Introduction
3D modeling is one of the most important inventions in history. Almost all of the products we are using in everyday life exist because of this technology. I have always been amazed by the vast range of opportunities 3D modeling offers. With the available tools, people can manifest their creativity in tangible commodities or aesthetically pleasing digital products. I consider myself to be creative, but the lack of 3D software knowledge has strictly constrained my imagination. Therefore, I decided to conduct small research to learn more about available tools on the market, read about 3D modeling techniques, and get acquainted with relevant vocabulary. I discovered that 3D design is sophisticated and has many intricate details, but each step in learning the technology is entertaining and captivating.
What I Know
Before immersing myself in detailed research, I had thought that 3D modeling was simple. I had always imagined that there is a repository somewhere that contains all 3D models, related animations, and rigs. When I first learned about the budget of Toys Story, I was shocked. I could not believe that making a quality 3D animated movie requires millions of dollars. I thought that one opens a 3D suite on a computer, downloads all resources from the repository, and drags and drops onto the scene. However, I could not explain how that repository exists and who created it.
Another assumption was that the software that allows people to develop 3D models is easy to use. I imagined the program to be like Microsoft Word – to have a simple interface and uncomplicated controls. It is possible to summarize me as a naive person. However, most people have similar assumptions about the topics they do not know. It is when an individual realizes how much they do not know that an appreciation of items surrounding us comes.
The Search
I did not have any knowledge about what tools exist on the market. I also did not know about what steps 3D modeling is comprised of. Therefore, my search process started with a simple Google search. I discovered that to begin creating 3D models, it is imperative to have 3D software installed on your computer. I revised my search to be more detailed – I now looked for available software. Blender was a suitable option because of its open-source nature (“About Blender”). My search query shrank even further – the goal was to find resources to learn about 3D modeling with Blender.
The second step of the search process was to identify relevant resources for beginners. I like learning from online courses with practical exercises. I visited YouTube, searched for Blender-related material, and found many quality videos. All of them, however, were tutorials on how to create a specific model or how to use shortcuts in Blender. After watching several videos and learning about the program’s interface and basic controls, I transitioned to the third and last step of my search process.
The goal of the research was to learn not only about Blender as a tool but also about the process of 3D modeling and related theoretical concepts. One of the best online resources that have this type of material is Coursera. However, there was no course dedicated to using Blender for achieving 3D graphics goals. Therefore, I searched for a combination of courses that would meet my needs. The results were favorable – I found a course on 3D graphics in general and a course on how Blender is used in biomedical visualization (“Biomedical Visualisation”). Studying these courses completed my research in learning about 3D modeling and Blender.
What I Discovered
The world of 3D is vast, and one needs to spend an entire career-long time to understand all intricacies. After conducting my research, I appreciate the hard work done by animators and 3D artists to deliver spectacular animation movies. Learning about 3D tools and techniques broadened my understanding of the topic and made me realize that I knew almost nothing before this activity. I discovered that many applications help an individual create 3D models. Most of them are very expensive, and therefore, the majority of beginners start learning Blender as their first tool. Despite being free, Blender is an advanced and sophisticated suite. It has the functionality to support a variety of 3D modeling techniques, including mesh creation, compositing, texture painting, and rigging. There is no magic repository that artists download resources from – original assets should be created from scratch, and the process is time-consuming and challenging.
The number of items we do not know is infinite, and one has to explore to arrive at this realization. Therefore, I encourage readers to read books, watch online courses, and acquire new skills and knowledge. The process is rewarding, and, in my case, it made me realize that I was naive in my assessment of my understanding of complex subjects. Contemporary technology and the availability of resources have made the learning process easier than ever. Therefore, my last word is to motivate others to start using these possibilities.
Works Cited
“About Blender.” Blender Foundation, 2020, Web.
“Biomedical Visualisation.” Coursera, Web.