implement a 'OnClicked' event that changes the material color of the mesh.
  • Test the interaction in the game.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Your Blueprint Creations
Improve your understanding and retention by documenting the Blueprints you create throughout the course.
Show steps
  • For each Blueprint you create, write a short description of its purpose.
  • Document the key variables and events used in the Blueprint.
  • Explain the logic behind the Blueprint's functionality.
Develop a Custom Tool for Level Design
Apply your knowledge by creating a custom tool that automates a repetitive level design task, such as placing foliage or creating paths.
Show steps
  • Identify a repetitive task in level design that can be automated.
  • Design a Blueprint tool that performs the task automatically.
  • Implement the tool using the concepts learned in the course.
  • Test the tool and refine its functionality.
Read 'Unreal Engine 5 Cookbook'
Use a cookbook to find solutions to specific problems and expand your knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 features.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Unreal Engine 5 Cookbook'.
  • Browse the table of contents to identify relevant recipes.
  • Follow the instructions and code examples to implement the solutions.
Showcase Your Tools in a Portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing the Blueprint tools you've developed to demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients.
Show steps
  • Record videos demonstrating the functionality of your tools.
  • Write descriptions of each tool, highlighting its features and benefits.
  • Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work.

Career center

Learners who complete Unreal 5 Blueprint Tools for Artists will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Technical Artist
A Technical Artist bridges the gap between art and programming, developing tools and workflows that empower artists. This course on Unreal Engine 5 Blueprints helps build a foundation for creating custom tools that streamline asset creation and manipulation. The focus on practical examples, such as the book pile spawner or the fence spline tool, provides specific examples of how to improve creative workflows. Mastery of the Blueprint system and its components, like those discussed in this course, are essential for a Technical Artist to create robust and efficient tools.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist
Tools Programmer
Tools Programmers develop software to improve the workflows of other members of the development team, and they need a deep understanding of visual scripting systems. The core concepts discussed in the course, such as using loops, randomization, and timelines to create tools, are invaluable for a Tools Programmer. This course's focus on creating actual tools, like a fence spline tool or a dynamic light, is particularly useful for a Tools Programmer looking for examples of practical applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tools Programmer
Interactive Designer
Interactive Designers create user experiences that are responsive and engaging, and these designers often use visual scripting to prototype ideas and add dynamism. The emphasis this course places on making dynamic and interactive assets with blueprints directly applies to the skillset of an Interactive Designer. This course, in particular, covers elements like timelines, loops, and player interaction that are crucial for creating compelling and interactive designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interactive Designer
Procedural Content Generator
Procedural Content Generators create systems that automatically generate game content, and they can utilize visual scripting tools to create complex procedural systems. The content of this course, which teaches users how to use loops, randomization, and spawners, directly relates to procedural content generation. This specific course, with its examples of practical tools, may be very useful to those who wish to build their own procedural systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Procedural Content Generator
Game Designer
Game Designers build interactive experiences, often prototyping mechanics and systems using visual scripting tools. This Unreal Engine 5 Blueprints course is valuable because it covers how to make dynamic and interactive game assets. The course material that focuses on loops, randomization, and timelines, all discussed at length, would give a Game Designer a practical way to implement gameplay concepts. A Game Designer could apply lessons from this course to enhance game environments and prototype gameplay.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer
Gameplay Programmer
Gameplay Programmers focus on implementing game mechanics by using a variety of tools in a game engine. This course specifically targets visual scripting tools in Unreal Engine 5 and the knowledge of loops, spawners, and interaction, as well as using timelines, are critical to the role of a Gameplay Programmer. This course will help to build the skills necessary to create game mechanics and interactions with the visual scripting system.
