Coming from a technical background I’ve mostly used parametric 3D modelling software such as Solidworks, Inventor, SolidEdge and Fusion 360. These software packages are great for producing technical drawings based on the 3D models you create from given or acquired parameters. In simpler terms, parametric models start from a two-dimensional sketch and are then extruded to become three dimensional. 

Blender is a 3D modelling program that uses meshes that enable a more free form style of modelling. This let’s the user create natural objects such as people, animals and natural landscapes that can look very nice and this style of modelling is used by Disney and others to create movies such as Toy Story, Cars and Finding Nemo.

To round out my 3D modelling skills, I’ve been trying my hand at Blender to create some more visually interesting and artistic renders. Let me tell you, the learning curve is pretty steep when you first start out in Blender especially if your mind is used to parametric modelling. Like everything though, it can be learned and the best way to learn Blender is to do. Also, there’s the Blender Guru who has a great tutorial series that shows you how to model a donut. “A donut?”, I imagine you’re asking. Yes, this series is regarded as the best for Blender noobs and I have to agree that it covers the basic features of the software in enough detail to allow you to create a video that you can be proud of. Check out mine!