Free Paper Model Design E-Book

Free Paper Model Design E-Book
by: PixelOz

Good book on creating paper models via Blender 3D.
The 227-page e-book can be downloaded from the link below.
Link: http://pixeloz.deviantart.com/art/Free-Paper-Model-Design-E-Book-158441085

-VegaDMS

Yeah, I know this entry is after the fact that the semester has ended, but the info maybe useful nonetheless. (And "no", this isn't a SPAM post.)

If anyone is seriously interested in further study of 3D animation, special effects and more, than you may want to look into Escape Studios - http://www.escapestudios.com/en_GB/classroom-learning.html

I hope everyone has a great summer and hope to hear from everyone.

Thanks for a great semester!

-VegaDMS

A great Free Python Book

This is 'A Byte of Python', a free book for learning the language. The great thing is that we are using Blender for the authoring Platform, so we can get more interesting results, faster.

Beginning Python in the Game Engine

Here's a nice and slow introduction to putting Python into game control, added bonus is that the kid in this one is British:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Python Warm-Up

Before we go anywhere with Python in the Game Engine, remember there are two API guides, the main one and the one for the game engine.

Some more FREE goodies...

Hi Everyone,

It's been a while since my last posting.

Below are some goodies I hope you'll enjoy!

First up, BZoo, http://www.bzooworld.org/ a game engine suite for Blender and another free game development tool - Unity 3D.

Plus, if you want to learn to use Unity 3D, here's the link: http://unity3d.com/

Next up, more tools for Blender.

If you're using Blender 2.5 and would like to have the python scripts for creating lens flares, go to the BlenderTime site: http://www.blendertime.com/tag/lens-flares-library/

If you want to create a 3D graphic in Blender and want greater flexibility in painting and manipulating your work in Photoshop, check out this YouTube video - WARNING: It's in German and you'll need Photoshop CS3 Extended to do your work in - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxCLx1ljKgo

Need some inspiration, host your Blender videos or get some additional training, then take a look at Blender Videos: http://www.blendervideos.com/

If you're looking for more textures and freebies, here are some site to help you to build your library of resources:

3D Total's Free Textures - http://freetextures.3dtotal.com/

Media Militia - http://www.blendervideos.com/

WireCase - http://www.wirecase.com/Gallery-Free-3D-Models_s-2_v-20-1_f-fc-0-321_f-fpx-_f-fpn-_f-oid-.html

Need to build up your sound effects library? Try FlashKit - http://www.flashkit.com/

Yo will have the options to a) try the effect before you begin the download; b) decide on whether to download a WAV or MP3.

Some notes on FlashKit:
Don't let the name and nature of the site fool you. Once you download these files, you can use them over and over again in a multitude of media. Also, although MP3's are faster to download, these files are heavily compressed. Best practice in multimedia design is to use a WAV file, since it is full of harmonics and range (and it can be in stereo), then re-compress it when you render out your projects.

If you are interested in creating your own city, then this free downloadable script is for you.

The Suicidator City Generator is available from this site:

http://arnaud.ile.nc/sce/

Here is what your city could look like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HROU3gLcgfg&feature=PlayList&p=81E6BA0B1F7E4710&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35

This is how-to install the script and run it in Blender:

Video instructions on how-to work with the script - Note: NO AUDIO - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzRWpkTR8gU&feature=channel

Well that's all I got for this round!

Til next time.

-VegaDMS

A Team Fortess 2 bit

This little bit about updating the Engineer class is the game Team Fortress is a mini-lesson in game design

Blender Quick Key reference

Check out this quick key map for Blender, too much informaiton to memorize!

Online Texture CD for Blender

Here are some more Textures, Plug-Ins, and much more:
The Blender Texture Disc

Enjoy!

-VegaDMS

More Python Tutorials

here is a more in-depth treatment

http://www.tutorialsforblender3d.com/Python/Python_index.html

Using Python Scripts

Python 'tutorials' are generally written by robots for androids, here's a basic language intro.

http://www.alienhelpdesk.com/using_python_scripts

Ira Krakow's Scripting Setup

This tutorial is an intro into setting up for writing Python scripts, a good preview of this week.

Ira Krakow's UV texture mapping tutorial

How to skin and map an object in Blender has changed from version to version, this tutorial is a great explanation of how to put a texture on accurately in the current version.

