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LinkedIn Learning

Blender: Character Modeling

via LinkedIn Learning

Overview

Learn to model a production-ready 3D character with topology that deforms properly when it is animated, using Blender.

Learn to model a professional character design with topology that deforms properly when it is animated, using Blender, the free, powerful 3D modeling toolset that rivals many more costly packages. Ryan Kittleson starts with a mesh based on a reference image, blocking out basic shapes, and then shows how to sculpt the body, appendages, and head as well as complex details like clothing and hair. He also covers the new Dyntopo sculpting interface for shaping and subdividing meshes at the very same time. A series of challenge and solution videos near the end of the chapters allow you to test yourself on the material.

Syllabus

Introduction
  • Welcome
  • Using the exercise files
  • Using the challenges
  • Adjusting the Wacom tablet settings
1. Setting Up Blender for Character Modeling
  • Downloading Blender
  • Setting up preferences
  • Navigating the 3D viewport
  • Creating image planes
2. Modeling Characters with Polygons
  • Adding a mesh to start with
  • Mirroring a model
  • Extruding polygons
  • Cutting polygons
3. Multiresolution Sculpting
  • Using the Multiresolution modifier
  • Using Sculpt mode
  • Using the Grab brush
  • Sculpting the body
  • Masking to protect parts of the model
  • Sculpting the head
  • Hiding parts of the model
  • Splitting the model into parts
  • Troubleshooting sculpt problems
4. Dyntopo Sculpting
  • Understanding Dyntopo
  • Adding details
  • Removing details
  • Challenge: Sculpt hand challenge
  • Solution: Sculpt hand solution
5. Retopologizing a Sculpt for Animation
  • Understanding retopology
  • Setting up for retopology
  • Drawing new topology
  • Snapping the new topology to a sculpt
  • Continuing to build new topology
  • Resetting the Shrinkwrap modifier
  • Building from existing retopology
  • Retopologizing the nostril
  • Connecting flow zones
  • Connecting flow zones with differing edges
  • Retopologizing the horn
  • Working on the ears
  • Building the rest of the head
  • Challenge: Retopologize hand challenge
  • Solution: Retopologize hand solution
6. Additional Organic Modeling
  • Adding holding edges
  • Subdividing the model for extra detail
  • Modeling the facial cavities
  • Ensuring that the polygon mesh is facing the right direction
  • Mirroring the head
  • Making the hair
  • Sculpting the hair
  • Working on the hand
  • Making the jacket
  • Making the jacket lapels
  • Adjusting the clothes
  • Sculpting the jacket
  • Challenge: Sculpt pants
  • Solution: Sculpt pants
7. Modeling Additional Objects
  • Starting the boots
  • Finishing the boots
  • Modeling the belt
  • Making the belt buckle
  • Making the belt loops
  • Making the eyes
  • Making teeth
  • Working on the inner mouth
  • Challenge: Model the tongue
  • Solution: Model the tongue
  • Making symmetrical copies of everything
8. Sculpting Fine Details
  • Sculpting fine details
  • Brushing with texture maps
  • Sculpting with stencils
Conclusion
  • Where to go from here

Taught by

Ryan Kittleson

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