Over the last few months, I’ve been checking out 3D again. I’ve been trained in programs like 3D Studio Max and Softimage XSI, but haven’t pursued them much on my own time due to the expense of the programs. Then, I found out about Blender, an Open Source 3D program that’s absolutely free.

Of course, I couldn’t go very long in a new program without trying to make Screenhog in it, so here he is:

I’m fairly impressed with Blender as a program, although it runs counter-intuitive to most 3D packages. The first few times I tried making anything in it were very frustrating, and it was only after finding this site that I really was able to start understanding how the program worked.

I recommend Blender for anyone who wants to try their hand at 3D, with the warning that it takes a lot of practice and fine-tuning to make anything worth showing other people.