Blender 3D Incredible Models: A Comprehensive Guide to Hard-Surface Modeling, Procedural Texturing, and Rendering

Description

Learn all about hard-surface modeling in Blender while creating three increasingly complex projects: an assault rifle, a sci-fi racing ship, and an army tank Key Features: Explore Blender's wide array of 3D modeling tools and features with key images printed in color Learn techniques for texturing, rendering, and rigging Employ these lessons to create increasingly complex hard-surface models Book Description: Blender is a massively popular and powerful 3D program, with versatile modeling abilities that make it a great way to enter the 3D modelling world. Blender 3D Incredible Models is an extensive guide for those new to hard-surface modeling with Blender, helping you understand the complete range of tools and features it offers and how to employ those efficiently to create realistic models. You'll be led through progressively more challenging modeling projects- from an assault rifle and an army tank to a sci-fi spaceship model-giving you a glimpse of all the skills you'd need in Blender's vast ecosystem of features and functionality, ranging from textures, rendering, and UV mapping to lighting, rigging, and beyond. Each engaging project builds upon the last until you're equipped with everything you need to tackle your own modeling challenges, whatever they may be. By the end of this Blender book, you won't just know how to create the models covered here, but you'll be able to turn your own concepts and references into 3D Blender models too! What You Will Learn: Dive into the fundamental theory behind hard-surface modeling Explore Blender's extensive modeling tools and features Use references to produce sophisticated and accurate models Create models with realistic textures and materials Set up lighting and render your scenes with style Master the use of polygons to make game-optimized models Develop impressive animations by exploring the world of rigging Employ texture painting and modifiers to render the tiniest details Who this book is for: This book is for aspiring 3D artists, animators, architectural visualizers, and game developers looking to learn hard-surface modeling, an essential skill in creative industries. A basic understanding of Blender and its interface, orienting ins the 3D Viewport, creating and moving objects, and mesh editing is necessary to get started. Cover Title Page Copyright and Credits Contributors Table of Contents Preface Part 1: Introduction to Hard Surface Modeling Chapter 1: Introducing Hard Surface Modeling Understanding hard-surface modeling Understanding organic modeling Defining hard-surface objects in Blender Edges Surfaces Edge loops Loose parts Creating a simple hard-surface modeling workflow Reviewing the projects Summary Part 2: Modeling an Assault Rifle Chapter 2: Creating Basic Shapes for an FN SCAR Technical requirements Preparing references Separating the parts Modeling the lower receiver Loop cutting Shading the viewport Modeling the upper receiver Creating the stock Adding a handgrip shape Creating attachment rails Shaping the barrel Mirroring an object with a Mirror modifier Adding a simple magazine Summary Chapter 3: Adding More Details with Polygon Modeling and Modifiers Technical requirements Introducing the 3D Cursor Modeling the handgrip Detailing the receiver Simplifying detail creation Modeling screws Completing the rails with the Array modifier Finishing the stock Modeling iron sights and detailing the barrel Summary Chapter 4: Texturing and Rendering the FN SCAR Creating materials Understanding Material Nodes Combining nodes Adding multiple materials Generating an Edge Mask Detecting edges Baking an edge map Creating edge wear Separating materials Copying nodes to other materials Lighting and rendering Lighting the scene Rendering the scene Summary Part 3: Modeling a Sci-Fi Race Ship Chapter 5: Modeling a Sci-Fi Race Ship Modeling basic shapes Adding details Modeling armor panels Adding more parts Creating smaller details Finishing the model Applying a MatCap Summary Chapter 6: Texture Painting the Sci-Fi Race Ship Baking a normal map UV unwrapping Baking a bevel map Texture painting the armor panels Painting decals Painting normal decals Baking a normal decal Painting the decal Summary Part 4: Modeling a T-72 Tank Chapter 7: Modeling the T-72 Tank: Basic Shapes Modeling a hull Creating a skirt Adding a simple turret Adding wheels Summary Chapter 8: Modeling the T-72 Tank Hull Completing the front end Detailing the lower plate Modeling the side armor Completing the hull front Modeling the skirt Adding an exhaust pipe Creating exhaust grills with arrays Finishing the rear end of the hull Summary Chapter 9: Modeling the T-72 Tank Turret Modeling the commander’s hatch Creating more turret details Finishing the gun Summary Chapter 10: Modeling Tank Tracks Creating the suspension and wheels Modeling the wheels Modeling the rear sprocket Modeling the front sprocket Creating the tracks Finishing the tracks Summary Chapter 11: Rigging Tank Tracks Adjusting the tracks Rigging with constraints Rigging the wheels and sprockets Parenting the tracks Summary Chapter 12: Texturing the Tank Texturing the turret Combining nodes Texturing the tracks Summary Index Other Books You May Enjoy