15 Best Blender Courses, Training Programs & Classes Online To Take In 2023

Best Blender Courses, Training Programs & Classes

1. Creating 3D environments in Blender

This comprehensive course offers an in-depth exploration of Blender 3.2, covering the essentials of creating stunning 3D environments from scratch. If you are a beginner or an experienced user looking to update your skills, this course will walk you through the fundamentals, building upon each concept to help you master the tools and techniques needed to create breathtaking 3D landscapes. With its latest update focused on Blender 3.2 capabilities, you can be confident that the content is up-to-date and relevant for today's digital artists.

Throughout the extensive video-based course, you will gradually develop vital skills and practical knowledge needed to bring your 3D creations to life. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, you will explore essential topics like Blender basics, creating grass and trees with Geometry Nodes, designing landscapes, blending materials, crafting rivers, and more. To support your continued growth as a 3D artist, you will have access to exclusive content, including photo-scanned assets, photo references, documentation, and Blender scene files. Let this power-packed course be your trusted guide to mastering the fascinating world of creating 3D environments in Blender.

2. Introduction to Blender For Beginners

This beginner-friendly course serves as a comprehensive guide to the world of 3D, focusing on the use of Blender, a free and open-source 3D software. The program has a wide range of capabilities, including 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and game development. With continuous updates and new features, Blender has become popular among 3D artists and enthusiasts looking to create high-quality projects without spending a fortune on expensive software.

Throughout the course, you will learn the basics of various aspects of Blender, such as 3D modeling, lighting, animation, sculpting, rendering, and physics. The course features numerous exercises to help you get hands-on experience and build confidence in using the software. By the end of the course, you will have a solid foundation in Blender and its core features, enabling you to start working on your own 3D projects with ease and confidence. No matter if your dream is to create an animated film, develop a game, or land a Blender-related job, this course will provide the knowledge andskills you need to succeed.

3. Blender: Tips, Tricks and Techniques

This comprehensive course demystifies the powerful open-source software, Blender, which is widely used for creating impressive 3D graphics. With a focus on sharing insider tips, tricks, and techniques to enable a smarter and efficient approach, the course encompasses an array of features and add-ons essential for 3D creation. Learn from expert instructor David Andrade as he delves into numerous topics, covering useful Blender simulations, the latest updates such as the Principled BSDF shader, and a range of animation techniques that help enhance your overall media production workflow.

Designed as an ongoing weekly series, this course is perfect for individuals looking to gain a more profound understanding of Blender and its myriad capabilities. Each Wednesday, participants can look forward to learning a new Blender trick, ensuring their skills remain up-to-date and relevant. However, please note that due to the ongoing nature of the series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion upon conclusion.

4. Modeling a Motorcycle in Blender

This comprehensive course is designed to teach you hard-surface modeling techniques, focusing on replicating man-made machined parts in Blender. You will be guided on how to create a complex object with proper scale and proportions, specifically a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle. Throughout the course, you will learn the processes and techniques applicable in modeling any other vehicle or machined component in Blender, making it a valuable asset for aspiring 3D artists and professionals looking to expand their knowledge and skills.

Under the expert guidance of author Darrin Lile, the course begins with creating the motorcycle frame using curves, followed by a step-by-step, piece-by-piece construction of the exhaust pipes, fenders, handlebars, engine components, and brakes, utilizing the Path tool and modifiers such as Solidify and Booleans. Finally, you will delve into Blender's Cycles render engine to create realistic materials and lighting for the scene while UV mapping textures to essential parts of the bike. By the end of the course, you will have a profound understanding of Blender's modeling tools and production processes, enabling you to create your vehicles and other hard-surface projects with confidence and precision.

5. Basic 3D Animation using Blender

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of 3D animation, utilizing the free and open-source software, Blender. As animation training can be quite expensive due to the cost of proprietary software, this course provides an accessible and affordable alternative. Over a period of four weeks, students will learn the fundamentals of key-framing, timing, and animation principles, while gaining hands-on experience through various activities and assignments.

By focusing on the animation of non-organic objects, this course caters to the educational domain's needs for informative motion graphics. The course is geared towards both beginners and those with prior knowledge of 3D animation, offering a series of slow-paced video tutorials, quizzes, and activities that ensure learners grasp the basic concepts and develop essential software skills. As a part of a Professional Certificate program called 'Fundamentals of 3D Visualization,' this course, along with another course on Basic 3D Modeling using Blender, serves as a prerequisite for certificate programs in architectural visualization and game creation.

6. The Blender 2.8 Encyclopedia

This comprehensive training course offers a complete beginner-to-advanced guide for Blender 2.8 and 2.9, a powerful and open-source 3D production suite. The goal of this course is to provide an expanded version of the Blender Manual that students can follow and reference at any point in their 3D journey. This is achieved by going beyond just the tools and techniques, but also explaining the rationale behind them. Throughout the course, students will participate in example demos and step-by-step projects to put their knowledge into practice and fully understand the practical applications of the tools they are learning.

