Blender 4 Essentials: 3D Modeling and Animation for Beginner from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the fundamentals of blender 4.0 - 4.2 such as the interface, navigation, workspaces, modes etc.
Learn to work with objects, object mode tools, coordinate system, viewport shading etc
Learn the essentials of 3d modeling with lots of practice, 3d mesh elements, common modeling tools.
Learn how to create materials, how to use textures and uvs and more about shading.

Learn how to correctly render your artwork. learn how to create environments, light the scene, set up cameras and render
Learn the essentials of 3d animation. keyframing, rigging, camera animation, rendering animated videos etc.
Create projects ranging from very simple to 'not so simple'.

Learn the fundamentals of blender 4.0 - 4.2 such as the interface, navigation, workspaces, modes etc.
Learn to work with objects, object mode tools, coordinate system, viewport shading etc
Learn the essentials of 3d modeling with lots of practice, 3d mesh elements, common modeling tools.
Learn how to create materials, how to use textures and uvs and more about shading.
Learn how to correctly render your artwork. learn how to create environments, light the scene, set up cameras and render
Learn the essentials of 3d animation. keyframing, rigging, camera animation, rendering animated videos etc.
Create projects ranging from very simple to 'not so simple'.

Syllabus

Learn about this course. Download and install Blender

Introduction

Downloading and installing Blender

Get to know the interface. Learn how to navigate around. Objects and Object Mode. Coordinate system and viewport shading options.

Welcome to Blender. The interface

Customizing interface and saving changes

Navigating and viewing the scene

Objects Add Delete Duplicate Hide Move to Collection

Coordinate system. Object location and origin

Work modes. Object Mode tools (No shortcuts)

Object Mode tools with shortcuts. Resetting transforms

Intro to Shading Modes and Viewport Material colors

Most common 3D modeling tools. Dealing with 3D modeling related problems. Intro to Modifiers. Modeling your first 3D models and more.

3D model building blocks. Elements. Edit mode intro

Most important 3D modeling tools

Selecting and Deleting tools

Our first 3D model - A table

3D modeling - A memory stick

3D modeling - A mug

3D modeling - Matches in a box

3D modeling - Stairs. Demonstration

3 most common problems beginners face when modeling

Intro to modifiers. Mirror modifier

Curve object. Editing curves

Most important properties of the curves

Exercises Intro. What we will model.

Exercise Project 1. The White Shelves

Exercise Project 2. The brown bench

Exercise Project 3. The Brown Table

You will be able to create variety of materials such as metal, plastic, glass etc. You will also learn how to use textures to create realistic materials. Also learn UVs, Packing textures and more

Concept of materials in real life and in Blender

Render Engines in Blender. Cycles vs Eevee

Creating. Deleting. Protecting materials etc.

Creating and modifying basic materials

Overview of nodes and a simple node setup

Texture basics. Color and Black and White textures

Common textures used to create most materials

Texture basics 2. Automatically Projecting Textures

UV Maps. Unwrapping steps. General rules

Auto UV Unwrapping. Smart UV project

UV Unwrapping practice

Preventing unwanted problems with textures

Texturing workflow. Important things to remember

Packing Embedding taxtures

Unpacking textures

Applying multiple materials onto 1 object

Extra - All about materials

Exercises Intro. Shading practice. What we will do

Texturing exercise demo

After watching this section, you will be able to create beautiful renders of your artwork. You will also be able to create special environments, light the scene and work with the camera.

Rendering quick demo

Rendering basics. Viewport vs Final. Steps

Cycles. Most important settings

Saving rendered images. Rendering the viewport

Image output Settings. Format

Working with Cameras. Important shortcuts and properties

Lights objects

Using HDRi as light and background. Shadow Catcher

Creating Environments. Type 1. Simple Env

Creating Environements. Type 2. Gradient Env

Exercises Intro. Rendering practice. What we will achieve

Rendering exercise Demo

You will create a beautiful Low Poly Car

Project Introduction

LP_Car. Modeling 1

LP_Car. Modeling 2

LP_Car. Shading

You will create a nice low poly character.

Download Mixamo Character. Import into Blender

Modeling the Body

Modeling the Head

Joining parts of the body

Improving the appearance

Creating outlines for clothes and shading

You will create a beautiful Low Poly Village environment with houses, animated trees, flowers and grass.

