Taking Blender to the Next Level

A comprehensive guide with key images printed in color to learning motion graphics, character modeling and rigging, creating dynamic hair and clothes, 3D scanning using photogrammetry, and more

Key Features:

- Learn how to use geometry nodes to create motion graphics and dynamic scenes

- Understand organic 3D modeling and how to create and animate your own 3D characters

- Use physics simulations to create clothing and hair for characters that interact with forces like wind

Book Description:

If you're ready to start exploring the more advanced workflows and processes in Blender to create intricate 3D models, then Taking Blender to the Next Level is for you.

This book focuses on a few different VFX-related workflows such as geometry nodes, organic modeling, 3D camera tracking, photogrammetry, sculpting, compositing, and physics simulations. You'll learn how to use geometry nodes to create dynamic motion graphic scenes as well as perform 3D scanning of real-world objects using photogrammetry. You'll also find out how to model, rig, and animate your own 3D characters from scratch. Next, you'll progress to using simulations to break objects apart and then use cloth and hair simulations to add realism to your 3D creations. Finally, you'll go over the final render settings and export your 3D animation masterpiece as a video.

By the end of this Blender book, you'll be able to model your own 3D characters, objects, and landscapes; rig, animate, and texture your characters; 3D track live-action footage; and composite your 3D characters into live-action scenes.

What You Will Learn:

- Use geometry nodes to quickly create complex 3D scenes and motion graphics renders

- Create realistic textures using physically based rendering materials

- 3D scan real-life objects using a normal camera and clean up the model using Blender

- Understand how to model, rig, and animate your own 3D characters

- Use rigid body simulations to create dynamic scenes

- Understand how to perform 3D tracking within Blender

- Become well-versed with compositing 3D renders into live-action footage

Who this book is for:

This Blender 3D book is for 3D modelers, texture artists, character and technical animators, matchmove artists, compositors, and anyone interested in learning advanced concepts in Blender. Motion graphics artists will also benefit from this book. A solid understanding of 3D concepts and the Blender UI is needed to grasp the concepts present in this book.

Table of Contents

- Using Geometry Nodes To Create Dynamic Scenes

- Creating a Motion Graphics Scene Using Geometry Nodes

- Organic Modeling P1: Creating a Mushroom

- Organic Modeling P2: Creating the Landscape around the Mushroom

- PBR Materials: Texturing our Mushroom Scene

- 3D Scanning and Photogrammetry: Creating Your Own 3D Scans

- Modeling an Alien Cartoon Character

- Rigging and Animating Your 3D Cartoon Character

- Rigid Body Simulation: Destroying a Statue Using Physics

- Dynamic Cloth Simulations

- Creating Hair Using Particles

- Matching Blender's Camera Movement to Live Action Footage

- Compositing the Alien Cartoon Character onto the Live Action Footage

- The Final Render