Blender is a popular free and open source 3D creation suite that has many uses, ranging from 3D modelling and animation, asset creation for games, motion graphics, video editing, 2D animation, and visual effects, and its uses can be extended through the use of plugins.

This four-part, online workshop series, led by Antonio Roberts, will introduce you to the software and its features, giving you the tools and confidence to make your own 3D animations. You will learn basic concepts of navigating and working in 3D space, eventually progressing to learning workflows for more advanced concepts and techniques including:

Lighting
Rendering
Texturing
UV mapping
Particles
Importing and exporting assets
Sculpting
Rigging
Compositing

If you’ve ever been interested in creating in 3D, this workshop is the perfect introduction!

EQUIPMENT

Blender can be downloaded for free from https://blender.org and works on Mac, Windows and Linux. It works best when using a dedicated GPU. You can read recommended hardware requirements and check whether your computer or laptop will be able to support it HERE

Although a trackpad can be used a three button mouse is more efficient and will be used throughout the workshop.

HOW TO APPLY AND ELIGIBILITY

This workshop is fully funded. To take part you must be an eligible SME – this means you must be registered as self-employed or have your own business based in England.

You must be able to attend all four sessions.

Spaces are very limited and we expect to be oversubscribed.

To apply to take part please email the following information to steamhouse@bcu.ac.uk by Monday 18 January. Please write “Blender Workshop” in the subject header.

1. A short expression of interest explaining why you want to take part in the workshop and how you think it will benefit your business. We are looking for participants who have a clear sense of how they might apply the knowledge they will gain to the development of new projects, products or services.

2. If you are not already a STEAMhouse member, please introduce yourself and let us know what you do. Please also let us know where you are based and confirm whether you are self-employed or have your own business.

ABOUT ANTONIO

Antonio Roberts is an Artist and Curator based in Birmingham, UK. He has been a Blender user for nearly 10 years and in that time has used the software to make work for places such as the Tate galleries, Barbican, Furtherfield gallery, MTV, Commonwealth Games, V&A, and at various exhibitions and events globally. See HERE to learn more about Antonio Roberts and see how he uses Blender in his work