Synopses & Reviews
Here's something to get animated about — free 3D animation software and this fun and easy guide!So you really want to explore 3D animation, but you can't afford one of the high-end 3D graphics programs? Blender was made for you, and it's free! And this book is even friendlier than the open source Blender community. It shows you just what you need to know to turn your ideas into cool movies or games, even if you've never used 3D software before.
Think like Blender — get familiar with Blender's novel way of doing things, especially the unique interface
The basics — start creating 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfaces, and use the Extrude tool
Lights, colors, and scenes — learn to build detailed 3D models, create characters and props, and light your scenes
Get moving — understand animation curves, rig characters for motion, use particles, and make objects bounce and jiggle
From Blender to something bigger — see how to render your files and move them into a movie file format such as QuickTime
Open the book and find:
Updates and new Blender features
How to save time with hotkeys
Ways to use Modifiers
Tips on adding color and adjusting shader values
All the options for adding texture
How to build a character from skeleton to skin
Basic animation principles
Ten solutions to common problems that new users face
Learn to:
Create realistic animations with this free, open source software
Build 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfaces
Take advantage of the new interface and other features of Blender 2.56
Install Blender 2.56a from the bonus DVD
Bonus DVD Includes
- Blender v 2.56a with installation instructions
- A sample Blender movie to illustrate what you can achieve
- Other helpful materials to get you going with Blender
Please see the About the DVD Appendix for complete system requirements.
Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/blenderfd2e for examples, a link to download Blender, and more!
Synopsis
Blender 2.5 is nothing short of revolutionary, and it makes Blender at least the equal of animation packages costing thousands of dollars. Although Blender is designed to be fast to use, it's interface and features can be a bit intimidating. That's where Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition comes in. Find out how to harness the new multi-window unblocking interface, and get going fast with 3D modeling, rigging, lighting, animating, and rendering.
For people who think that 3D animation is cool and interesting, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars getting started, Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition is just what the animator ordered Blender, the open-source, free 3D animation software has been used for everything from television animations to full-length animated features. Blender has the features that you expect in expensive, 3D animation products like AutoDesk Maya and AutoDesk 3ds Max and provides a way for novices to learn the ropes of 3D animation on the cheap.
Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition presents information on how to use the program to create 3D objects with meshes, curves and surfaces and 3D text; add color, texture, shades, reflections and transparency; set your objects in motion with animations and rigging; render your objects and animations; and create scenes with lighting and cameras. Written by expert animator Jason van Gumster, Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition provides the know-how and shortcuts that allows middle-school students to create incredible 3D objects and animations in a single-day workshop. If you want to start using Blender fast to create your own 3D objects and animations, Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition is definitely the place to start.
Synopsis
The exciting new book on the exciting new Blender 2.5!If you want to design 3D animation, here's your chance to jump in with both feet, free software, and a friendly guide at your side! Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the perfect introduction to the popular, open-source, Blender 3D animation software, specifically the revolutionary new Blender 2.5. Find out what all the buzz is about with this easy-access guide. Even if you?re just beginning, you'll learn all the Blender 2.5 ropes, get the latest tips, and soon start creating 3D animation that dazzles.
- Walks you through what you need to know to start creating eye-catching 3D animations with Blender 2.5, the latest update to the top open-source 3D animation program
- Shows you how to get the very most out of Blender 2.5's new multi-window unblocking interface, new event system, and other exciting new features
- Covers how to create 3D objects with meshes, curves, surfaces, and 3D text; add color, texture, shades, reflections and transparency; set your objects in motion with animations and rigging; render your objects and animations; and create scenes with lighting and cameras
If you want to start creating your own 3D animations with Blender, Blender For Dummies, 2nd Edition is where you need to start!
About the Author
Jason van Gumster uses Blender every day in his work as a producer/animator for Hand Turkey Studios. He has given numerous international Blender demonstrations and workshops for students, professionals, and hobbyists, and he also blogs for Blender Nation, the primary news Web site for Blender users.
Table of Contents
Introduction.Part I: Wrapping Your Brain Around Blender.
Chapter 1: Discovering Blender.
Chapter 2: Understanding How Blender Thinks.
Chapter 3: Getting Your Hands Dirty Working in Blender.
Chapter 4: Working in Edit Mode and Object Mode.
Part II: Creating Detailed 3D Scenes.
Chapter 5: Creating Anything You Can Imagine with Meshes.
Chapter 6: Using Blender’s Nonmesh Primitives.
Chapter 7: Changing That Boring Gray Default Material.
Chapter 8: Giving Models Texture.
Chapter 9: Lighting and Environment.
Part III: Get Animated!
Chapter 10: Animating Objects.
Chapter 11: Rigging: The Art of Building an Animatable Puppet.
Chapter 12: Animating Object Deformations.
Chapter 13: Letting Blender Do the Work for You.
Part IV: Sharing Your Work with the World.
Chapter 14: Exporting and Rendering Scenes.
Chapter 15: Compositing and Editing.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 16: Ten Problems for New Users in Blender (And Ways Around Them).
Chapter 17: Ten Tips for Working More Effectively in Blender.
Chapter 18: Ten Excellent Community Resources.
Appendix: About the DVD.
Index.