10: Make a Mesh

Learning Target

• Use Edit Mode to alter the appearance of a primitive mesh object
• Use extrude, inset, bevel and loop cut to add details to a mesh

Blender Reference

Common keystrokes for edit mode:

Common keystrokes for selection:

Instructions

Step 1 - Reference Image:

Find a reference image from the web of an object from one of these categories:

• • Building
  • Plant
  • Tool

Save the picture as "Mesh Edit Reference 01.jpg" or something like that. Be sure you don't change the original extension (jpg, png, gif, etc).

You will include this picture when you submit your assignment.

Step 2 - New Project: 

Start Blender and save your project file immediately. Give it a useful name such as "Mesh Edit 01".

Press CTRL+S to quickly save between major changes to your project.

By saving immediately, Blender will auto-save your project every 2 minutes so that you can recover it if your computer crashes. 

Step 3 - Add a Primitive:

Create a scene that meets the following criteria.

• • Begins with one primitive object from this list:
    • Cone
    • Cube
    • Cylinder
    • Icosphere
    • Plane
    • Torus
    • UV Sphere
  • Contains 2 or more lights of different types
  • Contains 1 or more cameras

Note: After you have met the requirements for the assignment, you can add additional objects to your scene.

Step 4 - Edit Mode: 

Use the TAB key to enter Edit Mode.

Use these four tools to add details to your building, plant or tool so that it is similar in form to the object in your reference image:

• • Extrude
  • Bevel
  • Inset
  • Loop Cut

You don't need an exact detailed copy. However, the influence of your reference image should be clear.

Step 5:

Save your Blender project using CTRL+S or the menu: File-->Save

Always save before going to the next step. Though it doesn't happen often, the next step can potentially cause Blender or your system to crash.

Step 6:

When you are happy with the result, follow these steps:

1. 1. Press NUM0 to enter Camera view (unless you're already there)
   2. Press F12 to render the scene to an image
   3. Save the image by pressing ALT+S to save the render
      You can also use the menu: Image-->Save  

Step 7:

Compare your work with the grading criteria below before submitting.

Extension: (Extra Credit)

You can earn a small amount of extra credit by adding different materials to various parts of your mesh. Also, add additional objects to support a theme or purpose to your scene.
The amount of extra credit will depend on how well it contributes to the similarity with your reference image.

Grading