Students who enroll in the course will receive access to all Blender files used in the lectures, which include models, textures, and other resources. These files come with starting files so you can join in and can also be used in your own projects. The course covers a wide range of topics, such as Blender's interface, navigation and editing tools, mesh modeling, drivers, constraints, modifiers, skeleton armatures and rigging, animation tools, shaders and materials, UV mapping, cameras, and rendering with both Cycles and Eevee. By providing unlimited support through the Q&A section of each lecture, this course aims to help students master Blender and create stunning 3D projects on their own.

7. Blender Environment Artist: Create 3D Worlds

This comprehensive course offers the opportunity for beginners and experienced artists alike to create stunning 3D environments using Blender 3.1. Participants will gain hands-on experience creating realistic environment objects, lighting, and composition that can be used for animations, video games, and portfolio pieces. With a project-based approach, students will apply their newfound skills to real 3D models and create game-ready, modular assets that can be implemented into engines like Unity or Unreal.

Throughout the course, students will learn how to model a range of environment assets and progressively build up to the complex front cover image. In addition to covering important topics such as modeling, sculpting, texturing, lighting, and rendering, the course provides challenges and solutions at each step to ensure learners are actively engaged in the creation process. With full lifetime access for a single one-off fee, participants can progress at their own pace and continue to develop their skills as a 3D environment artist long after completing the course.

8. Blender Basics

This comprehensive course offers easy-to-follow tutorials on mastering the basics of the powerful and versatile software Blender. The curriculum covers essential aspects such as modeling, animation, rigging, lighting, and camera techniques, providing you with the foundation needed to create unique and captivating animations as a beginner.

“Blender Basics” is an ideal online class for anyone interested in learning 3D or 2D animation, with additional lessons on creating particles and rendering animations. Regardless of whether you're embarking on a career in 3D animation, looking to create a promotional video for your business, or wanting to enhance your YouTube channel, this course can help you realize your creative ambitions and bring them to life.

9. Blender 3 Essential Training

This comprehensive course offers a deep dive into the powerful features of Blender 3, a popular open-source tool used for 2D and 3D modeling, animation, compositing, and post-production. Led by experienced instructor David Andrade, the course covers a wide range of topics such as scene layout, modeling, sculpting, texturing, shading, 2D and 3D animation, character rigging, visual effects, simulations, rendering, and game engine exporting. Additionally, the course provides helpful tips to boost your rendering performance and make your creations come to life faster.

Aimed at helping learners gain the control and skills needed to produce professional artwork for various platforms, such as games, movies, and animation, this essential training empowers them to unlock Blender 3's potential. With a focus on practical production techniques that combine expertise with step-by-step guidance, this course ensures that participants have a solid understanding of Blender's wide-ranging feature set and are well-equipped to tackle projects in the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation.

10. Basic 3D Modeling using Blender

In the world of animation, developing expertise in 3D modeling can open doors to countless opportunities across various industries such as gaming, film, and advertising. However, one of the barriers to entry is the expensive software associated with learning these skills. This course addresses that concern by using Blender, a powerful and widely-used open-source 3D animation tool, to teach the basics of 3D modeling in the most cost-effective manner possible.

Designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking a career in 3D animation, this four-week course delves into the essential aspects of 3D modeling, such as texturing and lighting, through carefully-structured video tutorials, quizzes, activities, and hands-on assignments. Participants will gain practical experience in crafting models of straightforward objects, ultimately equipping them with the foundational knowledge needed for more advanced applications. Notably, character modeling is not covered in this course, making it ideal for those specifically interested in non-organic 3D objects. Upon completion, this course also provides a solid stepping stone towards taking an advanced course in 3D animation using Blender.

11. Game assets in Blender - 3D Assets Modeling in Blender

This comprehensive course focuses on teaching participants how to create game assets using Blender, a powerful and widely-used 3D modeling software. Designed with beginners in mind, no prior experience in 3D modeling is required, making this an ideal starting point for those looking to learn the ins and outs of 3D asset creation. The course covers all the necessary tools, techniques, and best practices to ensure a smooth and rewarding learning experience for all.

Throughout the course, participants will work on an engaging project, learning step-by-step how to build a 3D game asset from scratch. Beginning with Blender's modeling tools, students will progressively acquire more advanced skills, such as using Photoshop for texturing and exporting assets to Unity. The course emphasizes a practical approach, enabling learners to directly apply the tools and techniques in their own projects. By the conclusion of this course, participants will have a solid foundation in 3D asset modeling using Blender and a mastered workflow that can be applied to their own creations.

12. Creating a Scene in Blender 3D.

This informative and engaging course will guide you through the process of creating a stunning 3D scene using pre-built models and effects from the popular open-source 3D modeling application, Blender. Designed for students who are interested in diving straight into a project without having to first grasp the intricacies of Blender's interface, this course offers simple and effective techniques that will help you master the creation of captivating scenes.

