This tutorials covers how to create a more advanced type of facial rig, showing you how to use the "stretch to" constraint to give the face a more fluid way of animating. The "stretch to" is great for things like lips and eyelids (which is shown in this tutorial); in addition, you'll see how to make the eyelids "stick" to the eyeball surface, so there's no unwanted gap between the two while animating. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics appl...
This is a quick tip on how to model a screw within Blender. But more so on covering the “threading” of the screw itself. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
This clip goes through process of setting up a infinite ground plane with shadows to better display your models within Blender. The tip also looks at a couple of tweaks while using Ambient Occlusion to adjust the shadows. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie....
This clip will walk you through the process of modeling a fairly cartoony praying mantis from a sketch. The tutorial covers the entire modeling process and some simple materials. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-st...
This tutorial covers how to create a witch's hat in Blender using a combination of modeling and cloth simulations. Basic materials are also covered. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
Cutting a hole into a curved mesh is a common problem, particularly for new modelers. This tip shows you how to go about doing it using Blender's retopology tools. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions...
In this tutorial, we'll take a look at a built-in script called the Solidify Selection script. This script, created by Campbell Barton, will allow you to solidify a mesh by adding a second "skin" to it based on the selected geometry. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks a...
This clip will walk you through the process of modeling a pumpkin in Blender. This tutorial uses a combination of mirror and lattice modifiers to create a model that can easily be shaped without disfiguring the original mesh. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Coo...
When you begin working with complex scenes, you'll often find yourself applying the same material to a multitude of objects, which becomes quite time consuming. By using blender's "Make Links" tool you can quickly apply a single materials to as many objects as you'd like. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free v...
Modeling a human hand is a challenging task. Both to create a natural-looking hand and to create one with good topology. This tutorial is an effort to address both of those issues. In this tutorial you will learn how to model a human hand with some box modeling techniques with clean topology in blender. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure ...
When working in a production environment it is a common need to send a model, along with all of it's associated files off to another artist. Blender makes this quite easy by allowing you to pack (compress) all of the external data associated with the model into the .blend. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free ...
Blender's constraint system offers a very powerful feature-set. In this video tutorial we will look at how to rig a piston using several constraints. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
Grouping in blender allows you to better oganize the objects within your scene by grouping them together. This is particularly use for complex scenes with large numbers of objects. It also allows easy selection for different types of objects at the same time. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software...
In this tutorial, you will see how to apply a texture, in this case a subtle gradient, to the world background in Blender. Textures can vastly improve the presentation of your model. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-b...
Blender’s curves tools are quite a powerful and convenient way to model all kind of things. Tubes, lathe-objects, logos, tentacles and much more. This tutorial shows you how to use the different types of curves, control-points and handles and how to use them. You will learn how to trace a logo and to give it some depth, and how to create lathe-objects within Blender and add some variations to them by using the lattice- and the cast-modifier. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popu...
This short video tutorial is going to take you through the process of using Blender’s new Shrinkwrap modifier to make clothing for a character. This modifier makes the process significantly easier and faster! It’s also a lot of fun. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at...
This tutorial takes a look at how to model a segment of rope in Blender and then replicate it along a path using an Array and Curve modifier. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look!
Stencil maps can help push your model to the next level by allowing you to layer materials exactly as you see fit. This tutorial covers how to create a stencil map, applying it to your model in Blender and then using it to layer two different materials via the Material Nodes. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this fr...
This tutorial teaches how to use Blender’s particles system to “paint” instanced objects onto mesh surfaces. Similar to Maya’s “Paint Effects,” though not nearly as powerful, it’s a very nice way to fill a scene with flowers, vegetation, rocks, pebbles, gravel, debris, etc. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free...
In this new 3D Studio Max tutorial from Max Cookie, you'll see how to use the Prime Focus Krakatoa plug-in. Specifically, you'll see how to create a volume, how to pick an animated mesh, and then how to make a good setup to create a basic sand creature. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software, new to Krakatoa, or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with either, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get s...
Interested in making the next Finding Nemo? Learn how to model and render a complete underwater scene using 3ds Max 2010 with this video guide. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. Specifically, this clip discusses each of the following topics:
The basics of Wire jewelry making are extremely easy to learn, and it's easy to get started quickly making your own earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, but excelling into harder wraps and loops is something only seasoned jewelry makers can do.
Before you can work in MS Access 2010, you'll need to learn how to work with it. See how to navigate the Ribbon interface when working in Microsoft Access 2010 with this guide. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular database management application or a seasoned MS Office professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Access 2010 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the Backstage view in your own Acces...
Many science fiction feature films and TV shows feature holographic communication and interfaces. Red Giant Holomatrix allows you to easily recreate that effect with just a few clicks. This clip, in particular, addresses how to make those few clicks as a complete and utter newcommer to Holomatrix. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular motion graphics and compositing software or a seasoned video professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with Red Giant Holomatrix, you're sure to be ...
