Intro to Blender & ZBrush Mini

Install the software and learn the basics of navigating 3D space.

1. ReadingWhat Is 3D Modeling?
2. Download and install Blender (free, open source).
3. Download and install ZBrushCoreMini (free, requires account).
4. ReadingThe Blender Interface
5. VideoBlender Beginner Tutorial (Part 1)
6. Video Resource: Watch Blender Guru's Donut Series for a full beginner walkthrough from interface basics to rendering.

Learn core modeling tools and techniques to create your first 3D objects.

1. ReadingNavigation & Transform Tools
2. ReadingEdit Mode & Mesh Elements
3. Exercise 1.1: Create a new scene. Add a UV Sphere and a Cylinder. Practice switching between Object Mode (Tab) and Edit Mode. Select vertices, edges, and faces with 1, 2, 3.
4. ReadingExtrude, Inset & Loop Cut
5. Exercise 1.2 - Model Dice: Start with a cube, use Inset (I) and Extrude (E) to create the pip indentations on each face.
6. ReadingViewport Shading & Materials
7. Exercise 1.3 - Model a Car: Start from a cube. Use Loop Cut (Ctrl+R), Extrude, and scaling to block out a simple car shape. Apply a basic material color.
8. ReadingExporting Your Models
9. CheckpointUnit 1 Activity - Create a Scene
10. Video Resource: Watch CG Cookie beginner modeling lessons to reinforce extrude, inset, loop cuts, and clean mesh workflow.

Dive deeper into topology, modifiers, and the 3D printing pipeline.

1. ReadingN-Gons & Clean Topology
2. ReadingThe Knife Tool & Merge
3. Exercise 2.1 - Model a Sword: Block out a sword shape using reference images. Use bevels and edge loops for detail. Fix any N-gons with the Knife tool (K).
4. ReadingModifiers (Subdivision, Mirror, Bevel)
5. Exercise 2.2: Add a Mirror modifier to model half a character head. Use Subdivision Surface for smoothing. Apply modifiers when satisfied.
6. Reading3D Printing Basics
7. ReadingSlicing Software & Print Settings
8. Exercise 2.3 - Print Your Dice: Export your dice model from Unit 1 as OBJ. Load it into the slicer, scale to 15-20mm, configure supports if needed, and print.
9. CheckpointUnit 2 Activity - Model & Print a Ring
10. Video Resource: Watch Maker Tales Blender-to-3D-print workflow videos for practical print prep and slicing tips.

Learn digital sculpting with ZBrushCoreMini and complete a final portfolio project.

1. ReadingZBrushCoreMini Interface & Brushes
2. Exercise 3.1 - Smiley/Sad Sculpt: Use the Standard brush to sculpt a smiley face on one side of a sphere. Rotate and sculpt a sad face on the back. Hold Alt to carve.
3. ReadingSculpting Techniques & Brush Guide
4. Exercise 3.2: Practice each brush (ClayBuildup, Inflate, Pinch, Move, SnakeHook, hPolish) on a fresh sphere. Observe how each one manipulates the surface differently.
5. ReadingExporting & Blender Round-Trip
6. Exercise 3.3: Export your sculpt as OBJ. Import it into Blender. Add extra geometry (a torus for a pendant loop, a flat base for stability). Re-export for printing.
7. ReadingFinishing: Sanding & Painting Prints
8. CheckpointFinal Project - Portfolio Sculpt & Print
9. Video Resource: Watch ZBrushCoreMini beginner sculpting tutorials for brush control and form-building practice.