In this tutorial, we’ll look at how to measure objects and distances in Blender. We’ll look at features built into Blender and the Caliper script (created by Dolf Veenvliet, aka macouno).
The Caliper script can be downloaded at:
http://www.alienhelpdesk.com/python_scripts/caliper
Version Compatibility: 2.4x
Tutorial Level: Beginner
You can check out the tutorial at BlenderCookie.com
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
In this quick tip, we’ll take a look at how to easily create a procedural noise texture that’s stable during animation, unlike the default “Noise” procedural texture that’s available in Blender.
Version Compatibility: 2.4x, 2.5 alpha zero
Tutorial Level: Beginner
You can check out the tutorial at BlenderCookie.com
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
I wanted to try and get something done for Christmas, and barely made it! So, here's a video demonstrating how to create a ribbon bow. This is really an unedited video with no narrative (ran out of time), and it's been sped up to help make up for the lack of editing. Hopefully, you'll be able to learn something from it.
If enough people are interested, I'll reproduce it with a narrative and a lesser timelapse factor.
This is only available online (didn't have time to create the download version, sorry).
Anyway, it's been a great year thanks to all of the support and feedback! Look for 2010 to be significantly more active.
Watch the tutorial online
The video will buffer for the first 10% before being displayed, then press play to start.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Well, Blender 2.5 ALPHA 0 has been officially released! I think many people will be pleased to see that, even though there are plenty of new features, Blender is still Blender. And with some initial effort to get up to speed with the basic differences, you can quickly begin to feel at home with the knowledge gained from using Blender 2.4x.
Personally, I'll still use Blender 2.4x because of its stability, but it will be fun to explore the new Blender while it stabilizes.
I'll be posting occasional tips and tutorials for Blender 2.5.0, but I want to be careful about the subjects I cover until 2.5 stabilizes.
Having said that, here's a quick tip video on how to change the keystroke mapping for the Add Menu in 2.5 so it's the same as what you may be used to using in the 2.4x series.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
The members of the BlenderNewbies Forums have been conducting several different challenges over the past few months. It's a great way for participants to have creative fun and challenge their current abilities with Blender. The challenges are always friendly because it's not about the competition, it's about participating in a fun way to help strengthen your Blender skills. So, no worries about being "good enough".
I'll be posting news about these challenges in the future, so come on in and have some fun!
The winner of the previous challenge decides what the next challenge will be. The last challenge ended with a tie, so they decided who would come up with the next challenge idea. The current challenge is a Monthly Challenge called "Self-Portraits" :
Challenge Idea:
I thought it'd be interesting to see how each of the members that participate on these challenges look.
It doesnt have to be a photo-realistic and accurate render, it's open to your interpretation.
So you could model yourself as an animal, as a tree, as a jedi, or whatever you think that represents yourself, having, of course, some sort of similarity to your look.
...Good luck and I hope to see a lot of entries!
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
This is part 3 in the BlenderNewbies Hand Modeling Tutorial series. In this part, we'll pick up from where we left off in the blocking phase and move towards creating a low-poly cartoon hand.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Ira Krakow has done a nice review of the Blender Community Toolbar, along with sharing some kind words (although maybe a little embarrassing) about BlenderNewbies. I appreciate the effort and kind thoughts. Thanks!
Ira also has a blogsite featuring many Blender tutorials, so be sure to check out his site at http://blender3dvideos.blogspot.com/
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
In this tutorial, we'll be taking a look at the basic blocking for modeling a 3d cartoon hand.
This is part 2 in the BlenderNewbies Hand Modeling Tutorial series.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
In this tutorial, we'll be taking a look at basic hand structure for 3d modeling. This is part of a Hand Modeling Tutorial Series, but we won't get into any modeling at this point.
We, first, want to take a look at what we need to consider when modeling a hand. These structural issues are relevant whether you're modeling a cartoon hand, a more realistic hand, or any type of stylized hand.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
In this Blender tutorial, we'll be taking a look at how to model a smooth t-joint connection. This technique is something you might want to consider when simply intersecting two cylinders doesn't quite give you the appearance you need.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
If you've been on the fence deciding about purchasing the BlenderNewbies DVD, now is the time to act! I am offering the final and deepest discount that I can afford, and I only have a little over 100 units available.
The discount is 30% off the original price of $35. So, for only $24.50 you can get the BlenderNewbies Video Tutorial Compilation DVD-ROM. The videos on the disc are of a higher quality than what can be found on this site, plus there are many extras thrown in. You can get complete details at http://www.blendernewbies.com/tcdvdrom/index.html.