See salaries and explore the career path for Gameplay Programmer
Environment Artist
Environment Artists craft the 3D spaces of a game, and they often require tools to help them rapidly populate a level with assets. This course on Blueprint tools in Unreal Engine 5 gives an Environment Artist the skills to create tools that can quickly generate assets such as fences or a scattered pile of books as taught in this course's examples, which can accelerate the level-building process. The course covers topics like splines, loops, and randomisation which are highly relevant to an Environment Artist's needs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environment Artist
Level Designer
Level Designers craft the environments where gameplay takes place, and they often must employ tools and scripts to make their workflow more efficient. This course teaches how to use Unreal's Blueprint system to develop tools that can generate level elements such as fences or dynamic lighting, as well as spawn meshes with randomization. This specific course, which provides examples of practical tools useful in level design, may be particularly helpful to a Level Designer who seeks to bring levels to life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer
Virtual Production Artist
Virtual Production Artists work on creating real-time visual effects for film and television, and they often need to use scripting to create dynamic elements in a virtual environment. The focus of this course on practical examples of custom blueprint tools is very useful for a Virtual Production Artist because these tools could be used to quickly create interactive props and environments. The course's coverage of splines, timelines, and dynamic loops also has direct applicability in virtual production workflows.
See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Production Artist
Simulation Developer
Simulation Developers create virtual models, and they often need to use scripting to develop complex systems and behaviors within environments. This course may be useful to create and implement procedural generation, interactive elements, and dynamic environments, since it introduces important concepts and techniques to create dynamic systems. The course's exploration of loops, timelines, and randomization is valuable for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Developer
UX Designer
UX Designers work to improve and implement user experiences. While UX design is traditionally thought of as concerning digital interfaces and websites, UX concepts are relevant to interaction with in-game elements and environments. This course will help a UX Designer to understand the underlying systems and constraints that a game developer considers when crafting interactive elements. A designer with knowledge of the concepts covered in this course will be able to create better-informed design solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Digital Artist
Digital Artists create artwork using digital tools, and while this course does not focus on creating art assets, it does teach skills that can help to improve the workflow of a Digital Artist in a 3D environment. The course provides examples of how to use tools to quickly create and manipulate objects, and it also provides an understanding of how tools are made. This may make a Digital Artist more capable in a 3D environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers create moving visual elements for a variety of media, and they can use scripting to enhance their designs. While this course is not directly related to motion graphics, the course covers timelines, and timelines are an essential part of creating motion graphics. Furthermore, the course provides an understanding of how scripts can be used in tandem with visual design, which may provide a motion graphics designer with ideas for new workflows.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer
Product Manager
Product Managers direct the development of a product, and they need to understand the time and work involved in development. A product manager who may not have programming expertise can benefit from the hands-on experience of learning the concepts behind Blueprint development. This course, with its easy-to-follow lessons and practical applications, can help a Product Manager better understand the technical concepts behind making a game.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Software Developer
Software Developers, while they will not use the visual scripting system, can better understand how to program visual applications by understanding the underlying programming concepts. Learning visual scripting and the concepts behind loops, variables, and events, may help to make a software developer a more well-rounded coder. This course will allow a software developer to better understand underlying coding principles from a new perspective.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software 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 Unreal 5 Blueprint Tools for Artists.
Cover image
Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to using Blueprints in Unreal Engine 5. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced techniques. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles and best practices for visual scripting. This book is particularly useful for those who want to deepen their understanding of Blueprints beyond the scope of the course.
Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
This cookbook offers practical solutions to common problems encountered when working with Unreal Engine 5. It provides step-by-step instructions and code examples for a variety of tasks. It useful reference for finding solutions to specific challenges and expanding your knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 features. is valuable as additional reading to supplement the course materials.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
7 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Thomas Harle
Language
English
Good to know
Uses industry-standard practices from a 15-year career, including 5 years of teaching Game Art at a Masters Degree level, which may help learners gain practical skills
Covers topics such as dynamic loops and spawners to create dynamic generated assets, which are useful for creating complex and varied game environments
Explores the use of the spline component in blueprints to make dynamic assets such as a fence tool, which is useful for level design and environmental art
Teaches the basics of the Timeline node and some advanced techniques to expand the functionality, which can be used to create complex animations and effects
Focuses on using Blueprints to create art tools, which can speed up the workflow for artists and allow them to create more complex and detailed assets
Requires Unreal Engine 5, which may require learners to upgrade their systems or learn a new engine if they are not already familiar with it
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