DESIGN STYLISED BLENDER WORLDS
ImagineFX|August 2024
Andrés Aponte teaches you how to integrate the free 3D app into your worldbuilding and visual development processes
Andrés Aponte
DESIGN STYLISED BLENDER WORLDS

Nowadays, 3D is becoming an essential part of the process for our pre-production, worldbuilding and concept art, including both realistic and stylised approaches. Free and friendly, I believe Blender is a perfect entry point for artists to get into 3D, especially those that have only dabbled in drawing and painting.

There are many ways Blender can be advantageous and speed up the concept process. There's no way to replace the fundamental expertise though, and adding 3D tools to your artistic skill set can only enhance your knowledge of composition, light and storytelling. And of course that's the fun part, since you'll be able to focus mostly on the story or design of your piece.

Blender can be overwhelming at first, but the process of developing new skills will not only make you a better artist, but also expand your possibilities! In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how I combined Blender and Photoshop to help in the worldbuilding of my personal fantasy project Teyuna, inspired by the rural landscapes of Colombia, and pre-Columbian culture.

1 Sketch out the idea

For this project, I already have a story and world that I've been developing for some time. It's inspired by rural and colonial architecture from Colombian towns and villages, but with a hint of fantasy elements to keep it unique. I prefer to explore shapes, proportions and architectural details by drawing digitally since I can create a large variety of different types of doors, windows or balconies, and then use that collection of assets to mix and match, and see what happens. It's also generally a quick and fun ideation process to work through.

2 Draw the town layout

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM IMAGINEFXView all
PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
ImagineFX

PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK

Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
ImagineFX

CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS

Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
First Impressions
ImagineFX

First Impressions

We discover the early influences that inspired the artist

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
ZBrush for iPad
ImagineFX

ZBrush for iPad

GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
BenQ GW2786TC
ImagineFX

BenQ GW2786TC

GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
ImagineFX

Huion Kamvas Pro 19

TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
DRAGON OFORCEC
ImagineFX

DRAGON OFORCEC

Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX

DUNGEON MASTERS

ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
Erik Ly
ImagineFX

Erik Ly

Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
ImagineFX

2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging

Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025