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

Modeling an alien cartoon character

In this section, we will make use of the reference images we've set up in Blender to create a 3D model of an alien cartoon character. During the modeling process, we will constantly toggle between the front and side views. An easy way to do this is to use the 1 and 3 shortcut keys on the numpad. If you don't use a keyboard with a numpad, you can also click the X (side) and -Y (front) axis icons at the top-right corner of the 3D Viewport to switch between the front and side views. Let's get started!

Modeling the body

Let's begin to model the body of our character:

  1. Ensure you are in the Front view by pressing 1 on the numpad or clicking the -Y axis icon in the 3D Viewport.
  2. Create a new cylinder mesh by pressing Shift + A and then selecting Mesh | Cylinder.
  3. Expand the Add Cylinder dialog box at the bottom left of the 3D Viewport.
  4. Set the number of vertices to 8, as we only need eight sides for the cylinder...