Synopses & Reviews
Blender is a powerful and free 3D graphics tool used by artists and designers worldwide. But even experienced designers can find it challenging to turn an idea into a polished piece.
For those who have struggled to create professional quality projects in Blender, author Ben Simonds offers this peek inside his studio. You'll learn how to create 3D models as you explore the creative process that he uses to model three example projects: a muscular bat creature, a futuristic robotic spider, and ancient temple ruins. Along the way, you'll master the Blender interface and learn how to create and refine your own models.
You'll also learn how to:
- Work with reference and concept art in Blender and GIMP to make starting projects easier
- Block in models with simple geometry and build up more complex forms
- Use Blender's powerful sculpting brushes to create detailed organic models
- Paint textures with Blender and GIMP and map them onto your 3D artwork
- Design textures in GIMP and map them onto your 3D artwork
- Light, render, and composite your models to create striking images
Each chapter walks you through a piece of the modeling process and offers detailed explanations of the tools and concepts used. Filled with full-color artwork and real-world tips,
Blender Master Class gives you the foundation you need to create your own stunning masterpieces.
Supplementary download includes files for each project in the book, as wellas extra textures, brushes, and other resources.
Covers Blender 2.6x
Synopsis
Blender Master Class is a practical, hands-on guide to the potential of the popular open-source 3D graphics tool.
In the book, professional animator Ben Simonds walks you through three complete projects: a muscle-bound gargoyle, a futuristic robotic spider, and ancient temple ruins overgrown with jungle. In the process, you will master the Blender interface, and learn how to model and sculpt your own amazing models.
You'll also learn how to:
- Work with reference and concept art in Blender and GIMP to make beginning projects easier
- Block in models with simple geometry then build up more complex forms
- Explore Blender's powerful sculpting brushes to create detailed organic models
- Create smart, flowing topology for your models
- Design textures in GIMP and map them onto your 3D artwork
- Master the art of creating materials and lighting for your scenes
- Render and composite your creations to create striking images
Chapters walk through the steps in the modeling process, from concept art to that final polish. Full of Simonds' impressive artwork in full color,
Blender Master Class will inspire you to create your own masterpieces.
About the Author
Ben Simonds is a 3D artist and co-director of Gecko Animation Ltd., an animation and post-production company based in London, England (http://geckoanimation.com/). He first started messing around with Blender back in 2005, when he had no idea it would eventually become a major part of his day job. Since then he's authored a wide variety of tutorials and articles for his own website (http://bensimonds.com/) and other Blender community websites, including Blender Cookie and BlenderNation.At Gecko Animation, he produces visual effects, models, animation, and graphics for TV and advertising. His work has appeared on major UK TV channels like the BBC, Channel 4, and Dave. Gecko Animation's inhouse short animation Assembly: Life in Macrospace won the 2011 Suzanne Award for Best Designed Short Film at the Blender Conference in Amsterdam.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments About the Author About the Technical Reviewer Introduction Chapter 1: Introduction to Blender Chapter 2: Introduction to GIMP Chapter 3: Preparation Chapter 4: Blocking In Chapter 5: Modeling the Details Chapter 6: Sculpting Chapter 7: Retopology Chapter 8: UV Unwrapping Chapter 9: Hair and Particle Systems Chapter 10: Texture Baking Chapter 11: Texture Painting Chapter 12: Materials Chapter 13: Lighting Chapter 14: Rendering and Compositing Chapter 15: Going Further About the Project Files