Blender Beginner Modelling Tutorial - Part 1

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In the Blender Beginner Modelling Tutorial – Part 1, hosted by Blender Guru, viewers will delve into the world of 3D modelling using the Blender software. The tutorial aims to teach the basics of modelling by guiding viewers through the process of creating the Søborg Chair design by ‘Fredericia’. The first part of the tutorial emphasizes the importance of selecting a good subject for modelling and provides tips on finding reference photos and blueprints. It also covers how to add blueprints to a Blender project and discusses the fundamentals of modelling, such as good topology, shading fixes, and creating curved or hard surfaces. Additionally, the tutorial suggests completing the Donut tutorial series for beginners before diving into this course.

To kickstart the modelling process, it is crucial to gather clear references and blueprints. Rather than relying on generic online images, the tutorial recommends choosing a branded object like the Danish Soborg chair by Fredericia. By having a specific product name, obtaining high-resolution reference photos and 2D blueprints becomes easier. To organize and view these reference images efficiently, the use of software like PureRef is suggested. Once the reference images are set, viewers can begin the modelling process by selecting a mesh object resembling the subject, importing the reference images into Blender, and creating a basic mesh shape. The tutorial emphasizes the significance of attention to detail and the understanding of the chair’s unique combination of flat and round surfaces.

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Table of Contents

Part 1: Introduction to Blender Modeling

Importance of a Good Subject in Modeling

In the world of 3D modeling, choosing a good subject is of utmost importance. A good subject not only helps you develop your skills but also keeps you motivated throughout the modeling process. By choosing a subject that interests you, you will be more willing to put in the effort and time required for a successful modeling project. Additionally, working on a subject that has clear reference photos and blueprints will make your modeling process much smoother and easier.

Finding Reference Photos and Blueprints

One of the key steps in the modeling process is finding reference photos and blueprints of your subject. Reference photos provide an accurate representation of your subject from various angles, while blueprints provide detailed measurements and dimensions. These resources are essential for creating an accurate and realistic 3D model.

When searching for reference photos, it is crucial to choose high-quality images that clearly depict the subject from different viewpoints. Generic images found on search engines may not always provide the necessary detail or angles required for a successful modeling project. Instead, it is recommended to choose subjects from reputable sources or well-known brands, as they often provide high-resolution reference photos on their websites.

For the purpose of this tutorial, we will be using the Danish Søborg Chair by Fredericia as our subject. The manufacturer provides both high-quality reference photos and blueprints, making it an ideal choice for learning and practicing modeling skills.

Adding Blueprints to a Blender Project

To add blueprints to your Blender project, you will need to use the Image Reference feature. This relatively new feature in Blender 2.8 allows you to easily load and position reference images within your workspace.

After deleting any existing objects in your Blender project, you can add reference images by pressing Shift + A and selecting “Image Reference.” You can then choose the appropriate view (top, side, or front) and load the corresponding blueprint image. It is important to position and align the reference images accurately to ensure the correct proportions and details in the 3D model.

Importance of Learning Modeling Fundamentals

Before diving into the specific modeling project, it is essential to have a good understanding of the fundamental concepts of 3D modeling. This includes topics such as good topology, surface definition, edge flow, shading, and more.

Understanding these fundamentals will not only improve the quality of your models but also enable you to troubleshoot and fix issues that may arise during the modeling process. Learning and practicing these foundational skills will provide a solid base for creating more complex models in the future.

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Part 2: Modeling the Søborg Chair

Overview of the Danish Søborg Chair

The Danish Søborg Chair, designed by Fredericia, is an iconic piece of furniture known for its unique combination of hard, flat surfaces and curved, round elements. Modeling this chair presents an excellent opportunity to learn and practice fundamental modeling skills. By examining the chair’s design, studying its proportions and shapes, and working through the modeling process, you will gain valuable experience in creating realistic 3D models.

Recommendation for Completing Donut Tutorial Series First

While this tutorial is designed for beginners in Blender, it is highly recommended to complete the Donut Tutorial series by Blender Guru before starting the Søborg Chair project. The Donut Tutorial series provides a comprehensive introduction to Blender and covers essential techniques and concepts that will be useful in the chair modeling project.

By completing the Donut Tutorial series first, you will develop a solid understanding of Blender’s user interface, navigation, basic modeling techniques, and other important skills that will enhance your learning experience in the Søborg Chair project.

Preparing for the Modeling Project

Before jumping into the modeling process, it is crucial to prepare yourself and your workspace for the project. This includes gathering clear and high-quality reference photos and blueprints, as discussed in Part 1.

Additionally, organizing and managing your reference images is essential for a smooth modeling workflow. Using software like PureRef, which allows you to create a canvas of reference images and easily view, zoom, and arrange them, can greatly enhance your modeling experience.

By ensuring that you have clear references and a well-organized workspace, you will be able to focus on the modeling process without any distractions or difficulties.

Starting the Modeling Process

With the necessary preparations in place, it is time to start the actual modeling process. Begin by selecting a mesh object that closely resembles the subject you are modeling. In the case of the Søborg Chair, a cube can be a suitable starting point as it resembles the shape of a chair leg.

To visualize your reference images while modeling, switch to wireframe mode in Blender. This mode allows you to see through the mesh and align it with the reference images more accurately.

Selecting a Mesh Object Resembling the Subject

The choice of a mesh object as a starting point is crucial as it affects the overall shape and structure of your model. While a cube might not perfectly resemble a chair leg, it provides a solid foundation to build upon. As you progress with the modeling process, you will refine and shape the mesh to match the subject more accurately.

Adding Reference Images

Once you have selected your starting mesh object, you can add the reference images to your Blender project. Using the Image Reference feature, load the top, side, and front view blueprints to align them with your mesh. Adjust the opacity of the images, if necessary, to ensure clarity while modeling.

Starting with a Basic Mesh Shape

With the reference images in place, it is time to start shaping your mesh to resemble the subject more closely. Using modeling tools such as scaling, extruding, and proportional editing, manipulate the mesh to match the contours and proportions of the chair leg.

Throughout the process, frequently refer to your reference images to ensure accuracy and maintain the intended design of the chair. Take your time and make adjustments as needed to achieve the desired shape.

Introduction to the Subdivision Surface Modifier

As you progress with the modeling of the Søborg Chair, you will encounter the need to create curved and rounded surfaces. To achieve this, the Subdivision Surface modifier in Blender can be a valuable tool.

The Subdivision Surface modifier allows you to control the smoothing of your mesh and create more organic and smooth shapes. By adjusting the subdivision level and other settings, you can achieve the desired level of smoothness while preserving the clean topology of your model.

In Part 2 of this tutorial, we will further explore the use of the Subdivision Surface modifier and learn techniques to fix rounded edges. This will bring our Søborg Chair model closer to its final form.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive article, we explored the importance of a good subject in modeling and discussed the process of finding reference photos and blueprints. We learned about adding blueprints to a Blender project and emphasized the significance of learning modeling fundamentals.