Modeling and Texturing with Blender

My Journey with Blender

In Blender, I have honed a wide range of skills encompassing modeling, sculpting, texturing, and lighting—each essential for creating the right set and setting in 3D projects.

Modeling, Sculpting, and Texturing:

During my time working with Blender, I spent countless hours perfecting my models and textures. From hard-surface objects like the detailed AK-47 rifle to organic forms such as the futuristic cyborg character, I applied techniques like Subdivision Surface modeling and Multiresolution Sculpting to achieve high levels of detail. Texturing these models involved mastering UV Mapping and the Shader Editor, where I combined procedural and image-based textures to create lifelike materials.

Animation and Weight Painting:

I later expanded into animation, which introduced me to the intricacies of rigging and weight painting. This was a particularly time-consuming process, as I spent weeks fine-tuning the weight maps to ensure that character movements looked natural and fluid. Despite the steep learning curve, this experience was invaluable, as it allowed me to bring my models to life through animation.

Freelance Experience:

Motivated by my growing skills, I began selling my animations and 3D models on platforms like Fiverr. However, I quickly encountered the harsh realities of the freelance market. The compensation for my work was often far below what it was worth, with many clients demanding numerous revisions to save costs. This, coupled with the realization that high-quality assets were frequently available for free or at very low prices, led to frustration. For example, I once spent three hours modeling a robot, only to find similar or better models being offered for free, often fully animated.

Passion for Game Design:

Initially, my goal was to become a game designer, a path that I was deeply passionate about. I spent countless hours each day—often even on holidays—immersed in Blender, continually improving my skills. However, the competitive nature of the asset market and the lack of fair compensation took a toll on my enthusiasm. The constant pressure to underprice my work and the demanding nature of freelance clients eventually led me to step back from selling my models and animations.

Conclusion:

While my journey with Blender started with immense passion and dedication, the challenges I faced in the freelance market caused me to lose some of the joy I initially found in 3D modeling and animation. However, the skills and experiences I gained have been invaluable, and they continue to inform my understanding of the digital art and game design industry.