Book Image

Taking Blender to the Next Level

By : Ruan Lotter
Book Image

Taking Blender to the Next Level

By: Ruan Lotter

Overview of this book

If you're ready to start exploring the more advanced workflows and processes in Blender to create intricate 3D models, then Taking Blender to the Next Level is for you. This book focuses on a few different VFX-related workflows such as geometry nodes, organic modeling, 3D camera tracking, photogrammetry, sculpting, compositing, and physics simulations. You’ll learn how to use geometry nodes to create dynamic motion graphic scenes as well as perform 3D scanning of real-world objects using photogrammetry. You’ll also find out how to model, rig, and animate your own 3D characters from scratch. Next, you’ll progress to using simulations to break objects apart and then use cloth and hair simulations to add realism to your 3D creations. Finally, you’ll go over the final render settings and export your 3D animation masterpiece as a video. By the end of this Blender book, you’ll be able to model your own 3D characters, objects, and landscapes; rig, animate, and texture your characters; 3D track live-action footage; and composite your 3D characters into live-action scenes.
Table of Contents (19 chapters)
1
Part 1: Modeling, Materials, and Animation Workflows
10
Part 2: Let's Do Some Physics
14
Part 3: Match Moving and Compositing

Creating reference images of your character

In this section, we will look at how to create reference images of your character using any drawing application you are comfortable with. I am using Adobe Photoshop to create my reference images, but there are many free alternatives that you can use. One of the best open source drawing applications available is GIMP, which you can download for free from the following URL: https://www.gimp.org.

You can also make use of Procreate if you have an iPad.

The following is the reference image that I created, which we will use during this chapter. Feel free to either create your own reference image or download my reference image from the following URL: https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Taking-Blender-to-the-Next-Level/blob/main/Chapter07/Chapter%2007%20-%20MyAlienRef.png.

Figure 7.1 – My character reference image

As you can see, I am not the best artist when it comes to drawing anything! But remember –...