First step into 3D

So, in Puy-Saint-Vincent, surrounded by mountains and charming cottages, hiking and eating fondue at the top, I decided to try something new that would boost my confidence in an extra hard skill: 3D modeling.

In my opinion, 3D modeling is a feast for the eyes. It's the ultimate "make it pop" process for designers and serves many purposes in my field, especially in product design. For years, I've been a big fan of 3D illustrations, but I never had the opportunity to give it a try, mostly because of my not-so-great graphics card (Octane is a demanding render engine). Additionally, I was not happy to engage in any more spending on monthly fees from software subscriptions (Adobe Trauma). That's why I switched to Blender, a free open-source 3D software.

This render is my first ever try on Blender thanks to 3DGreenhorn tutorial on YouTube. I remember finding it very difficult and spending about four hours on it, while the tutorial is only 14 minutes long (what a shame). I think it shows how challenging the software is when starting from scratch. After this little victory, I gave up for months...

Acknowledgement from the Donut Community

Have you ever heard of Blender Guru ?

Of course, you have, especially if you're into Blender and browse Reddit and YouTube. He is the lord and savior of Blender's beginners and responsible for thousands of 3D donuts spinning around like a record for eternity.

Blender Guru is well known for his Blender Beginner Donut Tutorial, which consists of 17 parts and explains all the different tabs and details each major tool and step in the software through a donut project.

Obviously, it was challenging to stay focused throughout the entire tutorial, but being part of the Donut Family was an end in itself, for posterity.

It's a real glow-up from where I started. To be honest, I did some other tutorials in between, but they were not as creative or personal as this one, which is why it is part of my portfolio.

To conclude...

My journey in 3D modeling has just begun, and I know it's not a passing phase. I will continue until I am good enough to work on projects, should the opportunity arise, and I will make the most of it.

3D modeling gives me the opportunity to reconnect with my creativity and become more hands-on. I draw more because I understand space better, and I can now explain physical phenomena on materials thanks to procedural textures. The observation needed to make things look realistic has weirdly connected me better to nature...

3D modeling is my summer break in Puy-Saint-Vincent.