Blender Resources, part 2 (advanced)

Here are some resources where you can find additional tutorials, plug-ins and python scripts.

When you come across a python script, its file extension will look like this: .py

Copy this file and paste it in the SCRIPTS folder located under: .blender

Look for this:

C:\Program Files\Blender\.blender\scripts

LuxRender

http://www.luxrender.net/

LuxRender is a physically based and unbiased rendering engine. Based on state of the art algorithms, LuxRender simulates the flow of light according to physical equations, thus producing realistic images of photographic quality.

BlenderNation (Tutorials for various versions of Blender)

http://www.blendernation.com/links/browse/tutorials-type/

Alien HelpDesk (Scripts for 2.4x & 2.5x)

http://www.alienhelpdesk.com/index.php?id=16

SWiK (More Scripts)

http://swik.net/blender+scripts

FYI: Scripts include an exporter to After Effects. (Looking forward to working with this one.)

Pret-A-3D (Tutorials)

http://preta3d.com/

GTA Garage (GTA Mod Database for Models)

http://www.gtagarage.com/mods/index.php

FYI: GTA = Grand Theft Auto

Rozengain's Blog (Anyone designing games in Flash?)

http://www.rozengain.com/blog/2008/01/02/export-your-blender-objects-straight-to-away3d-papervision3d-and-sandy/

FYI: This script allows you to export to ActionScript 3.0 from Blender!!!

Note: Papervision3D integrates into Flash to allow the creation of 3D.

Link: http://www.papervision3d.org/

Til next time...

-VegaDMS

Media Player with Built-In Feeds

Hello,

As you know, I'm working with 3D software. I've used Maya, 3DS Max, Poser, Blender and Bryce - all in very small capacities for animation. Currently, I'm working with DAZ and Blender for Character Design and Game Design.

The Internet is a great source of inspiration and instruction. I've come across a very interesting and very useful tool in the form of an open source media player.

Miro - is the name of the player and it is available on PC, Mac and Linux. I know, like the world needs another media player. I love my VideoLan VLC player. The difference is that Miro has a built-in library of video feeds called "channels". These channels cover a pantheon of subjects. Whether you're looking for some new forms of entertainment of looking for a library of instructional videos on Blender, GIMP, Photoshop, Linux or anything else, this player has what you're looking for.

Check it out and let me know what you think of Miro - http://www.getmiro.com/

Til next time...

-VegaDMS

Blender Resources

Hi there,

Some Blender resources to share with everyone.

Blender Guru (Tutorials)

http://www.blenderguru.com/category/tutorials/

Blender Art (Downloadable e-Magazine)

http://blenderart.org/

Blender Artist's

http://blenderartists.org/cms/

Blender Newbies

http://blendernewbies.blogspot.com/

Blender Online Manual

http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:Manual

Blender Model Repository

http://e2-productions.com/repository/index.php

Blender for Architects

http://blender-archi.tuxfamily.org/Main_Page

51 Blender Tutorials

http://remibrandt.nl/51-bangin’-blender-tutorials/

555 Blender Tutorials

http://filmmakeriq.com/general/featured/555-blender-tutorials.html

Create an animated 3D text with Blender

http://www.top-freewares.com/video-tutorials/create-animated-3d-text-blender

Introduction to Smoke Simulation

http://www.blenderguru.com/introduction-to-smoke-simulation/

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Blender Plug-ins & Scripts

Welcome to the Blender Plugin Repository

http://www-users.cs.umn.edu/~mein/blender/plugins/

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Blender Forums

CG Society

http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=91

Tutorialized: Blender 3D

http://forums.tutorialized.com/blender-3d-73/

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Need to find FREE 3D Models to use in your production?

Click here to find a list of "60 Excellent Free 3D Model Websites"

FYI: 3D Models may be created for other 3D programs, but may still work with Blender.

Link: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/60-excellent-free-3d-model-websites/

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Need some add-ons for Blender? Try these on:

http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85722

http://brendonmurphy1.googlepages.com/materiallibrary's

http://www.swineworld.org/blender/gears/

http://www.harkyman.com/bp.html

http://www.blinken.com/blender-plugins.php

http://www.luxrender.net/

http://www.yafaray.org/

According to one of the sites...

Adding Libraries to Blender:

- Adding the Presets.

