Blender 3.0 Beginner Tutorial Part 4: Modelling

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore modeling techniques in Blender, specifically focusing on creating a doughnut with realistic icing drips. This guide will cover the use of modifiers, snapping tools, and references to help you achieve a professional-looking result.

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

• Uncheck Solidify Modifier in Edit Mode
  • Navigate to the modifier stack and uncheck the visibility for the solidify modifier in edit mode. This allows you to manipulate the underlying mesh.
• Enable Screen Keys Tool
  • Turn on the screen keys tool to visualize your key presses during the modeling process.

Step 2: Create the Icing Drips

• Use Proportional Editing

  • Press O to enable proportional editing. This allows for smoother manipulation of vertices.
  • Select a vertex or edge and move it down with G. Scroll the mouse wheel to adjust the falloff for broader changes.

• Snap to Face

  • Activate the snapping tool by clicking the magnet icon in the toolbar.
  • Change the snapping type from "Increment" to "Face" in the snapping settings.
  • Use Ctrl while moving vertices to ensure they snap to the face of the doughnut.

• Enable Project Individual Elements

  • Check the "Project Individual Elements" option under the snapping settings. This ensures that all vertices within the proportional falloff area snap to the underlying mesh.

Step 3: Use Reference Images

• Find a Reference Image

  • Search for images of doughnut icing on Google Images. Choose one that you find visually appealing and save it to your desktop.

• Split the Viewport

  • Right-click on the window divider to split your viewport vertically or horizontally.
  • Set one of the new windows to the Image Editor to bring in your reference image.

Step 4: Increase Mesh Detail

• Apply Subdivision Surface Modifier

  • Place the subdivision surface modifier at the top of the modifier stack and apply it by hitting Ctrl + A while hovering over it. This increases the mesh's vertex count for smoother shapes.

• Hide the Doughnut Temporarily

  • Press H to hide the doughnut temporarily and Alt + H to bring it back when needed.

Step 5: Create Gloopy Shapes

• Extrude New Geometry

  • Select a few vertices and press E to extrude, creating new faces and vertices that follow the icing shape naturally.
  • Adjust the new vertices to create a more realistic drippy effect. Scale them using S as needed.

• Keep an Eye on Topology

  • As you model, be mindful of the topology. Avoid stretching edges and ensure you add detail where required.

Step 6: Shape the Doughnut

• Apply Subdivision Surface to the Doughnut
  • Similar to the icing, apply a subdivision surface modifier to the doughnut for a rounder shape.
• Adjust the Inner Part
  • Use proportional editing to flatten the inner part of the doughnut, creating a more realistic profile.

Step 7: Utilize the Shrinkwrap Modifier

• Add a Shrinkwrap Modifier
  • Click the eyedropper icon in the modifier stack and select the doughnut. This will ensure that the icing shape conforms to the doughnut's surface.
  • Ensure the shrinkwrap modifier is above the solidify modifier in the stack for proper application.

Conclusion

You have successfully modeled a doughnut with realistic icing drips in Blender using modifiers, snapping tools, and reference images. In the next tutorial, we will enhance the details further using sculpting techniques. Happy blending!