Creating a Product Render in Blender 3D - Sony Mp3 Players

Summary

In this tutorial, the creator demonstrates the process of crafting a 3D model of a Sony MP3 player using Blender. Starting with a default scene, they modify a cube, add loop cuts and modifiers for shaping, then refine details like the screen and buttons. Textures are applied, including a recreated screen graphic in Inkscape for realism. The scene setup includes lighting and reflections to enhance the product's presentation, followed by post-processing in the compositor for a polished final render.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ The video demonstrates the process of creating a 3D model of a Sony MP3 player using Blender.
• 🗜️ The creator starts by setting up a default Blender scene and scaling a cube to the size of the MP3 player.
• 🖼️ An image of the MP3 player's top view is used as a reference for modeling.
• ✂️ Loop cuts and a mirror modifier are applied to shape the basic form of the MP3 player.
• 🔨 Subdivision and bevel modifiers are used to create a smooth surface with sharp edges.
• 🛠️ Manual bevels are performed for larger curves where the bevel modifier isn't effective.
• 🔍 Fine-tuning and adding features like the side indent are done by manipulating edges and extruding faces.
• 📱 The screen cutout is created by deleting faces and extruding edges to form the screen shape.
• 🎛️ Buttons are modeled by selecting and extruding faces, then adding geometry to create button shapes.
• 🎨 Textures are applied, including a blue finish for the front and chrome for edges and buttons.
• 🖌️ Screen graphics are recreated in Inkscape and layered onto a pre-made LCD screen texture in Blender.
• 🔧 The Sony logo is imported as an SVG and converted into a mesh, then added to the model.
• 🎚️ Additional details like the volume button and headphone jack are modeled and textured.
• 🌆 The scene setup includes rotating the model, adding a camera, floor plane, and lighting to enhance reflections.
• 💡 Lighting is adjusted iteratively to achieve the desired look, with spotlights creating a glow behind the MP3 player.
• 🖼️ Post-processing in the Blender compositor includes color balance, glare, lens distortion, and sharpening for a polished render.

Q & A

What was the first step taken in creating the 3D model of the Sony MP3 player?

The first step was to delete everything in the default Blender scene.

How was the basic size of the MP3 player model determined?

A default Cube was added and scaled to the appropriate size to match the approximate size of the MP3 player.

What image was used to help shape the MP3 player model?

An image showing a top-down view of the MP3 player was loaded to assist in shaping the model.

What modifiers were used to create the basic shape of the MP3 player?

Loop cuts and a mirror modifier were used to create the basic shape.

Why were manual bevels used for the corners of the MP3 player model?

Manual bevels were used for the corners because the bevel modifier was not working as well for the larger curves.

How was the indent on the side of the MP3 player created?

The indent was created by selecting a loop of edges along the outside of the surface, adding a bevel to create a loop of faces, and then extruding and beveling them to sharpen the edges.

What process was followed to create the screen cutout on the MP3 player model?

The screen cutout was created by deleting the faces that made up the screen shape, extruding the middle loop of edges downwards, and adding bevels to sharpen the edges.

How were the buttons on the MP3 player model created?

The buttons were created by selecting faces, subdividing, deleting the faces to create holes, and then extruding and scaling the inner vertices to form the button shapes.

What textures were added to the MP3 player model?

A blue texture was added to the front, a chrome finish was applied around the lower edge and some buttons, and a darker texture was used for the back side.

How was the screen texture recreated for the MP3 player model?

An actual picture of the screen was used to retrace the shapes in Inkscape, making them larger to fit on the screen in Blender.

What post-processing steps were taken in the Blender compositor?

A color balance node was added for contrast, a glare node was used for a subtle glow, lens distortion was applied, and a filter node was used for sharpening the edges.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 3D Modeling of Sony MP3 Player

The video tutorial begins with the creation of a 3D model of a Sony MP3 player using Blender. The process starts by setting up a default scene and scaling a cube to the approximate size of the player. A top-down image of the MP3 player is loaded to guide the modeling. Loop cuts and a mirror modifier are used to form the basic shape, followed by the addition of subdivision and bevel modifiers to achieve a smooth surface with sharp edges. Manual bevels are performed for larger curves. The model is then refined by adding features like an indent on the side and a screen cutout. Buttons are created by selecting and extruding faces, and the volume button and headphone jack are modeled. The model is detailed with additional features before textures are applied. A blue texture is added to the front, chrome finishes are applied to edges and buttons, and a darker texture is used for the back. The screen texture is recreated in Inkscape and layered in Blender for realism. An SVG file of the Sony logo is imported and added to the model. The Walkman logo is also added using Blender's knife tool. The 3D modeling is concluded with the creation of additional graphics for the MP3 player in Inkscape.