- Download & extract the blend file to a safe place -.blender/materials works for me.

- Open Blender (not the material preset file yet) go: File/Append & browse to the materials preset file.

- Select Scene "Materials" (the only scene) you will now have a new scene called "Materials"

go back to your default/normal start up scene.

- Press ctrl/u (windows) to save user defaults.

- Now each time you open Blender you have instant access.

Til next time...

-VegaDMS

Online review of "how-to" videos for Blender

Hi Everyone,

I'm just starting to get into 3D Animation. Although I love animation and anime, I had never really wanted to get involved with this medium. (I much rather get into designing and developing comic books.) But, recently, clients have been requesting some degree of animation. Now, I have experience and background (20+ years) in multimedia, so I've had my hands full for a while. So, now I've begun my newest adventure in 3D Animation and Video Game Design - I'm actually looking forward to this!

I know I'm supposed to review 2 online "how-to" video tutorials and post, but I've been working on creating text that turns into liquid in Blender and in order to pull this effect off, I had 4 tutorials to help me create the effect.

The Tuts are:

[A]

YouTube - how-to create liquid in blender

"Liquid Simulation Blender Tutorial" (Blender v:2.44)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srGx2nkEkFA

This is the video that started it all with my approach to having text turn into liquid. Although highly informative, the audio quality is not the greatest but still clear enough to understand the instructions. Video quality is average-to-low. Meaning, that while you can see what he is doing on the [small] screen, the screen becomes somewhat blurred when you switch to full screen mode. Also, note that he is using version 2.44 and that there will be a button or two that will lead you somewhere else in version 2.49b.

My issue with this video is that it is longer than it needs to be. Simply put, he could have edited out some errors that we the viewers have to painfully sit through and therefore attract more viewers. Please see Tutorials C & D as they are EXTREMELY much shorter (and faster) at getting to the point.

I must say, though, this video is a great starting point for creating objects that turn into liquid. Mastering this technique first will help to go to the next level.

Running Time: 14:06

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[B]

YouTube - how-to create text in blender 2.49b

"Ira Krakow's Text Objects Blender 2.49b Tutorial"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFgHt2mcLK8

Ira has a clear professional approach to instruction. The quality of the audio is crisp and clear at all times. Video quality is also high, which works great when you go to a full screen.

If you want to learn how-to work with text, then this video will demonstrate many aspects of working with text. Some of the items covered include: Adding Text; Extruding & Beveling; Text follows Path; Selecting a different Font; Adding Color to Text; Adding Color to different parts of Text; and more.

I strongly suggest subscribing to the "Ira Krakow" channel as he is one of the first to post tutorials for the newest version of Blender 2.5.

Running Time: 10:00

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[C]

YouTube - how-to make text into a mesh in blender

"Blender 2.48 - Convert text to fluid simulation" (Blender v:2.48)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDIHzZ2z_aE

Sharp video quality allows you to go full screen, however, there is no audio. This video is not for the faint of heart since it flies through the procedures that will eventually allow you turn text into liquid.

It's a good idea to just watch the video several times prior to attempting to create this simulation.

Careful attention should be paid to this since the instructor is using an older version of Blender - version 2.48.

Running Time: 1:27

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[D]

YouTube - how to create liquid in blender

"Blender Tutorials (General) - Fluid Animation basics"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOZN9GYdW6w

Here is another video that is not for the faint of heart. With a running time of only 2-minutes and 28-seconds, this video takes you through the paces of creating and object and assigning it as a "fluid" item within an enclosure that is designated as the "domain" in which the action will take place.

I recommend viewing this several times before attempting to re-create since there is absolutely no audio to lead you along. The video quality is very good and switch to HD sharpens the picture that much more. For a more detailed approach as well as a slower pace, please see Tutorial A above.

Running Time: 2:28

---

As you can see, I had to figure out where to mash-up the videos in order to get the end results. My workflow began with establishing the "domain" or container for the liquid, then inserting an object. In my case the object was "text". The trick here was to convert the "text" into a "mesh" so I can then assign it as a "fluid" item otherwise, it could not be assigned. The rest of the procedure is explained in the videos above.

Well folks, I hope this entry helps.

Til next time...you've been Teknolized!

-VegaDMS

Ira Krakow is a serious dude.
Looking strikingly similar to a Senator from New York State, Ira is a self-professed trainer, author, and consultant to all things Blenderized.

