Meta:BSoD/2006/Proposals/Introduction to Modeling

I propose to create a trail of modeling tutorials that will start from the very basics of mesh modeling and proceed to more complex techniques.

The tutorials will be structured as an ongoing project, the newer ones being based on the model(s) created in the earlier ones. The earlier tutorials' models will be provided so users can pick up the “trail” in the middle. Each tutorial will be longer than average, but will be split up into subsections so they can be done in parts. Each tutorial will also suggest some other exercises that can be done relative to the completed section. These aim to reinforce the subject matter, and materials will be provided to help – designs, reference images, tips and suggestions. Hopefully by doing these, the user will learn some of their own techniques. Again, all the models covered by these extra tasks will be provided. This should allow newcomers with no knowledge of blender to create a relatively complex project (of a mech!) and at the same time, learn general and some more specific techniques that will help them in future projects.

Scope/Breakdown

The trail will consist of seven tutorials:

Into the Face:

An introduction to the interface, key bindings and most used shortcuts. This tutorial is not needed to proceed, but would be highly recommended to people who have literally never touched Blender before.

Topics covered:

• Object selection
• The view
• View modes
• The 3D cursor
• Snapping
• Panning, rotating, zooming
• No middle mouse button?
• Layers
• Rendering
• The language of Blender

Our Own Genesis:

This tutorial will introduce the idea of the Object/Edit mode. It will then teach the most basic concepts of adding and manipulating models at the object level. This tutorial will also touch on the camera and lights, briefly.

Topics covered:

• The Object/Edit mode.
• Insertion, deletion
• Translation, rotation, scaling
• The camera and lights

The Nitty Gritty:

The Edit mode will be explored in greater depth over the course of this lesson. The final project will also be introduced here and started upon.

Topics covered:

• Vert selection
• Vert insertion deletion
• Vert translation, rotation, scaling

==Let's Add Some Depth==: This tutorial will start on some more of the common editing techniques, namely extrusion and face creation. This tutorial will also complete the first part of the final project. The number of topics this section covers is relatively small, but as extrusion is one of the most important techniques in modeling, an entire tutorial is devoted to it.

Topics covered:

• Faces
• Extrusion, in theory
• Extrusion, in practice

Curvyness

This tutorial stops the mesh modeling theme to start another important technique, curves. From my experience with other people's questions, I have noticed this is one of the most overlooked method. I feel a good grounding in curves from the start is needed. The section will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using curves versus meshes, which type of curve to use and when.

Topics covered:

• Curves, but which?
• 2D curves =/= 3D curves!
• Curve bevel
• Curve taper
• Curve => Mesh

Back To The Future

We return to mesh modeling in this tutorial where some more techniques are introduced. These include bevel, cut, spin, screw, warp, subdivide, noise and shear. Each technique will be shown on its own, and how they can be used to build up more complex, composite methods that achieve some rather pretty effects.

Topics covered:

• Bevel
• Cut
• Spin and screw
• Subdivide
• Noise
• Warp
• Shear

Bringing It All Together

The final section discusses scene composition as well as some more abstract issues with modeling. This includes small effects that can be introduced to add realism and the “wow factor” to a scene.

Topics covered:

• Lights again
• Camera angles
• Assorted tips

Deliverables

I aim to complete seven tutorial sections. They will all be plain text with accompanying images. Models will be provided for download, although these are not entirely needed to complete the core trail. Seven smaller mini-tuts will also be available, these will not walk the user through a subject, rather they will provide a more abstract guide for the extra tasks.

Biography

I have been a Blender user for approximately 4 to 5 years although it has always been a hobby and thus use has been “on and off”. I have done a number of small projects, mainly modeling because my texturing skills are lacking, to say the least. My models are all high-poly, using mesh data to show detail rather than relying on textures. All my renders are done purely in Blender and rendered with Blender Internal unless specified.

Apologies some of these are not complete, I don't have a backlog of all my work – so some of it has got lost.

Renders:

http://www.mickmcmack.com/5b3.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/4b.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/ninja1.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/pirate1.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/train7.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/r4.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/as_f2.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/time8.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/time_hdr.jpg < Yafray, not Blender Internal) http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/tl5.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/tank2_2.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/slabs.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/r2.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/psion2-5.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/ns.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/deznee2.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/chess4.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/choice.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/chem4a.jpg http://www.mickmcmack.com/blender-stuffz/legs.jpg

--timmeh 16:05, 18 June 2006 (CEST)