Note: DVD purchases made on this past Friday and over the weekend (before this announcement) will be at the new discounted price! (I think that's fair.) I'll return the difference between the two prices ($5.25) to you via your PayPal account.
Thanks again for all of the support! It really has helped me to keep the site going.
Kernon
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
In this Blender tutorial, we'll take a look at how to add simple transitions to camera changes in an animation. This will be accomplished using Blender's Video Sequence Editor.
This tutorial is an extension to the Camera Changing tutorial.
Additional Info:
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Blender is getting some recognition in the print magazine, 3D Artist! I'm honored that they wanted to include some of the BlenderNewbies video tutorials (about 30 minutes, 4 tutorials) as part of their cover disc in the latest issue (#7).
I just received my complimentary copy in the mail, and I must say that I'm really impressed with this magazine! The design and artistic content are really top-notch. They cover a broad range of the most widely used CG 3D applications and they include a lot of helpful tutorials and WIPs. The content is rich and not riddled with advertisements like a lot of magazines. I'm usually not one to check out printed magazines, but this one genuinely surprised me. And no, I'm not biased because they've included some of the BlenderNewbies tutorials...it is pretty cool, though.
I'm glad to have the opportunity to help Blender get some more coverage.
Check out 3D Artist.
It's a printed publication, so you might find it available at most larger bookstores.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
This video tutorial will show you how to use multiple cameras in your animation, and easily control the camera switching in your animated scene.
Additional Info:
To assign a camera to be active at multiple points during your animation, simply add the necessary frame numbers to the camera's name, separated by commas (no space required).
Example
---------
A camera desired to be the active camera at frames 48 and 1726 should be named as follows:
48,1726
You can have as many assignments per camera as desired, up to the character limit for object names. Note that frame numbers greater than 4 digits should not be formatted with commas (i.e. 1,429 should be named as 1429).
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Blender 2.49b is the latest stable release from the Blender Foundation. It contains lots of bug fixes and some new features!
You can get it, here.
And, you can check out the release log, here.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Hey, there! You'll notice in the sidebar to the right that I've added my Twitter feed. I've had one for a while, but it just kept slipping my mind to add it to the blog site.
I post interesting things I come across and learn, plus info about stuff I'm working on.
Another tutorial is coming...soon.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Time for another Blender Browser Toolbar update!
View an overview of the latest Blender Toolbar changes.
(This link is always available in the sidebar to the right.)
If you're not seeing the new content, go to the dropdown configuration menu (click the little arrow button to the right of the Blender logo) and select the Refresh Toolbar item.
Note: I'll be doing regular unannounced updates in-between these announcements.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Blender has a feature that will create a name for the current material or texture. This is very useful for those times when you just don't feel like being creative in coming up with a name, yourself.
For materials, the name generated is based on an approximation of the material's color (Red, Blue, LightBlue, etc.). The name generated isn't always an exact match, but it's definitely good enough for a quick naming solution.
The auto-naming feature is activated by a button located to the right of the material's name field. It's icon is an automobile, making it easy to remember its function.
For textures, the button is located in a similar location as shown below. The automatic name generated for a texture is simply based on the texture's type (Image, Wood, Blend, etc.).
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Since the economy is effecting everyone, I think it's a good idea to offer a 15% discount on the BlenderNewbies DVD-ROM. If you've been waiting to get the DVD, now would be a great time while this discount is in effect!
Related Post: BlenderNewbies DVD-ROM Review and Comments
(A special Thank You to all of you that have already purchased the DVD. I really appreciate it.)
Also, you may have noticed that some of the tutorials now include a purchasable download option. This download is the same quality that's found on the DVD, so if you're only interested in a higher quality version of certain tutorials, this might be a good option. However, it's a much better bargain to purchase the DVD.
I'm still working on making the higher-quality downloads available, so you may still find many tutorials without this type of download option. Also note that the current lower-quality download option is removed after putting the higher-quality option in place (I can't afford to host both copies on my server).
Thanks for all your support! Expect more new tutorials and tips soon...
EDIT:
I've had some people requesting an alternative payment service besides PayPal. I've looked at other solutions, but PayPal is really the best workable option for me.
Note:
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
Hello,
In this video tutorial, we’ll take a look at how you can create a library of reusable composite nodes in Blender. It takes time to create node setups, and often the work is repetitive, so let’s see what can be done to be more efficient.
This tutorial can be viewed at BlenderCookie.
technorati tags: Blender3D, 3D, graphics, Blender tutorials
