Polygon 3D Modelling Essentials in Blender: Tools, Techniques and Projects

3D Modelling is an essential skill for most designers, engineers, artists and more, and can open up a world of opportunities for developing and communicating ideas. Blender is a powerful open source 3D application which allows us to build 3D models using polygons. In this book you’ll learn how the essential tools, techniques and workflows for 3D modelling in Blender, as well as the basics of lighting, materials and rendering through practical projects.

The book gives an overview of 3D modelling and different types of 3D software, as well as an introduction into key concepts surrounding polygon modelling and 3D modelling in general. The book approaches 3D modelling from a design perspective, although the principles here are universal - featuring three projects implementing the tools and techniques found in the book.

What You'll Learn

• About 3D modelling - types of modelling, software options, differences between polygon and parametric modelling, benefits of learning 3D modelling and more...
• Modelling using polygons - vertices, edges and faces and how these can be manipulated to build 3D structures
• Essential tools for navigating the 3D environment, making selections and transformations to the model
• Learn core 3D modelling tools such as Extrude, Bridge and Bevel
• Learn about topology, re-topology and the importance of controlling polygon structure
• About UV’s and different UV unwrapping methods, as well as how UVs affect the way that textures display on the model
• Explore blenders modifier system - how to use modifiers, as well as essential modifiers such as Boolean, Curve and Subdivision
• How to create basic materials using Blenders node editor, providing examples for commonly used materials such as plastic, wood, metal, fabric and glass.
• Learn the essentials of lighting and how to create a basic studio lighting setup for rendering
• Utilise an example 3D modelling workflow, breaking down the process from concept to render - covering scene creation, modelling, materials and lighting and rendering
• Follow along three practice projects implementing all of the above tools and techniques - build a smartphone, computer mouse and water bottle, designed to demonstrate the tools in action before using them in your own projects.
• Discover Blenders UI, workspaces and panels, as well as how to create custom shortcuts

Topics Covered

3D Principles
Polygon Modelling
Modelling approaches
UV Unwrapping
Essential Tools
Blender UI and Workspaces
Topology & Re-topology
Sculpting
Essential lighting & Materials
Reference Images
Modifiers
Practice Projects x 3
Keyboard Shortcuts + Custom Shortcuts

Who is this book for?

This book is for anyone who wants to begin learning how to build 3D models in Blender/ using polygons. This book approaches 3D modelling from the perspective of a designer, however all of the principles and tools explained throughout the book are universal. Whether you are a designer who wants to expand their tool set, or an aspiring 3D artist, this book should provide a foundation of understanding and structure to begin building 3D models of your own

Key Benefits

• Learn the essentials of 3D modelling in Blender from the perspective of a designer working for a world renown brand
• Learn the essential tools, techniques, workflows and overarching concepts to start building your own 3D models
• Implement the tools, modifiers and workflows using three follow along projects - a smartphone, a computer mouse and a water bottle.
• Focus on the essentials needed to get started - we don't need to know every aspect of 3D software to start getting results! Learn the most frequently used tools and start building your own models faster.