3D Modeling and Animation with Blender

Description

Key Topics Covered

1. Introduction to Blender and 3D Design
   • Overview of Blender’s interface, navigation, and workspace.
   • Understanding 3D space: coordinates, viewports, and cameras.
   • Introduction to the types of 3D projects you can create using Blender.
2. Basic 3D Modeling Techniques
   • Introduction to mesh modeling: vertices, edges, and faces.
   • Using basic primitives (cubes, spheres, cylinders) to build 3D objects.
   • Extruding, scaling, and manipulating meshes for more complex shapes.
   • Modifying geometry with modifiers (Subdivision Surface, Mirror, etc.).
3. Advanced 3D Modeling
   • Creating and refining complex 3D models using advanced tools.
   • Sculpting organic shapes and hard surface modeling.
   • Working with topology: edge loops, polygon flow, and quads.
   • Retopology: techniques for optimizing geometry for animation.
4. Texturing and Materials
   • UV mapping and unwrapping 3D models for texturing.
   • Applying textures and materials to models using Blender’s shader editor.
   • Introduction to PBR (Physically Based Rendering) and realistic materials.
   • Techniques for creating and applying custom textures (image textures, procedural textures).
5. Lighting and Rendering
   • Understanding different types of lighting in Blender (Point, Sun, Spot, Area lights).
   • Setting up realistic lighting for 3D scenes.
   • Introduction to rendering engines (Cycles and Eevee).
   • Creating high-quality renders and using the Render Layers and Compositing tools.
6. Rigging and Character Animation
   • Introduction to armature rigging: creating skeletons for 3D models.
   • Skinning and weight painting: binding mesh to armature.
   • Basic character animation techniques: keyframing, poses, and timelines.
   • Advanced animation techniques: rigging for facial animation and secondary motion.
7. Animation Principles
   • Understanding the 12 principles of animation (squash and stretch, timing, anticipation, etc.).
   • Animating in Blender using keyframes, the Graph Editor, and Dope Sheet.
   • Creating smooth and natural animations with proper easing and interpolation.
8. Camera and Scene Setup
   • Setting up cameras and animating camera movements.
   • Composing and framing shots for cinematic animations.
   • Creating background scenes and environments for 3D models.
9. Simulations and Effects
   • Introduction to physics simulations in Blender: cloth, fluid, smoke, and fire.
   • Particle systems and using them for visual effects like explosions or rain.
   • Creating realistic movement and interaction with physics simulations.
10. Final Project: 3D Animation

• Applying the skills learned throughout the course to create a final 3D animated scene.
• Bringing together modeling, texturing, animation, and rendering for a polished, complete project.
• Exporting and sharing 3D animations (GIFs, videos, or interactive models).

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand Blender’s Interface and Navigation
   Gain proficiency in navigating Blender’s interface, workspace, and tools, allowing efficient work on 3D projects.
2. Create 3D Models from Scratch
   Learn to create both simple and complex 3D models, from basic shapes to detailed characters and objects.
3. Master Texturing and Materials
   Understand how to apply textures, UV maps, and materials to 3D models, enhancing realism and visual appeal.
4. Animate 3D Models Using Keyframes and Principles of Animation
   Develop animation skills, applying the 12 principles of animation to create lifelike and engaging 3D animations.
5. Rig Characters for Animation
   Learn how to rig and skin 3D models, preparing them for character animation, including facial and body movements.
6. Work with Lighting and Rendering Techniques
   Set up realistic lighting scenarios for 3D scenes and render high-quality images and animations.
7. Create Realistic Simulations and Effects
   Implement physics simulations, such as smoke, fire, cloth, and particle effects, to add realism and depth to projects.
8. Develop a Complete 3D Animation Project
   Apply the skills learned to produce a final 3D animated project, from modeling and texturing to rendering and post-production.
9. Export and Share Final 3D Work
   Understand the methods for exporting 3D models and animations for various platforms, including web, video, and interactive applications.