LP_Village. Block out n Lighting

LP_Village. Modeling the House

LP_Village. Placing the houses

LP_Village. Fences and Gates using Curve and Array

LP_Village. Road with Curve and Shrinkwrap

LP_Village. Creating simple rock. flower. grass particle

LP_VIllage. Creating Animated Tree with Sapling

LP_Village. Instancing Trees. Grass Particle System

LP_Village. Scattering Flower instances

LP_Village. Applying simple colors

LP_Village. Tips. Troubleshooting. Challenges

LP_Village. Last minor changes

You will learn the essentials of animation, keyframing, rigging, Shape keys, Deformations, using video textures, camera animations, rendering animations and more.

Intro to the new section. Basics of animation

Examples of animating properties

Some advanced concepts and features

Intro to Armature Skeleton Control system

Rigging Mechanical objects

Rigging Organic models

Exercise. Rigging The Cube Character

Exercise. Manual Walk Animation [Intermediate]

Moving objects along curve path

Physics and Simulations examples

Shape Keys

Making objects appear and disappear using Scale

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 4 Essentials: 3D Modeling and Animation for Beginner with these activities:

Review Basic 3D Geometry

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Reinforce your understanding of 3D geometry concepts. A solid grasp of these concepts will make learning 3D modeling in Blender much easier.

Browse courses on Geometry

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Review the definitions of vertices, edges, and faces.
Practice calculating surface normals and areas.
Familiarize yourself with basic transformations like translation, rotation, and scaling.

Read 'Blender For Dummies' by Jason van Gumster

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Solidify your understanding of the fundamentals of Blender. This book provides a clear and concise overview of the software.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters covering the topics you find most challenging.
Follow the examples and exercises in the book.
Use the book as a reference when you encounter problems.

Read 'Mastering Blender' by Oliver Villar

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Expand your knowledge of Blender's capabilities. This book will help you go beyond the essentials covered in the course.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the chapters relevant to the current course topics.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book.
Take notes on key concepts and workflows.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Complete BlenderGuru's Donut Tutorial

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Reinforce your modeling, texturing, and rendering skills. This popular tutorial provides a hands-on learning experience.

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Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Experiment with different settings and techniques.
Try to create your own variations of the donut.

Model a Simple Room

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Apply your modeling skills to create a complete scene. This project will help you solidify your understanding of the modeling workflow.

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Plan the layout of your room.
Model the walls, floor, and ceiling.
Add furniture and decorations.
Texture and light the scene.

Create a Short Animated Scene

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Practice your animation skills by creating a short animated scene. This will help you understand the principles of animation and how to use Blender's animation tools.

Show steps

Plan your scene and create a storyboard.
Model and rig your characters and objects.
Animate the scene using keyframes.
Add lighting and rendering.

Contribute to Blender's Documentation

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Deepen your understanding of Blender by contributing to its documentation. This will require you to research and explain different features of the software.

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Identify a section of the documentation that needs improvement.
Research the topic and write a clear and concise explanation.
Submit your changes to the Blender documentation team.

Career center

Learners who complete Blender 4 Essentials: 3D Modeling and Animation for Beginner will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

3D Modeler

A 3D Modeler creates three dimensional models using specialized software. This course helps individuals build a foundation in Blender, an industry standard tool for 3D modeling. The course covers essential 3D modeling tools, equipping aspiring modelers with the skills to create complex 3D models. The curriculum includes hands on practice and exercises, which are crucial for mastering the art of 3D modeling. This course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on using curves, modifiers, and the mirror modifier. By learning these tools, a 3D Modeler can create compelling designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Modeler

Product Visualizer

A Product Visualizer creates realistic 3D renderings of products for marketing and presentation purposes. This course covers shading, materials, textures, lighting, and rendering, which are essential for creating photorealistic product visualizations. The course's focus on creating realistic materials and working with cameras directly applies to this role. A Product Visualizer can create compelling product demonstrations after taking this course. The exercises on rendering and texturing can also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Visualizer

Animator

An Animator creates moving images using computer software. This course provides an introduction to animation principles using Blender. The course covers keyframing, rigging, camera animation, and rendering animated videos, all of which are crucial skills for any animator. The exercises and projects in the course will help build a strong portfolio. An Animator can use this course to master basic animation, including rigging mechanical and organic models, controlling systems, and creating compelling animations. This course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on using shape keys, simulations, deformations and scale.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Character Artist

A Character Artist specializes in creating 3D characters for games, film, and animation. This course helps build skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and rigging, which are essential for character creation. The course project on creating a low poly character provides practical experience. A Character Artist can create compelling character models after taking this course. The course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on rigging organic models and using shape keys.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Artist

