C10: Introduction: 3D Designing, Sculpting & 3D Printing

Aim:

To sculpt a 3D model that represents a fun or meaningful idea using Blender’s sculpting tools.

Requirements:

  • Computer with Blender installed

  • Stylus or graphics tablet (optional)

  • Mouse (works perfectly fine)

  • Sketch or idea of what to sculpt (toy, logo, face, or creature)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Open Blender and Set Up

  1. Open Blender.

  2. Start a new project and delete the cube if you want a clean workspace.

  3. Go to Add → Mesh → UV Sphere or Cube (this will be your digital clay).

  4. Switch to Sculpt Mode from the top-left menu.

Step 2: Explore the Sculpt Brushes

Blender gives you a variety of brushes that act like sculpting tools:

Brush Name

Purpose

Grab

Pull or move large parts of the mesh — reshape quickly.

Clay Strips

Add material to build up surfaces (like adding more clay).

Smooth

Soften rough or uneven areas.

Crease

Carve sharp lines and folds (useful for wrinkles or edges).

Inflate

Puff out areas to create bulges or rounded shapes.

Flatten

Press surfaces to make them even.

Try each brush for a few seconds to see how it changes your object.

Step 3: Start Sculpting

  1. Select the Grab brush and gently pull parts of your sphere to make a head, ears, or any unique shape.

  2. Use Clay Strips to add form — maybe cheeks, horns, or a symbol’s curve.

  3. Switch to Smooth brush to clean up transitions and make it look polished.

  4. Experiment with Symmetry (Mirror X) so one side automatically mirrors the other — useful for faces or balanced designs.

  5. Zoom in and out to adjust small details like eyes, dimples, or surface bumps.

Step 4: Add Texture or Details

  • Use the Draw brush for small surface details (like a smile, grooves, or scales).

  • Try Texture mode to stamp patterns on surfaces — like wood, fabric, or stone.

  • Change brush size and strength to control the amount of sculpting.

  • Save your progress often — sculpting uses a lot of computer memory.

Step 5: Save and Render

  • When you’re happy with your sculpt, go to Layout Mode.

  • Add light and camera.

  • Press F12 to render and view your sculpture.

Save the rendered image (File → Save As → Image).

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