Learn 3D Modelling for Free? Welcome to Blender.
Credit: Instagram @arildismePublished: 16 Aug Updated: 11 SepFancy a career change, or simply just learning a cool new skill in your own time, that will really get your brain working? Or, are you keen to help your digital savvy teenagers harness their talents, in ways beyond gaming and social media this Summer?
Say hello to Blender.
Blender is a pretty damn cool, free and open-source 3D computer graphics software tool that sits within the much wider world of computer graphics (CG), used commercially for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, virtual reality, and video games.
Yep, you read that right, and whilst it is completely free, it still consistently sits globally within the top-rated CG 3D modelling software.
So, it’s a market leader then?
Yes. Blender really is a staple favourite of commercial content creators and enthusiasts. So, if you will, if it’s good enough for the experts…
That does sounds interesting. I don’t really know much about 3D Modelling, or the world of CG, can you tell me a bit more?
Venturing into 3D software and creation means stepping into an exciting and rapidly evolving field that blends creativity with technology.
As industries like gaming, animation, virtual reality, and architecture continue to grow, the demand for skilled 3D artists is higher than ever. Learning 3D software not only hones technical skills but also nurtures problem-solving abilities and artistic expression.
With a variety of tools and resources available, young creators and creators of all ages can easily experiment and innovate, building portfolios that could lead to rewarding careers in a multitude of industries. Or, just simply open you up to enjoying a cool new pastime.
Early immersion in 3D creation opens up endless possibilities, importantly also giving you the chance to help shape the digital world of tomorrow.
So, just to check again, Blender is totally free to download?
Yes, 100%, nada, zilch, zero. Download it free .
OK, so what kit do you need? I bet you need really powerful and expensive hardware?
To put it simply, no. You don't need to invest in extremely expensive hardware to start learning Blender. A mid-range PC or Mac that meets the minimum requirements will allow you to begin working with 3D modelling and rendering.
As you advance and your projects become more complex, you might consider upgrading your system, but starting out doesn’t require a significant financial investment.
PC or Mac: Blender runs on both Windows and macOS (as well as Linux).
A Three-Button Mouse: Is highly recommended for navigating within Blender, although it’s not strictly necessary.
A Standard Keyboard: Is sufficient, but having one with a numpad can be helpful since Blender uses it for certain shortcuts.
So, where to begin? Ah, tutorials, surely they’re going to cost you some serious ££££ right?
Nope. They’re free too! Say hi to the Blender Guru Andrew Price.
To note: there are plenty of other free tutorials out there, but Andrew who has been using Blender since 2003, has kind of nailed the market with his mega easy beginners series for all ages. Starting with how to create a …yep you’ve guessed it, a donut/doughnut!
Hmmm, ok. It does look really cool and fun but isn’t 3D modelling mega complex? Surely you need a certain technical level of understanding before you go anywhere near it, and it’s better suited to younger minds, who are growing up with the latest technology already?
Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s another no. But, what you will need is super patience, to be kind, and give yourself the space to learn.
How do you know this for sure?
As a fortysomething female who can navigate 2D pretty proficiently (self-taught over 20+ years), I didn’t think it wouldn’t be cricket if I just ‘talked the talk’ in this article, and didn’t actually ‘walk the walk’. So, my journey began at the beginning of this month. Having never opened a 3D software package before; or, ever considering myself particularly technical. I now find myself knee deep in donut/doughnuts, icing and sprinkles!
Ah, ok. How are you getting on?
I am working through the tutorials slowly, and in many cases repeatedly until I ‘get it’, and I am ok with that - approaching it in a way that works for me. And that is the key. I am on the journey, just about to start The Blender Guru Part 8 tutorial, and can safely say I am loving it! And, if you can hear a loud ‘whoop’, it’s because I have just had another breakthrough!
What I also love about the donut/doughnut Tutorials by Andrew Price (Blender Guru) is how they cover 99% of Blender’s features in a digestible way. It’s a lot to take in, and I might retain only a fraction, but I’ll gain a solid understanding of what’s possible. From here, it can only get easier, allowing me to continue learning at my own pace and focus on what interests me most.
Oh, and I am working on a super cool Blender donut/doughnut collaboration with our amazing Creation Population® Blender Specialist, CGI & Motion Graphics Artist Matt, UK. 6VXI. So, watch this space!
Updated: 11 SepOur collaboration is LIVE! I can’t thank Matt enough for working his Blender wizardry, incorporating my very first 3D modelling work into a ‘Little Not Large’ (LnL) animated story . The big question is - can you spot my deliciously colourful contribution?! Take a look here
What if I have any questions as I learn, or need to help my younger minds as they develop their Blender skills?*
More good news I hear you say? Absolutely! Given so many people have done the donut/doughnut tutorial globally, and have shared their progress as they learn, there are some amazing online communities out there to help you. Communities that have simply grown through a love of all things Blender. And remember, practice and dedication will always be king!
Instagram: Just doing a quick search on the hashtag #blenderdonut shows you the incredibly inspiring and welcoming community that has grown out of digital donut/doughnut making!
So, what can I expect from the donut/doughnut tutorials?
Here’s a snapshot of the first five tutorials to give you a flavour (ha - excuse the pun!) of what to expect:
Part One : Beginners
Part Two : Basic Modelling
Part Three : Modelling the Icing
Part Four : Sculpting
Part Five : Shading
So, after all of that are you ready to get started?!
Yes! The full Blender Guru’s tutorial series for complete beginners can be found here on his YouTube Channel.
Enjoy, have a play and most importantly, have fun!
Top Tips:
From our very own Creation Population® Blender Specialist, CGI & Motion Graphics Artist Matt, UK. 6VXI.
When learning something new, keep the scope narrow and focus on 1-2 things per session to avoid overwhelming yourself.
As the software is limitless and it's so easy to be pulled in 10 different directions, once you’ve mastered those 1 or 2 things, you can move on to the next!
After the donut/doughnut tutorial, try making a similar but different item, like a cupcake. This tests your memory and problem-solving skills with elements like a cherry on top or the crinkled casing underneath.
And of course, good luck!
Blender: Download it for free now!
Credit: With huge thanks to our Creation Population® CGI and Motion Graphics Artist Matt, UK.Code: 6VXI for his invaluable contributions and oversight on this article. You can see more of Matt’s amazing work here.
We’d love you to share how you and those around you are getting on with your donut/doughnut making!
Please feel free to share your progress, along with any images of your donut/doughnut(s), and we’ll celebrate and share them in the Musings & Mischiefs section in The Exchange area of our website, and across our social platforms.
Email: talent@peopleonefifty.co.uk with your name (plus your handle if you are on Instagram), country of origin, along with images or videos or your progress and accompanied by a one-liner of your progress.
*Please Note: It is the primary responsibility of parents, guardians and carers to ensure children in their care use the internet safely.