In approximately 2 hours of video tutorial content, you will learn how to source public domain or Creative Commons 3D models, understand when it is acceptable to use these models in your work, create basic models of the moon and clouds, use quick effects to turn an object into smoke and flames, apply basic lighting, produce a single composition with simple animation and render both still images and animations. Whether you are taking this course as a standalone learning experience or as a complementary resource to the 'Noobie's Guide to Modelling in Blender 3D', you can expect an enriching, hands-on experience that will inspire you to continue mastering the art of 3D scene creation.

13. Blender: Vehicle Modeling

This engaging course focuses on the essential skills needed to model a sophisticated and timeless vehicle, the Aston Martin DB5, using the free 3D modeling application Blender. The instructor, George Maestri, leads students through the entire modeling process, starting by addressing the prerequisites, such as sourcing and importing reference imagery. The course covers essential modeling techniques, including modeling the front end and fenders, crafting the basic structure through the sculpting of the rear and roof, and the creation of intricate tire details, such as wheel modeling, tread pattern development, and spoked rim design.

In addition to the core vehicle modeling techniques, this course also delves into the smaller details that bring the classic DB5 to life. Students will learn how to add vital features like the grille, headlights, windshield, and bumpers, while ensuring the model remains smooth and visually appealing. The course also covers crucial lighting setup concepts that enable students to properly showcase their hard work. Lastly, George Maestri shares his expertise on generating a polished final render, ensuring that those who complete this course are equipped with the well-rounded skills necessary to create their own stunning vehicle models in Blender.

14. Mastering 3D Modeling With Blender For Beginners

This comprehensive course on 3D modeling is designed to take you from a complete beginner to a pro, covering all the essential skills and techniques required for mastering the art of creating amazing 3D models using Blender. The course is tailored for individuals who are either new to 3D modeling or have minimal experience with Blender 2.8, providing a strong foundation that will be useful for life. By the end of the course, you will be comfortable working with Blender 2.8 (and beyond) and will be able to work on your own 3D modeling projects to visualize whatever you have in your head on the screen.

Enrolling in this course grants you access to over 85+ videos, tutorials, and guides, as well as a number of 3D models and instructor support via email. Learn at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, without breaking the bank compared to attending a 3D school. Furthermore, you will receive lifetime access to any future updates, without needing to pay anything extra. Whether you're looking to make an animated short film, build your first game, develop a portfolio for 3D school, start a career in 3D modeling, or even begin your own business by making and selling 3D models, this course aims to provide the essential knowledge and skills to set you on the path towards achieving your goals.

15. The 2023 Blender Primer: 3D Modeling, Animation & Rendering

Embark on a journey to master Blender 3D with this comprehensive and in-depth course that covers 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. Designed for absolute beginners, this course offers extensive knowledge and allows you to learn at your own pace. By working with Blender 2.8x, 2.9x, and even 3.0x, among other versions, you'll be equipped with the necessary skills to create stunning 3D designs, regardless of your experience level.

In addition to learning how to use the tools in Blender, this course also delves into the underlying concepts and principles of 3D design. Taught by a Blender certified professional who has taught 3D design all over Latin America, you'll gain a robust understanding of computer graphics as well as how Blender works behind the scenes. With this well-rounded approach, you'll become proficient in 3D modeling, animation, rendering, lighting, textures, UV mapping, and materials, unlocking endless possibilities for your creative projects.

Compare Blender Online Courses

How to choose best Blender online course

Choosing the best Blender course can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available. To make the right decision, it's important to consider your learning objectives and preferences. In this guide, we will provide tips on how to narrow down your options and choose a course that best fits your needs.

Firstly, determine your learning goals by listing the main intents you have for using Blender, such as creating 3D environments or acquiring essential training. This will help you select a course that is tailored to your requirements. Next, consider your current skill level and look for courses that cater to beginners, intermediate or advanced users. Ensure the course covers the topics you want to learn and offers practical examples to get hands-on experience.

• Check for reviews and testimonials from previous students to gauge the effectiveness and quality of the course material and instruction.
• Compare the course duration and workload to ensure it's manageable, given your schedule and availability.
• Consider your preferred learning format, whether it's self-paced online material or live sessions with an instructor.
• Look for courses featuring additional resources such as templates, assets, and support communities that can facilitate your learning journey.
• Lastly, evaluate the cost and ensure the course provides value for money while taking into consideration any discounts or promotions.

By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision on which Blender course to enroll in, and ultimately progress in your 3D modeling and animation skills with the right guidance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the list of courses provided above caters to various interests and skill levels within the Blender community. Whether you're just starting your journey as a digital artist or looking to upgrade your existing expertise, these courses serve as invaluable resources to help you achieve your goals. From learning how to create immersive 3D environments to building realistic models and mastering animation techniques, our handpicked selection of Blender courses truly offers something for everyone.

Investing in your skillset is essential in today's rapidly evolving digital world, so don't hesitate to explore these courses and discover the one that best fits your needs. As you embark on this exciting learning journey, remember that persistence and a strong commitment to growth are crucial for success. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity to expand your knowledge, and soon, you'll be creating stunning 3D art with Blender like a true professional. Happy blending!