It’s time again to start thinking about articles, tutorials and images for Issue # 34 of Blenderart Magazine.

The theme for this issue is “Rigs, Add-ons and more…”

With so many improvements and exciting new features/tools lately, it is time to figure it all out and get our heads wrapped around Rigging, Add-ons, Python and new builds. Read the rest of this entry »

There was supposed to be a blend file for Claas’ article on modeling an iphone. Somehow it didn’t get included in the blend download zip.

Okay I didn’t put it in because I totally forgot to grab it from Claas.   I was obviously having a senior moment.

But I now have the file and nam has ever so nicely tucked it into the blend download zip file and you can download it at your convenience.

Andrew Curry is looking for contributors on a fun new project.

from Andrew:

I am currently heading up a multi-aspect project, working on bringing back a classic game, “The Journeyman Project” by Presto Studios.  The project is currently split into three efforts:

1.  A prequel novel
2.  A port to Windows of “Pegasus Prime”, a remake of Journeyman by the original studio.
3.  A retelling of Journeyman using Blender to model and render the video footage, “Journeyman HD” if you will

I have been keeping a blog of the modelling work I’ve done on the project so far, which can be found at http://andyjourneyman.blogspot.com/.

Currently there are several members on the novel and port teams, but the modelling HD version is only done by myself at present.

One of my goals is that the footage be done completely within Blender.  No external renderers/video packages can be used to manipulate the video.  As well as Blender, I am using VirtualDub to edit the footage together, keeping the project open source at the moment.

Welcome to Issue #32, “Spring is Sprung”

In this issue we are going to explore some nice “Springy” topics like plants and trees. Nice warm growing things that make us think warm thoughts and forget all about being cold and snowed in.

So grab your copy today. Read the rest of this entry »

Unless you plan on focusing exclusively on modeling, at some point, you are going to want to apply textures and materials to your latest model. Blender offers a dizzying array of options to create just about any material or texture you would need. And therein lies the problem. There are so many options buttons and settings that even basic materials can take quite a bit of time to set up and get just right. Even contemplating what is needed for a complex material can get so complicated that it might just tempt you to actually decide to focus exclusively on modeling and forego the whole material/texture issue altogether.

What has been needed in the Blender community for some time is exactly what Colin Litster has delivered in Blender 2.5 Materials and Textures Cookbook. He has written a comprehenisve book that explains the ins and outs of using Blender’s material and texture options to create a wide array of materials and effects. Read the rest of this entry »