from No Starch Press:

Blender is a powerful and free 3D graphics tool used by artists and designers worldwide. But even experienced designers can find it challenging to turn an idea into a polished piece.

For those who have struggled to create professional-quality projects in Blender, author Ben Simonds offers this peek inside his studio. You’ll learn how to create 3D models as you explore the creative process that he uses to model three example projects: a muscular bat creature, a futuristic robotic spider, and ancient temple ruins. Along the way, you’ll master the Blender interface and learn how to create and refine your own models.

You’ll also learn how to:

• Work with reference and concept art in Blender and GIMP to make starting projects easier
• Block in models with simple geometry and build up more complex forms
• Use Blender’s powerful sculpting brushes to create detailed organic models
• Paint textures with Blender and GIMP and map them onto your 3D artwork
• Light, render, and composite your models to create striking images

Each chapter walks you through a piece of the modeling process and offers detailed explanations of the tools and concepts used. Filled with full-color artwork and real-world tips,Blender Master Class gives you the foundation you need to create your own stunning masterpieces.

DVD includes files for each project in the book, as well as extra textures, brushes, and other resources.

Covers Blender 2.6x

A number of excellent reviews of Ben’s book have been written and are well worth checking out. Although everyone has a somewhat unique perspective, the general consensus is that Ben’s book is a huge success and a must have for any serious Blender user.

Reviews of Blender Master Class

Adventures in Blender

Blender Cookie

Reyn’s Blog

The theme for this issue is “Crossing the Digital Divide”

One of the appeals of creating in digital space is that anything is possible, allowing for greater creative freedom. The challenge is to get your creation out into the real world. So in this issue we are going to look at the many ways that you can bring your creations/products across the Digital Divide into the real world.

Looking for tutorials or “making of” articles on:

• Custom Milling and similar processes
• 3d printing
• Creating blue prints or products spec sheets to manufacture from
• Any creative method of getting your project out into the real world

*warning: lack of submissions could result in an entire issue of fuzzy bunnies, puffy hearts and a galley filled with random images off my hard drive ….  …… goes off to check number and variety of images on my hard drive …. just in case. 

Articles

Send in your articles to sandra
Subject: “Article submission Issue # 42 [your article name]“

Gallery Images

As usual you can also submit your best renders based on the theme of the issue. The theme of this issue is “Crossing the Digital Divide”. Digital and Real world images would be a great submission. Please note if the entry does not match with the theme it will not be published.

Send in your entries for gallery to gaurav
Subject: “Gallery submission Issue # 42″

Note: Image size should be of 1024x (width) at max.

Last date of submissions May 5, 2013.

Good luck!
Blenderart Team

Any project requires at least a bit of planning and research. And with a project slated to be 3d printed, the research part can be a showstopper if you don’t even know the right questions to ask. Well we have done the research for you and gathered up a seriously great selection of articles to inspire and inform you of the best practices and techniques to achieve great 3d printed results. So come explore the exciting world of 3d Printing with us.

So grab your copy today. Also be sure to check out our gallery of wonderful images submitted by very talented members of our community.

Table of Contents:

• Printed Pirates
• Combining CNC milling and 3D projection mapping
• 3d printing with Blender
• Using the 3D print for the products design and fine arts
• Makers Factory
• 100 hours of print time and what I have learned

And Lot More…

Reminder: Submissions for issue #41 due March 5^th,

Call for Content #41

The theme for this issue is “Imagine the Possibilities”

A new year has arrived filled with possibilities for artistic growth and learning. In this issue we are going to look at your personal projects and goals for 2013. What do you hope to learn or accomplish with blender this year. The possibilities are endless, so let the possibility party begin.

Looking for tutorials or “making of” articles on:

• Personal Projects/Creations
• Any tool or technique

*warning: lack of submissions could result in an entire issue of fuzzy bunnies, puffy hearts and a galley filled with random images off my hard drive ….  …… goes off to check number and variety of images on my hard drive …. just in case. 

Articles

Send in your articles to sandra
Subject: “Article submission Issue # 41 [your article name]“

Gallery Images

As usual you can also submit your best renders based on the theme of the issue. The theme of this issue is “Imagine the Possibilities”. Please note if the entry does not match with the theme it will not be published.

Send in your entries for gallery to gaurav
Subject: “Gallery submission Issue # 41″

Note: Image size should be of 1024x (width) at max.

Last date of submissions March 5, 2013.

Good luck!
Blenderart Team

In other news, issue #41: Digital Sculpting only received 1 submission and due to the holidays I didn’t have time to write up all the threatened articles about fluffy bunnies and hearts, so I am going to hit the “re-wind button” and re-issue a new Call for Content #41 with a new topic that hopefully will generate more submissions.

The new Call for Content will be issued in a day or two, so be on the lookout for it and plan to submit all your blender awesomeness.