Want to create a surface that isn't complete smooth when working in Maya 2011? Then, my friend, you'll want to know how to use the program's displacement and bump mapping tools. This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For specifics, watch this free video guide.
Meet the Maya 2011 UI! Before you get started working in the program, it stands to reason that you know how to work with it. And this guide will show you how. Whether you're new to Autodesk's popular modeling software or a seasoned 3D artist just looking to better acquaint yourself with the Maya 2011 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using the new Maya 2011 interface yourself, watch this free video guide.
Interested in creating your own website? Have access to a copy of Dreamweaver CS3? This video guide will get you started. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular WISYWIG HTML editor or a seasoned web development professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the CS3 workflow, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including a step-by-step overview, watch this free video guide.
Want to use an Illustrator CS5 illustration in a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation or Word document? This video clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular vector graphics editor or a seasoned graphic arts professional interested in better acquainting yourself with the new features and functions of Illustrator CS5, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick in your own Illustrator projects, wat...
Need help figuring out how to save PDF-compatible AI files from Illustrator CS5. This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular vector graphics editor or a seasoned graphic arts professional interested in better acquainting yourself with the new features and functions of Illustrator CS5, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, and to get started using this trick in your own Illustrator projects, watch this video guide.
Looking for an introduction on how to work with macros in Microsoft Excel 2007? Learn how to create linkage formulas in MS Excel 2007. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular spreadsheet application or a seasoned business professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the unique features of Excel 2007, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, and to get started using absolute and relative macros in your own Excel 2007 workbooks, watch this free...
Refining selections and creating masks are unglamorous but utterly essential Photoshop techniques—you've got to master both in order to perform tricky compositing tasks, such as extracting a person from an image and then adding a different background.
This video tutorial demonstrates Photoshop CS5's bristle brushes, which simulate traditional paint brushes—the kind your local art-supply store sells—and its new Mixer brush, which lets you give a photo a painterly look. Along the way, its host passes along a tip for customizing Photoshop's interface—one of those little chores that can save so much time but that so few of us do. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or a seasoned graphic design professional just looking...
Have a digital image that's a little bit too dark or otherwise lacking in depth? Your fix is just a few mouse clicks away. This free software tutorial will teach you how to use the new Brightness & Contrast tools within Adobe Photoshop CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or a seasoned graphic design professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the unique features of Photoshop CS5, you're sure to find something of value in this free video tutorial.
With Adobe Photoshop CS5, it's easier than ever to work with HDR or high dynamic-range images. This video tutorial presents an overview of some of the bigger enhancements. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular image editing software or a seasoned graphic design professional just looking to better acquaint yourself with the unique features of Photoshop CS5, you're sure to find something of value in this free video tutorial. For more information, and to get started taking advantage of Photoshop...
The powers of the complex number "i" run their course in a cyclical nature, like annual seasons of "American Idol." Simplify your life - or at least your math class life - by learning how to rewrite the powers of "i" into simple, single variable expressions.
The card trick in this tutorial is great for beginners and seasoned magicians alike. In the video you will learn how to present a deck of cards to two spectators and amaze them with slight of hand.
Focus groups strike fear into the hearts of even the most season marketer, and with good reason. In a world where everything is subject to change based on public opinion, from movie endings, to popcorn flavors, to logo colors, focus groups can make or break a new idea, but it doesn't have to be that way. A focus group is just a way to gather opinions in a vigorous way and can be very useful. Watch this video tutorial to use a focus group to develop and test a new brand name or corporate ident...
In this video, we learn how to make spicy potato wedges. The ingredients you will need are: salt, 1/2 tsp dry mango powder, 2 medium wedged potatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves smashed garlic, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and cut your potatoes into wedge shapes. Soak the potatoes in water then put into a bowl and add salt. Microwave until the potatoes are half way cooked and strain th...
This video is teaching a great exercise for thinner thighs and flatter abs for bikini season. The name of the exercise is called ball slaps. You will need and big ball about fifty-five centimeters wide. Lay flat on your back with your arms stretched above your head. With your feet grab the ball in the center of its mass and squeeze. You should feel tension on the inside of your thighs. Continue to hold the squeeze in your legs throughout the exercise. Now bring your legs up to the ceiling wit...
This video demonstrates a way to cook a sirloin steak with a gravy sauce as a main course. In a large frying pan put some oil to sear the steak. You will know that the oil is hot and ready for the meat when it begins to smoke. Season with salt, pepper, and sear the steak until each side is brown. Next place the meat in an oven and cook at 350 degrees for six minutes. While the meat is cooking is a good time to make the gravy. In the pan that you used to sear the steak add some red wine, veal ...