Introduction to Blender
for Real-time Applications
May 2 to 16, 2025
Fridays, 1-4 PM, Berlin Time
3 lessons at 3 hours in English Language live via Zoom, or as recording
This course is designed to provide a structured and comprehensive introduction to Blender, one of the most powerful and versatile 3D modeling software available today. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your foundational skills, this course will guide you through essential tools and workflows used in professional 3D design and animation.
Throughout the program, you will explore key concepts in 3D modeling, from basic mesh editing to more advanced techniques such as procedural geometry, which allows for the creation of complex shapes through dynamic, rule-based modelling. Additionally, you will gain a solid understanding of UV texture mapping, a crucial step in preparing models for texturing, ensuring that 2D images wrap accurately around 3D objects.
The course will also cover baking techniques, where high-resolution details such as lighting, shadows, and normal maps are transferred onto lower-poly models to optimize performance without sacrificing visual quality.
By the end of this course, you will have a strong grasp of Blender’s core features and workflows, equipping you with the skills to create and texture 3D models efficiently. No prior experience with Blender is required—just a passion for creativity and a willingness to explore the world of 3D design.
What You’ll Learn
Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Blender
- Understanding the Blender interface and its core functionalities
- Basic mesh modelling techniques and an introduction to UV mapping
- How to find resources and seek help within the Blender community
Lesson 2: Geometry Nodes Essentials
- Introduction to Blender’s procedural system using Geometry Nodes
- Creating instances, performing mesh extrusion, and applying mesh deformations
- Practical applications of procedural modeling
Lesson 3: Shader Nodes and Texturing
- Understanding Blender’s shader nodes and basic material creation
- Basic texturing techniques
- Baking textures for use in game engines or real-time applications like TouchDesigner, vvvv or Cables.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a foundation in 3D modelling, procedural geometry, shading, and baking, allowing you to integrate Blender into your creative project pipelines.
Requirements
This module is made for participants, who have no prior knowledge of Blender.
- A recent PC or MAC Computer (discreet GPU recommended) with stable internet connection
- Zoom Client installed (please test your audio setup beforehand)
- Blender v4.4 installed
- 3-Button Mouse recommended
- A Chromium-based Browser like Chrome or Brave
- No prior knowledge of Blender is required
About the Instructor
Mert Akbal is a digital media artist and academic working at the intersection of generative art, artificial intelligence, and cognitive science. Through experimentation and speculative fiction, he explores questions about the evolving relationship between technology, perception, and consciousness. Drawing inspiration from cognitive science—particularly dreaming and altered states of consciousness—he creates animated paintings for stage productions and virtual spaces.
His work has been showcased on numerous international platforms, including the International Symposium on Electronic Arts (Hong Kong, 2016; Durban, 2018), ZKM Center for Art and Media (Karlsruhe, 2018), Mirage Digital Art Festival (Lyon, 2018), Musée-École de la Perrine (Laval, 2021), re (Berlin, 2021), LASER Garden at Ars Electronica (Linz, 2021), Deutsche Oper (Berlin, 2023), Rotterdam Opera Festival (2024), Historical Museum Saar (Saarbrücken, 2023), and the German Newspaper Museum (Wadgassen, 2024).
These prices include German VAT (19% ).
Depending on your country of residence you may have to pay a different or no VAT.
You will see your individual price on check out.
