Update: New Appendix 5 - Interface changes between Blender 2.8, Blender 2.9 and Blender 3.0 the few small changes you need to know so the book can be followed in Blender 2.9 and Blender 3.0
Pages: 522
Illustrations: 937
Format: pdf
This book gives a structured introduction to 3D modelling using Blender 2.80 giving an in depth reference to how Blenders modelling tools are used. Following the reference sections, the book guides the reader through practical exercises that explain not only how to use the tools, but also the design considerations for the model being constructed and the reasoning behind why the tools being used were chosen.
As the reader works through the book each reference chapter is followed by a chapter putting the tools of the previous chapter into practice. This takes the form of two main projects, a Low-poly house model and a detailed spiral staircase.
The low-poly house demonstrates the basic principles of working in 3D and shows how a basic model can be UV Unwrapped and then detailed with image textures.
The spiral Staircase is a much more detailed model that was chosen because its complexity allows the book to demonstrates many of Blenders modelling tools in a single project. The user is guided from adding the first circle of vertices to a completed spiral staircase set in a house scene that gives both a finished render and camera fly through animation. The process of modelling is described in step by step detail along with images of each stage of the process and the reasons why the tools were chosen together with the design intent. The reader therefore not only learns to model a spiral staircase, but also how to plan and create their own models.
The book was originally started in 2012 for the Blender 2.60 and , but unfortunately other work got in the way of the book ever being finished. This has now been completely rewritten documenting many of the new ways of working in Blender 2.80 and brought together into a book structured to guide both new and intermediate users in the methods and principles of 3D modelling.
Chapter 1: Basic Concepts of 3D Computer Modelling
Chapter 2: Getting Started With Blender 2.80
Chapter 3: Working In Object Mode
Chapter 4: Mesh Modelling In Edit Mode
Chapter 5: Mesh Modelling – Practice
Chapter 6 - Modelling With Curves, Surfaces & Text
Chapter 7: Modelling With Curves – Practice
Chapter 8: Modifiers – Reference
Chapter 9: Modifiers – Practice
Chapter 10: Materials – Introduction
Chapter 11: Image Textures – Introduction
Chapter 12: Lighting & the World– Introduction
Chapter 13 Rendering & Output – Introduction
Chapter 14: Animation – Introduction
My previous blender book was released back in 2007, the Precision Modelling Guide – A Guide to modelling parts and components accurately using Blender. The forum post is still available (though the book isn’t) with the feedback and testimonials for my work.
More details are on my Illustration website where you will find a chapter by chapter breakdown of the books contents.