05:01

🎨 Scene Setup and Rendering

After completing the 3D model, the video proceeds to the scene setup for rendering. The MP3 player model is rotated to an 80° angle, and a camera is positioned for a 3/4 angle view. A floor plane is added to create reflections, and a lighting system with two narrow lights and a backlight is set up. The lighting and floor plane are iteratively adjusted for the desired effect. A glow is created behind the MP3 player by duplicating the model, moving it out of focus, and adjusting its hue. Additional duplicates are created for different visual effects, with one being desaturated to a darker gray. The scene is rendered, and post-processing is done in the Blender compositor. A color balance node is used for contrast, a glare node is added for subtle glow, lens distortion is applied, and a filter node is used for sharpening the edges. A final high-resolution render completes the graphic, and the video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like and subscribe for more 3D design content.

Keywords

💡3D model

A 3D model refers to a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object in a computer environment. In the context of the video, the creator is demonstrating the process of creating a 3D model of a Sony MP3 player, which involves shaping and detailing a digital object to resemble the physical device. The video showcases the use of 3D modeling software to create a virtual representation of the MP3 player, which is a central theme of the tutorial.

💡Blender

Blender is an open-source 3D creation suite that supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation. The video script mentions opening a 'default blender scene' and using various features of Blender to create the 3D model, indicating that Blender is the primary tool used in the demonstration.

💡Loop cuts

Loop cuts are a feature in 3D modeling software that allows the user to create new edges or vertices along a loop of existing edges. In the video, the creator uses loop cuts to help shape the basic form of the MP3 player, which is a crucial step in defining the overall structure of the model.

💡Modifiers

In 3D modeling, modifiers are additional tools that alter or enhance the geometry of a 3D model without permanently changing the original mesh. The script mentions the use of a 'subdivision surface modifier' and a 'bevel modifier' to create a smooth surface and sharp edges on the model. These modifiers are essential in achieving the desired look and details of the MP3 player model.

💡Bevel

A bevel in 3D modeling is a technique used to create a smooth, rounded edge or corner on a model. The video describes the process of adding bevels to the edges of the MP3 player model to give it a more realistic and finished appearance, which is a common practice in 3D modeling to enhance visual appeal.

💡Screen cut out

A screen cut out in 3D modeling refers to the process of creating an opening or depression in a model to represent a screen or window. The video script describes creating a 'screen cut out' by deleting faces to form the shape of the screen on the MP3 player model, which is an important step in making the model look more like the actual device.

💡Texturing

Texturing in 3D modeling is the process of adding color, detail, and surface information to a 3D model. The video mentions adding textures such as a blue texture to the front of the MP3 player and a chrome finish to certain parts. Texturing is crucial for giving the model a realistic appearance and is a key aspect of the rendering process.

💡Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor used to create or edit vector images, such as SVG files. The video script references using Inkscape to recreate the screen graphics of the MP3 player, indicating that Inkscape is utilized for creating or editing 2D elements that will be applied to the 3D model.

💡Rendering

Rendering in 3D modeling is the process of generating a 2D image or animation from a 3D model by means of computer programs. The video discusses setting up a scene for rendering, which includes adjusting the model, lighting, and camera angles to produce a final image of the MP3 player. Rendering is the final step that brings the 3D model to life in a visual format.

💡Compositing

Compositing is the process of combining multiple images or video clips into a single image or sequence. In the video, the creator mentions using the blender compositor to add effects and adjust the final render, such as color balance, glare, and sharpening. Compositing is an essential part of post-production in 3D rendering, enhancing the visual quality of the final output.

💡Scene setup

Scene setup in 3D modeling refers to arranging and positioning all the elements in a 3D scene, including the model, camera, lighting, and background. The video describes the process of rotating the MP3 player, adding a camera, floor plane, and lighting system, which are all part of creating a compelling and realistic 3D scene for rendering.

Highlights

Started by creating a 3D model of the Sony MP3 player in Blender.

Deleted the default scene and added a scaled Cube as the base.