In this tutorial, Mr. Krakow gives us an introduction to animation for the NEW! Blender 2.5. Here, Krakow absolutely gushes with enthusiasm about the improvements. After a lengthy introduction, Krakow proceeds to showcase said highlights.

Krakow is smart. He knows his way around Blender. He has much to teach us noobs. Pay close attention to his announced shorcut keys (i.e. "Scale the cube up 3 times. "S" "3" "Enter.") and advanced vocabulary.

Just don't expect Mr. Krakow to wait up for you. Like any good teacher of an advanced production program, he first requires that you know your ABC's. Start with 3Boy, move up to Blender 2.5 and Ira Krakow.

Hello Blender Friends!

Super3boy is the heavyweight champion amongst Blender tutorialists. He combines brevity with clarity and delivers his instructions at a pace that allows the user time to mirror his actions.

This tutorial, an Introduction to Animation, is no exception. In 5 minutes or less, 3boy will lead you to the promised land of animation basics and have you drinking the sweet water of victory as you rejoice in your new found dominion over Blender.

This, and all of 3boy's episodes are available at www.nystic.com
Enjoy, see you next time!

http://blender.20fr.com/hills.html


In this tutorial on how to make a hill, there are many benefits to it. Although, you don't get a movie with this tutorial, but instead you get a step by step written out for you. I thought this was a really good tutorial because not only to get to do this without having to pause or rewind, but the person shows you what to do and circles important parts. He tells you the hot keys to use and gives you reminders throughout the tutorial. I really thought this was great for people just beginning and I thought mine came out well. I would use any tutorial that Josh aka Mr. Rob uses.

Sword Model

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whMozCIJGOw

In this video by super3boy he teaches you how to make a sword. Once you get past the fact that it is a kid doing this, you will learn a lot from him. He goes step by step to get the finish project, but I would suggest two computers or snapping them both up so you can work and watch at the same time. This tutorial is done for beginners, but once you accomplish this you will get harder ones the higher up you go.

Review: A Simple Winter Scene

A Simple Winter Scene tutorial

This tutorial instructs the user in how to make a simple winter scene using basic modeling techniques. The end result as seen on the tutorial website is a beautiful example of how one can make a scene using simple shapes in Blender.

For me, it was harder to work through this tutorial - since there was no video, it wasn't as easy to figure out exactly where I should be going to accomplish some things. However, with some trial and error I figured things out. The pictures that show where to go do help a lot, and I also appreciate how the author of the tutorial will circle and underline where they want the user to go.

This tutorial covers basic shape modeling, using the lighting, coloring, shading, and image textures.

As an added bonus, here is an image of my finished project:

How to edit mesh data using mesh tools

The tutorials located on the showmedo.com site created by Glen Moyes is great for beginners trying to learn and understand how Blender 3d works. In the tutorial labeled Blender’s Edit Mode, Glen defines How to edit mesh data using mesh tools.

This tutorial is easy to understand and you are able to follow along easily. What is nice is how the many different ways to manipulate blender are covered. For example short keys are addressed, tool bars and menus are explained and mouse manipulations are defined. This allows multiple ways to manipulate blender to get the same affect. Therefore each can select what works best for them.

Items covered in this tutorial are the use of brush and lasso selection, and utilizing vertex, faces, and edge mode. Creating meshes without using predefined objects defined in Blender is done by using vertex. It also shows how to use vertices and edges to create faces and how to use the extrude tool to help make shapes.

http://showmedo.com/videos/video?name=blenderMoyes-050-capture-edit_mode&fromSeriesID=31

Blender Datablocks

This video is worth watching. It provides an overview of utilizing blender data blocks and understanding how everything is coming together behind the scene.

This tutorial is easy to view and is very straightforward. An explanation of how blender differentiates between object and edit mode is defined. It identifies how to reuse objects and materials from scene to scene and how to reuse meshes, textures, objects and materials. it demonstrates how easy it is to manipulate several objects at once. This provides another view point of how blender can work to reuses and manipulate objects from scene to scene. The importance of naming objects early on and putting them in libraries is addressed.

Several topics are covered such as utilizing Oops schematic, data blocks, and scene manipulation.

http://showmedo.com/videos/video?name=blenderMoyes-040-capture-datablocks&fromSeriesID=31