Robot Eyes in Blender 2.8

(Robot Eyes Result)

In this Video, we will be recreating a familiar VFX Tutorial, Robot Eyes. 

Watch the preview here.

Keen viewers of my channel will already be aware of the "Robot Eyes" Tutorial we have done previously. Since there are many changes from 2.79 to 2.8, I thought it would be interesting to recreate this VFX shot within Blender 2.8. 

We will utilize the new VFX workspace (which helps optimize our workflow), though you can always create your own Workspace. 

First we will track our footage and though some things have changed, it feels very similar to 2.79. I did have some trouble though, I couldn't find the option to "Show Search Size". We can see (and change) the search size as a Value but there was no representation on screen. 

Now maybe I am missing something (If I am please be sure to let me know in the comments) or this could be a bug but many of you know, I like to use that option a lot. 

We then use the "Masking" section and then rotoscope the eye (and more importantly the blink). We did a tutorial on Masking. If you are having trouble with masking, you can check out there Tutorial here. 

Now we are ready to add our tracking information to the 3D Scene. This can be done with the click of a single button. Though when I tried this the first time, I encountered a bug. (When you add the tracks to the 3D scene. If your Markers do not move when you play through the timeline, simply move to a random point on the timeline then press Ctrl + Z. Your Markers should now move).

Remember, 2.8 is in Beta and some bugs will occur. So if you encounter this bug or another, be sure to report it. 

Then in the 3D scene, we can add an "Image as Plain" and add the Robot Eye Texture. If you want to use the same image, you can download it here (CC-0). 

Then we need to change a couple of settings to make the Alpha Transparency work (it would be nice to make these changes as we import the image but it take only a couple of seconds to make the changes). 

Duplicate your plain and Parent each of them to the Trackers and now we can move on to the "Compositing" section. 

For the compositing, we look at adding the Robot Eyes to the Live Action Footage we have been working with. I decided to brighten the "Whites" of the eyes to add some more "Surrealism" to the shot (Though having robot eyes may be surreal enough?). As we do this we create some pretty useful custom Masks. 

I also wanted to add a nice shadow on the eye to add depth and to try and make the shot look more realistic (since in the real world, the top eyelid would naturally cast a shadow on to the eye). 

Then we can finish it off with some glare, glow and color grading. I took some screenshots of my node set-up. I tired to tidy things up and make it look cleaner (though it still looks a mess).

(Robot Eyes - Node Set-up)

(Section One)

(Section Two)

(Section Three)

Once you are happy with it, make sure you set the output, the correct video resolution (also make sure the % slider is at 100%). Also make sure you change your file type to FFMPEG video. 

For the encoding, you can select the preset tab and choose "H_264 in MP3". 

Then go ahead and hit Render (or you can use the shortcut, Ctrl + F12).

So, I hope you found this video helpful!. If you did be sure to give it a Like! and as always, 

Thanks for watching..   

Taking a look at Blender 2.8

(Blender 2.8)

Today we will be taking a look at Blender 2.8. (Download 2.8 Beta)

Watch the Video here.

With the new version getting closer, I wanted to check it out and try out the Beta. 

In this video, I talk about 2.8, change some settings, look at the start-up presets and we will look at an example Eevee Scene "The Tower" (created by Dominik Graf).

As I mention at the start of the video, there is nothing instructional in the video. Only my thoughts and opinions. I will link to some 2.8 Tutorials which I like and think may help you with your 2.8 journey. 

There are so many new updates coming with Blender 2.8 it would take a while to cover everything. What are you excited about using or doing in 2.8? Let us know in the comments below. 

At first, I was taken aback by the changes. I felt exactly like I did when I first started using Blender. I couldn't find things, shortcuts were different and there were Icons I had never seen before.

However, I started to play around with everything and things became simple. It was like Blender had changed, only not really. 

The Icons have been updated and now actually represent what they do. Windows have been optimized and we have less distractions. We have better start-up presets and so much more!. 

For full details you can check out the Official Release Notes. 

If you have already started using Blender 2.8, what do you like/dislike about it?. Let us know in the comments. 

The biggest change coming to Blender 2.8 is Eevee. 

