This skills course allows students to gain fundamental skills in digital 3D modelling using the software Blender. These skills are the building blocks for processes such as 3D printing, animation, motion capture, robotic drawing, virtual reality, augmented reality, computer games and so on. We will cover the basic functions of polygon modelling, lighting, rendering and animation. We will also examine various approaches to procedural modelling, where information from nature, data collection or mathematics can be used to generate complex forms such as trees, forests, mountains, flocks of birds or abstract patterns using simple computer operations.

Practical exercises will be delivered using pre-recorded video tutorials so that students can learn at their own pace, and each new skill will be accompanied by a short talk regarding the origins of these techniques, how they relate to the history of art and how they are used in art today.

Blender is free open-source software so students can complete class exercises at home and on campus. Documentation of your projects will be uploaded to Miro. Blender files can be uploaded to Google Drive for troubleshooting. Discord will be used for class chat and troubleshooting. Class time will be used for discussion, demonstration, troubleshooting weekly exercises and sharing new ideas.