BASICS OF MODELING
BLENDER
I begin my journey into learning blender with crossmind studios - "Introduction to Blender" series.
We first began with a rudimentary project of a simple street with buildings lining the sides. I learnt about the basics modeling tools, by adding a basic shape and then entering into object editing mode to manipulate the shape to what I would want. Modeling on blender is unlike any tool I've used in the past. Applications like Sketchup and CAD use lines that form planes, and planes that form volumes. However I learnt that Blender is more akin to moulding clay. Starting from a cube, you would splice, cut and extrude until you get the form you desire.
After learning the basic modeling techniques, we went into the usage of modifiers to achieve forms. I learnt that using these modifiers rather than just manipulating the base shape is good for animation as it is non-destructive to the base model, and it allows us to keyframe animations as it is proceduraly created. Following that, I learnt about making and applying materials to my models, and adding texture and bumps to make them realistic. Finally I learnt about lighting a scene using HDRIs and spot lights.
Experimenting with basic tools
Attempting to make simple objects
Simple street built from rectangles extruded/ stretched/ scaled with basic plain colours added.
Simple models of objects after exploring object editing mode in Blender
Application
My first attempt at applying what I have learnt along the way. I simply modelled an insect repellent bottle sitting beside me as I was working.
Learning About Modifiers
The next stage was to learn and explore more extensively about modifiers. Previously I have only learnt about the subdivision surface modifer, which takes every point and adds as many as specified in its settings.
This time I explored the array, boolean, displacement, screw modifiers and more. Before learning Blender I always felt these organic forms were intimidating to create and even more so to animate. However these modifiers make creating organic forms simpler.
Simple models of objects after exploring modifiers
Adding textures
Adding image textures to an object proceedurally using nodes. These nodes aspect to be adjusted before application for a non-destructive way of adjusting textures in a scene. Thereafter a combination of texture nodes and material setting were used to create the water puddles.
Final render with materials
Learning About Different Light Sources
In the final stage before embarking on a full project, I learn some basic lighting tools in Blender. On the right are images of exploration of 3 lights, point, spot and area from top to bottom.
Point lights light up the area around a specific point. Spot lights light up objects in a conical shape from the light source. Finally area lights light up an area but the light sources shape can be adjusted.
