Blender for dummies - Jason van Gumster

So you really want to explore 3D animation, but you can't afford one of the high–end 3D graphics programs? Blender was made for you, and it's free! And this book is even friendlier than the open source Blender community. It shows you just what you need to know to turn your ideas into cool movies or games, even if you've never used 3D software before.

• Think like Blender
  get familiar with Blender's novel way of doing things, especially the unique interface




• The basics
  start creating 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfaces, and use the Extrude tool




• Lights, colors, and scenes
  learn to build detailed 3D models, create characters and props, and light your scenes




• Get moving
  understand animation curves, rig characters for motion, use particles, and make objects bounce and jiggle




• From Blender to something bigger
  see how to render your files and move them into a movie file format such as QuickTime

Open the book and find:

• Updates and new Blender features




• How to save time with hotkeys




• Ways to use Modifiers




• Tips on adding color and adjusting shader values




• All the options for adding texture




• How to build a character from skeleton to skin




• Basic animation principles




• Ten solutions to common problems that new users face

Learn to:

• Create realistic animations with this free, open source software




• Build 3D objects with meshes, curves, and surfaces




• Take advantage of the new interface and other features of Blender 2.56




• Install Blender 2.56a from the bonus DVD

Bonus DVD Includes

• Blender v 2.56a with installation instructions


• A sample Blender movie to illustrate what you can achieve


• Other helpful materials to get you going with Blender

Please see the About the DVD Appendix for complete system requirements.

Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/blenderfd2e for examples, a link to download Blender, and more!