What is Blender and why is it gaining popularity among 3D artists?

Blender is a free and open source 3D modeling software with powerful features. In it, you can do work at the level of studio software, which is not inferior in quality to Netflix. Blender tools allow you to create great cartoons, cool special effects, character animation and much more.

Why is Blender good?

Blender is a versatile software because it has everything a 3D artist needs. Freeness increases attractiveness, the distribution kit in Russian simplifies use.Like any open source program, Blender is evolving quite quickly. The fan community actively generates ideas, creates tutorials and plugins. A team of professional developers implement the wishes of users and regularly release updates.It would seem that software with advanced functionality should make great demands on a PC, but this does not apply to Blender. The distribution package of the program weighs just over 200 MB, it is installed on any computer and can be easily placed on a USB flash drive.

Blender is no longer a niche tool and has already gained popularity among major studios. An example of a trailer for a new series from Netflix - made in Blender.

‍Features and Tools

As for Blender, experts say this: if you can’t achieve the desired result, then you need to use the built-in tools correctly ... or find a suitable plugin. The program is flexibly customized for the user and allows you to create real masterpieces. Here is a short list of its features.

1) Full-featured modeling and 3D sculpting with the creation of objects from a virtual material such as clay. Sculpt models from cubes and other primitives, work with special brushes.

2) Generation modifiers, deformations, etc. Modify and smooth objects, recreate gravity and other physical processes.

3) Node structure and procedural generation. Set material properties using nodes: reflective, matte, specular, refractive, etc. Complex custom models with a simple return to iterations are easy to create in just a couple of clicks.

4) Animation based on keyframes. Add keyframes and Blender will do the rest.

5) Hand drawing with Grease Pencil. A 2D object is easily converted to 3D with added volume. A tool that has no analogues.

6) Texturing. Work with ready-made textures, use visual programming for realistic or fantastic textures.

7) Creation of object libraries. Filling scenes with ready-made objects takes literally minutes.

8) Flexible customization of the workspace. Customize the program interface for yourself.

9) Rendering based on Cycles and Eevee engines. The first one allows you to create cool realistic renders, but it takes time to work. The second one provides real-time rendering as well as scene previews.

10) Node based compositing. Add effects and color correction in layers, collect final frames with graphics and video.

11) Video editing. Combine video files and channels, add visual effects. The editor is a handy built-in tool.

Blender is an easy-to-learn tool with professional-level functionality that even large studios are willing to use. For example, the database of NASA 3D models contains many objects in the .blend format. Scenes from the Westworld series, Spider-Man 2 and The Golden Compass were created using Blender.

Entering the cohort of 3D pros is not easy... of course, if you don't know about Blender. The program is ideal for mastering three-dimensional design - from the very basics to all its possibilities. Thanks to Blender, the market for 3D artists is rapidly expanding and their work is becoming more accessible.

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