36 Days of Type
How I taught myself 3D software “Blender”
One year back, while scrolling Instagram, I came across 36 DAYS OF TYPE. A 36 days celebration of typography and creativity, involving designers, visual artists and creatives from all fields in a global and simultaneous act of creativity around type and letter forms.
A challenge to create something new everyday, as a way to experiment new things by creating personal daily design challenges around typography and graphic design.
While all of my past projects were done in 2D, I always wanted to make my artwork in 3D. I think having 3D abilities as a product designer in 2022 is really important and could widen my horizons and present options in Game design.
In 36 days of type, I taught myself to create 3D illustrations in different style using a free open-source 3D software called Blender. A tool set used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D-printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, virtual reality, and, formerly, video games.
Here is the process and a summary of my project.
The Process
Step 1: Ideation
I took inspiration from the YouTube tutorials and Behance to proceed. Later, I made sketches of the concept of each letter on paper and searched for the tutorial to make it in 3D.
Step 2: Modeling
I used the “Box Modeling” method in Blender to create the 3D object.
Starting with a simple primitive (such a cube), I alter and subdivide it to make it more complex.
Step 3: Materials
I added materials to give a low polygon and comic style.
Step 4: Lighting
I used spot lights to give a stage look for every letter 3D illustration.
Step 5: Rendering
I rendered the 3D illustration by Blender’s built-in rendering engine ‘Cycles’.
My Blender Journey
Initially, several days I devoted figuring out how to use Blender’s UI.
I created my first 3D model in Blender i.e. sushi and chopsticks by watching the YouTube tutorial by Polygon Runway.
I created many illustrations, watching tutorials and practicing daily for 36 days. I tried making different figures from real life.
When i got little comfortable in using Blender, I tried sculpting in Blender. Sculpting initially was difficult, later it’s really a fun part. I recommend using Graphic Tablet for sculpting for precised artwork.
As I researched about 3D modeling style, I found Low poly style more interesting. Polygon Runway tutorials really helped me in exploring Blender.
Thank you for reading ! Follow me on Instagram and Behance for my next projects journey.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy my past projects articles .