It is an exciting time to watch how Blender and the community is growing with all the new tools and ideas flowing from our collective creativity. Our need to explore the boundaries of what is possible drives us as artists and coders to achieve ever growing levels of amazingness. In this issue we celebrate that Spirit of Exploration in a series of articles sure to spark a bit of personal exploration of your own.

This issue we are also unveiling a fresh new look for BAM. Enjoy!

So grab your copy today. Also be sure to check out our gallery of wonderful images submitted by very talented members of our community.

Table of Contents:

• Exploring facial modeling for animation in blender
• Building the landscape for Europa
• Making a Wormhole without changing the framing
• Compositing in Direct and Indirect in Cycles
• Blender Terrain Tools
• Mistakes New CG Artists Make

And Lot More…

Reminder: Submissions for issue #40 due October 5^th,

Call for Content #41

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https://twitter.com/blenderart

The theme for this issue is “Digital Clay: Sculpting Escapades”

Blender’s Sculpting tools have become a fun powerful feature for artists to express their creativity and explore ideas. Issue #41 is going to focus on these powerful tools and the creative workflows that go with them.

Looking for tutorials or “making of” articles on:

• Sculpt brushes
• how and when to use
• what is your favorite brushes
• Personal Projects/Creations
• Re-Mesh Modifier
• Bsurfaces
• Retopology
• Dyntopo

*warning: lack of submissions could result in an entire issue of fuzzy bunnies, puffy hearts and a galley filled with random images off my hard drive …. …… goes off to check number and variety of images on my hard drive …. just in case.

Articles

Send in your articles to sandra
Subject: “Article submission Issue # 41 [your article name]“

Gallery Images

As usual you can also submit your best renders based on the theme of the issue. The theme of this issue is “Digital Clay: Sculpting Escapades”. Please note if the entry does not match with the theme it will not be published.

Send in your entries for gallery to gaurav
Subject: “Gallery submission Issue # 41″

Note: Image size should be of 1024x (width) at max.

Last date of submissions December 5, 2012.

Good luck!
Blenderart Team

Compositing can be a powerful tool in your artistic arsenal. It is a huge time saver for rendering and allows you a greater degree of control over your final result. In this issue we take a look at some great uses for Blender’s built in node compositor.

So grab your copy today. Also be sure to check out our gallery of wonderful images submitted by very talented members of our community.

Table of Contents:

• Big Bang Compositing
• Optimizing Production Workflow Using a Lightgroup Approach in Blender
• Stained the Game
• A Logo Animation
• A Closeup Potrait
• Create your own video game

And Lot More…

Reminder: Submissions for issue #40 due October 5^th,

Call for Content #40

The theme for this issue is “3d Printing”

With the growing popularity of 3d printing and the lowering cost of both 3d printing services and 3d printers themselves, now is an exciting time to take a closer look at 3d printing and Blender. We are going to take a look at what it is, what it takes to print something in 3d, the services/materials available and some of the more popular 3d printers on the market.

What we are looking for:

• Do you have a 3d printer?
  • What kind?
  • How does it work with blender, what do you need to keep in mind during the design phase
• Do you use a 3d printing service?
  • Which one, what has been your experience,
  • what have you had 3d printed
• Designing for 3d print
  • what do you need to keep in mind
• Using 3d printers for rapid prototyping and product design

*warning: lack of submissions could result in an entire issue of fuzzy bunnies, puffy hearts and a galley filled with random images off my hard drive …. …… goes off to check number and variety of images on my hard drive …. just in case.

Articles

Send in your articles to sandra
Subject: “Article submission Issue # 40 [your article name]“

Gallery Images

As usual you can also submit your best renders based on the theme of the issue. The theme of this issue is “3d Printing”. Please send images of both your 3d model and the actual printed object for comparison. Please note if the entry does not match with the theme it will not be published.

Send in your entries for gallery to gaurav
Subject: “Gallery submission Issue # 40″

Note: Image size should be of 1024x (width) at max.

Last date of submissions October 5, 2012.

Good luck!
Blenderart Team

The theme for this issue is “Spirit of Exploration”

It’s time to blow out the cobwebs and let our inner creative genius out to play. This time around we are issuing a challenge to all of you to create something extraordinary and exciting. Use any style or theme that works for you.

Creative exploration is an exciting and useful endeavor. It gives you a chance test your limits and improve your skills and techniques.

So get to work creating your next amazing masterpiece, then write all about and share it with us.

A few ideas to get the creative energy flowing:

• landscapes/terrain
• characters/clothing
• vehicles
• weapons
• everyday objects re-imagined

Articles

Send in your articles to sandra
Subject: “Article submission Issue # 39 [your article name]“

Gallery Images

As usual you can also submit your best renders based on the theme of the issue. The theme of Articles this issue is “Spirit of Exploration”. Please note if the entry does not match with the theme it will not be published.

Send in your entries for gallery to gaurav
Subject: “Gallery submission Issue # 39″

Note: Image size should be of 1024x (width) at max.

Last date of submissions August 5, 2012.

Good luck!
Blenderart Team