It would be wrong of me not to include the new real time render engine Eevee. 
Eevee is a physically based renderer. It can be used for your Final renders or your realtime Viewport. 
This is incredible, not only do we get to see our work in the viewport but we can render things much faster than Cycles. 

I did a tutorial on "How to compose a Matte Painting in 2.8" and I mention how Eevee rendered my test much faster than cycles. 

I also did a VFX Eyes Tutorial you can see here.

Have you used Eevee yet?. Here are some tutorials on Eevee. 

Eevee 5 Tips you should know - (by Tutor4u)

Eevee Environment Design - (by Ducky 3d)  

Create a Modern Bedroom in Blender in 35 mins - (by CG Geek)

I think these are a good selection of tutorials to get anyone started using Eevee. If you have any suggestions for 2.8 or Eevee let us know in the Comments. 

Brightwall [Digital Matte Painting]

Brightwall 

[Digital Matte Painting]

In this video I wanted to use Blender 2.8 and more importantly, Eevee to create a Digital Matte Painting.

Brightwall Preview

Digital Matte Painting Tutorial

I would have liked to have more time to spend on this Matte Painting and really make it look a lot better but unfortunately I was short on time. 

The idea behind it though was to show how awesome Blender 2.8 and Eevee is. 
(so I guess it doesn't really matter how crappy this example is, ;))

Using Eevee for our Matte Paintings will not only save us a whole bunch of time with rendering but also with many other improvements we can optimize our process even further. 

I opened up the last Digital Matte Painting we did "Castle Rock" and rendered the same thing. In 2.79 it took around 38 seconds to render one frame but in 2.8 and with Eevee,  it was rendered in a fraction of the time. 

I hope this video shows you how cool 2.8 is and more importantly, how its possible to create a Digital Matte Painting in Blender 2.8

Now get out there and create something awesome (and something better than this example :D). If you do create a cool Digital Matte Painting, be sure to post a link in our Facebook group!. 

As always, I hope you guys enjoyed this video and thanks for watching!.. 

Links - 

Facebook Group

Blender Download

Background Image 001

Background Image 002

Fortress

Town

Face

Waterfall

Smoke Elements

Best 3D Printer for Beginners?

("Dora" by Easythreed)

3D Printers have always been an interesting piece of technology, though when they first hit the scene they were really expensive and difficult to use. 

In recent times they have become much more affordable and user friendly. 

Despite how readily available they are, some are still not sure if they should buy one or not. 

I think one of the main reasons (apart from justifying the cost to a Partner/Parent), is the lack of information. I have been asked many times; "How does it work?" and "I bet it's really complicated". 

When I show them the process, they can see it's rather quite easy. 

How does it work?

You need to either create or download a Model/Object that you wish to print. 

Then using the "Slicing" software (which is usually provided with your printer), we convert the file into a "GCode". 

The Slicing software will analyze your Object and then work out how the Printer will print it. 

Slicing software can differ but they have essentially the same options that we can change. Some Slicers come with a "One Key" or a "Print Wizard" where you can simply press one button and the software will do it for you. 

Now you have a sliced Object we can save it to our Memory card (Again, usually provided with your Printer). Then you can plug it in and print. 

Ready to Print?

Most printers need to be assembled when they arrive (much like an IKEA flat pack). 

Generally, they come with decent instructions and sometimes have videos on youtube showing you exactly how to set it up. This can take 30 mins up to an hour depending on your skill level and patience. 

Some printers come as All-in-one, and this I recommend for anyone who is just starting out. An All-in-one Printer arrives at your door "Ready to Print", you just feed your filament into the machine and print away. 

Each printer has it's own Pros/Cons. Some print faster than others, some have bigger build sizes and so on.

There are many aspects of 3D Printing to consider and I focused on buying a printer that was not only user friendly but also within my budget. 

("Nano" by Easythreed)

After searching around for a week or so I decided to pick up a nice little 3D Printer called the "Nano" by Easythreed. 

There were a couple of All-in-one Printers that I was interested in, but the Nano just beat the others. I did a review on the Nano. You can check it out here.

I was really excited to get started!. The Nano came with a number of things, like a Magnetic build plate (so you can remove the plate, then remove your Model - ensuring you don't break your part). You also get an SD Card (which has the slicing software on it), SD Card Adapter and some Filament. 

