Blender 3D Incredible Models: A comprehensive guide to hard-surface modeling, procedural texturing, and rendering

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 in the 3D Viewport, creating and moving objects, and mesh editing is necessary to get started.

Table of Contents

1. Introducing Hard Surface Modeling
2. Creating Basic Shapes for an FN SCAR
3. Adding More Details with Polygon Modeling and Modifiers
4. Texturing and Rendering the FN SCAR
5. Modeling a Sci-Fi Race Ship
6. Texture Painting the Sci-Fi Race Ship
7. Modeling the T-72 Tank: Basic Shapes
8. Modelling the T-72 Tank Hull
9. Modeling the T-72 Tank Turret
10. Modeling Tank Tracks
11. Rigging Tank Tracks
12. Texturing the Tank

Arijan Belec is a 3D Artist and YouTuber specializing in hard-surface modelling. Since the age of 14, he has been developing and sharing advanced modelling techniques within the Blender community. With tutoring experience both online and face-to-face, Arijan has a growing YouTube presence with Blender tutorials suitable for an audience with varying skill levels. His most successful YouTube videos and freelance projects are primarily related to tank modelling, which has led many to refer to him as the best tank modeler on YouTube. Arijan’s other passions include song writing, fitness, and motorsports.