Game Artist

A Game Artist creates the visual assets for video games. This course will help build skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and animation, which are directly applicable to creating game assets. The hands on projects, such as creating a low poly car and village, provide practical experience and build a portfolio relevant to game art. This course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on modeling and animating trees, scattering flower instances, and creating rocks and grass. A Game Artist can create compelling environments after taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

Motion Graphics Designer

A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated graphics for various media. This course provides a foundational understanding of 3D animation and visual effects using Blender. Learning keyframing, camera animation, and rendering allows a motion graphics designer to bring dynamic elements to their designs. The course's focus on creating environments and lighting scenes enhances the visual appeal of motion graphics. This course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on moving objects along curved paths, applying scale, and using simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Architectural Visualizer

An Architectural Visualizer creates 3D renderings of architectural designs. This course may be useful to learn how to create detailed 3D models and realistic visualizations of buildings and environments. The skills learned in the course, such as 3D modeling, shading, lighting, and rendering, are directly applicable to architectural visualization. The course's projects, such as creating a low poly village, provide practical experience in building virtual environments. The course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on creating environments, lights, and cameras.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Visualizer

Visual Effects Artist

A Visual Effects Artist creates special effects and visual elements for film and television. This course builds a basic understanding of 3D modeling, animation, and rendering, which are foundational skills for VFX. Learning to create environments, animate objects, and render realistic scenes helps a Visual Effects Artist create believable visual effects. The course may be especially useful because it includes instruction on rigging mechanical and organic models, controlling systems, and creating compelling animations

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Technical Artist

A Technical Artist bridges the gap between art and technology in game development and animation. This course provides a strong foundation in 3D modeling and animation, which are essential for creating and optimizing assets for real time applications. The course's focus on Blender's tools and workflows helps a Technical Artist streamline the art pipeline. The course may be useful because it includes instruction on using curves, modifiers, the mirror modifier, shape keys, and simulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Digital Sculptor

A Digital Sculptor creates detailed 3D models using sculpting software. While this course focuses on polygonal modeling in Blender, the knowledge of 3D modeling principles and techniques learned can be transferable to digital sculpting workflows. Understanding mesh topology, form, and composition, as covered in the course, helps a Digital Sculptor create high quality sculpts. The course may be useful because it includes instruction on mesh elements, and common modeling tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Sculptor

Multimedia Artist

A Multimedia Artist creates art in many different media, including 3D animation. This course is helpful to learn how to create 3D models and animations. The course covers the fundamentals of Blender, 3D modeling, shading, materials and textures. The course will likely be helpful, especially because it includes examples of many kinds of projects. A Multimedia Artist can create compelling pieces after taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Product Designer

A Product Designer designs parts, products, and/or services. This course is helpful to learn how to create 3D models of products. The course covers the fundamentals of Blender, 3D modeling, shading, materials and textures. The course may be useful, especially because it includes examples of many kinds of projects. A Product Designer can create compelling pieces after taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Simulation Engineer

A Simulation Engineer uses software to model aspects of the real world. This course is helpful to learn how to create 3D models and animations. The course covers the fundamentals of Blender, 3D modeling, shading, materials and textures. The course may be useful, especially because it includes examples of many kinds of projects. A Simulation Engineer can create compelling pieces after taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Engineer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates learning materials in many formats, including 3D animation. This course is helpful to learn how to create 3D models and animations for learning materials. The course covers the fundamentals of Blender, 3D modeling, shading, materials and textures. The course will likely be helpful, especially because it includes examples of many kinds of projects. An Instructional Designer can create compelling pieces after taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Technical Director

A Technical Director helps with the creation of animation and digital content. A Technical Director creates pipelines and tools. This course is helpful to learn how to create 3D models and animations. The course covers the fundamentals of Blender, 3D modeling, shading, materials and textures. The course will likely be helpful, especially because it includes examples of many kinds of projects. A Technical Director can better understand this course after taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Director

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 4 Essentials: 3D Modeling and Animation for Beginner.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Provides a comprehensive guide to Blender, covering a wide range of topics from basic modeling to advanced animation techniques. It serves as an excellent reference for users of all skill levels. It is particularly useful for understanding the more complex features of Blender that are not covered in detail in the course. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Putting Knowledge to Work

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Blender 4 Essentials

3D Modeling and Animation for Beginner

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Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Activities

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