This is a super basic modeling post. Pro 3D modelers can simply ignore or skip this post. Please don't be offended by how simple this Blender post is :]
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(This post may be INCOMPLETE, but I would like to update this over time.)
1. UNDERSTAND THE 3D SPACE
Most 3D package works in 3D Cartesian Coordinate space. Basically you want to easily locate a position of point in space and in order to do this, you need some kind of method. Mathematicians have all kinds of ways to do this. But the XYZ 3D Cartesian is easiest.
2D SPACE
Imagine a tiny snail walking on a piece of square paper. That square paper has Width and Height, let say we call it X and Y coordinate.
The paper can be in any size. Inside 3D you have unlimited space. The tiny snail can walk in X and Y coordinate of (1,4) or (100000, 40000) if it can walk that far.
3D SPACE
Next, imagine a spider (or you can also use an ant) crawling around inside a box. Instead of X and Y coordinate, we now have Z coordinate, based on the length/depth of the volume of the box.
Now you should start to get the idea of 3D space and Cartesian XYZ Coordinate for position in 3D.
Like mentioned earlier, you can have pretty much unlimited size or space in 3D world (imagine universe), probably only limited by the computer memory. Or, limited by the Camera Clipping Plane. Clipping Plane is a way to limit the size of 3D space.
You can now imagine a little fly flying around inside a box and we can try to locate the position of that fly using XYZ coordinate, and we come up with value like: (1, 5, 10). That value can be in any UNIT: cm, m, inch. Does not matter. In 3D space, a Unit of Measurement is simply a UNIT. Unless you started to get specific and certain with unit measurement.
The space is not just going in positive direction, you can also go negative, this way you have a complete 3D space (+X or -X, -Y or +Y, +Z or -Z).
4D SPACE
The 4th Dimension is Time. With Time, we can have a moving object in world Time or in its own timeline.
5D SPACE
Layering? Anyways, we probably don't need to know too far.
Anyways, in 3D space, you are free to place your object, camera, light, etc.
LOCAL SPACE AND WORLD SPACE
This is pretty simple concept, but may take a while to understand completely. Basically every object will start at 0,0,0 position of World Space when created. If you move that object, then the position will change in World Space. But the Local Space of that object is still at 0,0,0 relative to itself. This will be more apparent when you start creating hierarchy Parent and Child relationship between objects.
BLENDER 3D CURSOR
In Blender, you have something called 3D Cursor. Whenever you LMB click (Left Mouse Button) click, it will place that 3D Cursor on the 2D invisible plane, in 3D space.
It may seem to be a clutter in the 3D view, but you will soon like this 3D cursor. Very helpful to:
- Snap object
- Pivot object
- Move the pivot of object.
- Many more
2. GET TO KNOW HOW TO ORBIT, PAN, ROTATE
3D View is how you see 3D Space via 3D camera as 2D flat image. You can view 3D in Perspective or as Ortographic. You are basically using the default hidden camera when you see the 3D View. There is usually another camera required for you to be able to "Render".
In Blender, the Numpad key is your friend to jump to Top, Side, Front or any other side of the 3D Space Box. You can quickly go to any camera view this way. If your keyboard does not have Numpad, just go to View Menu.
You navigate around in 3D inside Blender using 3 different methods:
- Tumble (MMB drag)
- Pan (Shift + MMB drag)
- Zoom (Scroll Wheel or Control MMB drag)
3. GET TO KNOW HOW TO TRANSFORM AN OBJECT OR COMPONENT OF OBJECT
Translate (G), Rotate (R), and Scale (S). This is the basic of transformation of object in 3D. Rotation being the most complex, this is why Blender has Euler and Quaternian rotation.
From XYZ Coordinate you learned earlier, you want to know that you can Translate in XYZ, Rotate in XYZ, and Scale in XYZ.
Blender has a lot of tricks and hotkey shortcuts that are hidden in it, that you will find a long the way.
With Translate, Rotate, Scale, you can do a combo like this:
- Tap G, X, and enter a value == means translate along X axis and specify value
- Tap R, R, == pivot rotate an object
4. MODELING BASIC
- Vertex, Edge, Face
- Snapping
- Extrude
- Bridge
- Proportional Transform
5. SERIES OF BASIC MODELING TUTORIALS.
We will do some Polygon modeling. There are many ways to model. You need to learn the tool and many of the techniques and then continue practicing.
