3D Cat - Blender Character Modeling for Beginners | Real-Time Tutorial

Jump into the world of 3D character modeling with this beginner-friendly, real-time tutorial in Blender! Today, we're focusing on creating a cute 3D cat, perfect for those just starting their journey in 3D art and seasoned artists looking for a fun project.

Follow along as we guide you step by step through the process, from setting up your reference images in Blender to the final touches that bring our furry friend to life. This tutorial covers all the basics, including box modeling techniques, adding details to capture the cuteness of our cat character, and simple texturing methods to give it color and personality.

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Tag me in your artwork on Instagram and Twitter @SouthernShotty

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[AshleyTheSwift]

At first: "Here's a tutorial for people that think tutorials go too quickly"

Moments later: "Press E Left Alt Shift GZ to move V to separate and Left Alt Z to combine these vertices and go into layout to transfer these to the Y axis as you set the local to the outside frame. If you missed any of that, too late, I'm already moving onto the next step."

[shpleemcgert]

You are clearly very talented and experienced with Blender. This might cause you to overlook the things that a beginner might not understand.

Since this is a video targeted at beginners, I would like to mention to the frustrated individuals that cannot follow along with your key presses:
1. Space to search is not on by default in a new Blender 4.0 installation, go the Edit > Preferences > Keymap > Change "Spacebar Action" to Search
2. Tab does not bring radial mode menu by default. Under the 3D view options (also found in Edit > Preferences > Keymap) select the "Tab for Pie Menu" checkbox

[RealMisterDoge]

For those looking to copy his setup from the start, you can set up the multiple window view by right-clicking on the gap between your viewport and the outliner and selecting "Vertical Split", then doing the same between those 2 windows and selecting "Horizontal Split". This way you can have multiple views set up.

[TheRealFork]

2:52 shift+alt+left click to the line to select it, then v to separate them and L to select the right part (I’ve been 10 minutes replaying this to understand it, so fast XD)

[lkvideorang]

As a blender hobbyist for 5 years this tutorial isn't just for beginners! I saw so many tips that I can use, very efficient process well done!

[Tomy_Yon]

I'm watching this at -2x speed. And also with a lot of pauses. I NEED THAT FLUFFY CAT! *Relaxing sigh*

[OtterRogueArchive]

I really enjoyed going through your shark tutorial the other week. But it did go through things quite quick so having a slower tutorial is super helpful!

[Oni_Animations]

I've made many characters even professionally in blender and this video is still wonderful! Thank you for the video SouthernShotty.

[princessthyemis]

Thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial!

[brandonjacksoon]

This cat loos soo cute and brave! Thanks! You are the best!

[TheHobbit]

Great Turorial! I will definitely try this.
Thank you

[lucasalmeida]

Jeez!!! What an amazing video!!! THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge.

[nicholaskihara]

Great work, followed along with the modelling pretty well, only wished the texturing was its own dedicated vid, if not a longer section in this vid, because that highlights reel of the texturing and materials felt like "draw a circle then draw the rest of the owl"

[IgnizAnima]

This is a fast and great exorcize, not to mention an adorable character. Great practice.

[Tekkenandgaming]

Now that is amazing, thanks and keep up the great work man!

[ariandesign]

This tutorial is pure gold. Thanks a lot! Ciao from Italy and long life to Blender :) :)

[Harufloof]

I followed this tutorial. Was fun and most challenging was the texture paint and trying to get the materials imported. I also made some changes on the fly, giving it my own touch and modeling some extra things.

[Raging_Lemming]

This was a solid modelling introduction, I subbed like 2-3 mins in.

The unwrap was perfect for these purposes, quick, simple, done.

Then the last 3 minutes were straight to time-lapse speed, beginner lost...

You even reposed to model, it's not complex, but again, beginner lost...

It would have been better to demonstrate the block out for a few areas, showing how to hide and show areas to better paint or basic masking.
At least that way as a beginner the model could be coloured basically.

Then the window of materials just comes from nowhere, a link to your 'Blender 3D Materials Explained - Beginner to PRO' would probably help, but I think a quick and dirty video to setup and get up and running with your free pack would stop people bouncing off to end of this tutorial.
To do this tutorial the viewer only needs to apply existing materials, there is a LOT of (good) information in 'Blender 3D Materials Explained - Beginner to PRO' but for someone that wants to follow this tutorial it's tmi...

This is a great modelling tutorial! (with a 3 minute demo of texture painting and prefabbed materials at the end)

[smcfadden]

Nope i saw your short with this character about lighting then stumble across this awesome.

[scott]

Thank you! this tutorial really helped me.