After reading the instructions, though there some instructional videos on the SD Card should you need further help. I "Fed" the Filament into the Printer, plugged in my card and hit the print button. 

A few hours later my Print was ready!. 

(Left: Suzanne Model - Right: Suzanne 3D Print)

As you can see, I printed Blender's "Suzanne" and it turned out great. I just removed the supports from the ears (the supports can be removed with a craft knife or even your hands).

(Suzanne 3D Printed and Painted)

I primed the model with a Filler/Primer and then sanded away. Then I painted it with acrylics (though the paint job sucks I think the model turned out great).

(Dora 3D Printer)

I also did a Review for the "Dora" by Easythreed (an upgraded version of the Nano). Which you can see here. 

The "Dora" Model is much Faster, has a slightly bigger Build Size, LCD screen and much more. I think both printers are great for beginners looking to buy their first machine. 

"Dora", is obviously much better and reflects that with a slightly bigger price tag, but both are reasonable options for everyone's budget. 

If you want to pick up one of these Printers you can visit the Easythreed store via Gearbest store or Facebook Shop. (note, neither links are Affiliate links. I am not being paid, nor do I receive referral fees).

Alternatively, you can search your preferred retailer and buy a completely different Machine, though I suggest searching for an "All-in-one 3D Printer" would be perfect for beginners. 

You can find out more about the Manufacturers in an article here. (credit: inov3d) 

I hope you enjoyed this post, be sure to post a comment or visit our Facebook group!

  

Can Blender be used for 3D Printing?

(Left: Suzanne Model - Right: Suzanne 3D Print) 

One of the questions I get asked the most is; "Can Blender be used to 3D Print?". 

The answer may not surprise you (since Blender can do almost anything) but the Answer is yes!. 

3D Printers have become much smaller, cheaper and easier to use and now is the perfect time for anyone to get their hands on a 3D Printer. 

If you use Blender (or other similar software), you can easily print your Models, Objects and Parts.

I did a video on this recently where I took Suzanne and made her "Print Ready", you can see the video here.. 

You need to export your models as STL's and you can then use that file in your slicing software. 

As you can see in the picture above, I printed out the model and removed the supports. I did not clean it right away. 

Since then, I cleaned the Print and gave it a somewhat "passable" paint job.

I then had an idea of turning Suzanne into an Angel and Demon. I thought it would be interesting to see what different things I could turn her into.

(Angel and Demon Model)

(3D Printed and Painted)

You can check out the video here. 

I plan to do more different types of "Suzanne Prints" in the future so be sure to look out for those.

So Yes!, Blender can indeed be used for 3D Printing. 

What will you print using Blender?

Castle Rock [Digital Matte Painting]

Castle Rock 

[Digital Matte Painting]

In this video we will be composing another Digital Matte Painting called "Castle Rock". Check out the Preview Here.

This time we will be using the 3D view to compose our shot. Using GIMP (or any other software of your choice) 

We will first take an image and cut it into a few layers. Then add some Visual Interest in the form of a Castle or two, some Ruins and other assets to build our Matte Painting. 

Once we are happy with our assets, we then export the images (with alpha transparency) and bring them into Blender using the "Image as Plains" tool. 

Once the Layers have been positioned and scaled, we then add some more visual interest with the addition of a Waterfall. 

To make our work a little easier, the Waterfall video clip has been turned into an Image Sequence. (You could just use the video and create a custom mask).

Then using the same technique as the Waterfall we can add smoke and other moving elements to add more life to our shot. 

With the addition of Motion Blur, Color Grading and finally a nice heavy Sunbeams Effect, we can compose this Matte Painting. 

If you create an awesome Matte Painting and want to share it with us, be sure to post a link in our Facebook Group.  

I hope you guys enjoy this video! and as always, 

Thanks for watching!.. 

Copse Cove [Digital Matte Painting]

Copse Cove

[Digital Matte Painting]

In this Tutorial, we will be creating another Digital Matte Painting called "Copse Cove". Check out the Preview Here

We will be using another "coastal" movie clip and adding some elements in order to create a nice little matte painting.

This Tutorial is similar to other Matte Paintings that we have done before, but there are some differences that you may find useful. 

You can check out the Node Set-up Here.

Don't forget to post your Matte Paintings in our Facebook Group