A. BASIC BOWL
I am using a method that is really powerful in Blender: you can simply extrude a single vertex. Or you can use the "click-click-click" method, just like connecting the dot.
CHALLENGE:
Create a 3D Teapot or the famous Utah Teapot:
http://goo.gl/TY2dg
B. MODEL A CEREAL BOX
Find a cereal box packaging and try to open it nicely so you have a flat object. Scan it, bring it into Blender to use it as 2D reference.
CHALLENGE:
Find the most complicated packaging you can find, then model that in 3D. Cereal box is great because you can then start to learn how to work with flat UV Texture for later becoming a 3D form.
C. ORIGAMI MODEL
Create a paper crane in 3D. And also do some other PAPER CRAFT model. Then look at some structure of Chinese Paper Lantern.
D. MODEL A LOGO IN 3D
Study Blender Curve Modeling and working with Blender Font/Type tool.
E. STICK FIGURE
Using Skin Modifier. Available officially in Blender 2.64 up.
Later on in your 3D exploration, you will find out terminology such as Organic Modeling and Hard Surface Modeling. Organic Modeling is more for natural object: human, creature, plants, etc. Hard Surface Modeling is more like: cars, weapons, robot, machine, airplane, etc.
Now, Skin Modifier is one awesome feature provided in Blender allowing you to model in a very organic manner. You basically providing some point and connect the point to create edges, and the Skin Modifier will create a fully 3D mesh.
With this tool, just be free like when you are doodling on paper with lines. You really just work with lines or edges and connecting the dots. Then you tweak the "size" or "weight" of each dot to refine your 3D Mesh.
FREE DOODLE:
STICK FIGURE:
Here, you will learn the technique to Mirror your 3D Edges, so you only need to draw one side and Blender will Mirror to the other side.
From Mesh that is created just by using Skin Modifier, you are free to continue adding details using Blender Multi Resolution Deformer Brush and Sculpting Mode.
This method is really powerful, you may be surprised that a really complex model can be started this way.
The original idea of Skin Modifier, is based on this ZBrush's ZSpheres:
http://goo.gl/fDjOr
If you don't know already, ZBrush is one package really popular used in 3D industry for a while now. Next popular tool will be Mudbox. And then there is also Sculptris.
Don't worry Blender will have the power of Sculptris one day.
F. ROBOT AND MECHANICAL ARM
Study a proper blueprint and model in measurement.
G. ARCHITECTURAL MODELING
I would have taken Architecture as my Major Study, but well I took graphic design and animation instead. It gives you a different way of thinking. I can see how Architects have good sense of DETAILS and DETAILING. While Graphic Designers tend to be toward SIMPLE and SIMPLICITY.
I mean, eventually you learn both art of SIMPLICITY and DETAILS anyway, if you are persistent.
Modeling things like Building, House, Furniture, etc. is a good practice for your modeling skills.
H. HUMAN MODELING
Understanding topology.
QUICK CONCLUSION
It takes years of practice to make you good at something.
If you look around the Internet for 3D model artworks and 3D modeling reel, you will find so many skillful 3D modelers out there.
Do not be intimidated, they are just really that good. It must have taken them hundreds of hours of work and practice to be that good. They are also have traditional art background (drawing, sculpting), I am sure.
The last few years trend in 3D industry is always to make a model that is realistic, or hyper-realistic. I am a believer that "realistic" model is just one path to seek.
For beginner 3D modeler, just model 3D objects like in "Katamari Damacy" and keep pushing yourself:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katamari_Damacy
http://goo.gl/1c8Ze
Remember:
- Use references or just be free with your imagination.
- Ask other people opinions, show your work and improve it
- Practice Traditional Art: Drawing, Figure Drawing
- Imagine in 3D
- Practice and practice
OTHER RANDOM MODELING RELATED LINKS
CROUCH LoopTools Modeling Add-On
http://lesterbanks.com/2012/07/looptools-for-blender-updates-with-new-gstretch-polygon-creation-feature/
GStretch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzMDDkd-QwA
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