Create amazing 3D characters with this comprehensive guide that takes you from design and modeling to video compositing using Blender, the free and open-source 3D software. This tutorial is unique in that it covers the entire process from preproduction to final output, catering to both beginners and those familiar with other 3D tools. Focusing on Blender 2.71 and later, 3D professional Oliver Villar introduces the basics, including the interface, controls, and object manipulation. After mastering the fundamentals, you will engage in a realistic 3D workflow through a complete project, with chapters dedicated to character design, modeling, unwrapping, texturing, shading, rigging, and animation. Once your character is animated, you will learn to integrate it into a real video using camera tracking techniques, lighting, and compositing. Each skill is taught through hands-on experience, complemented by over 5 hours of online video tutorials to help with Blender’s more complex tasks. By the end, you'll grasp how the entire process fits together and how to leverage Blender for creating exceptional characters across various media. Additionally, you'll develop strong Blender skills applicable to any 3D project. For further resources, register your book at informit.com/register for access to production files, bonus video tutorials, and a Blender keyboard shortcut reference.