Used an image of the MP3 player for reference to create the basic shape.

Applied loop cuts and a mirror modifier to form the MP3 player's outline.

Added a subdivision surface modifier for a smoother surface.

Used a bevel modifier to create sharp edges on the corners.

Performed manual bevels for larger curves where the bevel modifier was ineffective.

Fine-tuned the object by adding features like the side indent.

Created the screen cutout by deleting and extruding faces.

Added bevels to edges to sharpen the screen's shape.

Created buttons using a similar process of selection, subdivision, and extrusion.

Added a mesh for the buttons by duplicating and scaling vertices.

Created the volume button and headphone jack area with detailed geometry.

Added textures including a blue finish for the front and chrome for edges.

Recreated the screen texture in Inkscape for a realistic pixel look.

Imported an SVG file of the Sony logo and added it to the model.

Created the Walkman logo by extruding and refining the shape in Blender.

Designed additional graphics in Inkscape for the MP3 player's interface.

Set up the scene with a rotated product, camera angle, and floor plane for reflections.

Configured a lighting system with narrow lights for a focused effect.

Iteratively adjusted lighting, textures, and floor plane for the best look.

Added a glow effect behind the MP3 player by duplicating and adjusting the model.

Rendered the image and applied post-processing in the Blender compositor.

Used color balance, glare, lens distortion, and sharpening nodes for final touches.

Completed the graphic with a high-resolution render.

Encouraged viewers to like and subscribe for more 3D design content.

Transcripts

hello everyone and welcome back to

another video in this video I will show

how I created a 3D model of the Sony MP3

player and then set up a scene for

rendering the first thing I did after

opening a default blender scene was to

delete everything next I added in a

default Cube and scaled it to the

appropriate size once the cube was at

the approximate size of the MP3 player I

loaded in an image showing a top down

view of the MP3 player next I added Loop

cuts and a mirror modifier to create the

basic shape of the MP3 player after that

I added a subdivision surface modifier

as well as a bevel modifier

these two modifiers in conjunction with

each other create a nice smooth surface

with sharp edges for the four corners I

actually did Manual bevels as the bevel

modifier was not working as well for

those since they are larger curves after

the basic shape was created I started

fine-tuning the object a little bit more

and adding some more of the features

such as the indent on the side I created

this indent by selecting a loop of edges

that ran all the way along the outside

of the surface and then adding a bevel

so as to create a loop of faces in the

same shape as the edges next I extruded

this Loop of Faces in order and added

bevels to the edges to sharpen it then I

started creating the screen cut out I

created the screen in End by deleting

the faces which made up the shape of the

screen then I selected the loop of edges

in the middle and extruded these

downwards after that I added a flat face

and added bevels to the edges which

needed to be sharp next I created the

buttons on the MP3 player I created

these all with the same basic process

first I would select a group of faces

that Encompass the areas where the

button should be with these faces

selected I would subdivide once or twice

and then delete the faces after the

faces are deleted I selected the inner

edge of vertices and extruded this

downward once the holes for the buttons

were created I moved on to adding the

mesh that made up the actual buttons I

did this by duplicating the Ring of

vertices from each of the button cutouts

and then scaling this Loop down a bit

next I extrude this Loop of vertices

upward and add additional geometry to

create the shape of the

button moving on to the side of the MP3

player I created the volume button after

the volume button I created the

headphone jack area then I just added

more details throughout the whole object

both on the side and on the

back with the model created I moved on

to adding textures I added a nice blue

texture to the front following the lip I

was going for sort of an early 2000s

product lip I then added a chrome finish

around the the lower Edge and around

some of the buttons and added a darker

texture for the backs side of the MP3

player after the basic textures were

created I moved on to the screen texture

which I had to recreate in inkscape I

used an actual picture of the screen

from the Real MP3 player and retrace the

shapes on that screen so that I could

make them larger and then put them back

onto the screen in blender this took a

little while but once it was done it was

good quality so it was worth the

time once the graphics were created in

inkscape I exported them as PNG images

and layered them in blender on an LCD

screen texture which I have created in

the past this texture setup makes it

look like there are actual pixels on the

screen and it looks more

realistic the next thing I did was I

found an SVG file of the Sony logo and

then imported it into blender I

converted it into a mesh and added it to

the top where the Sony logo was on the

original product once I added the Sony

logo I noticed that the Walkman logo was

missing on the bottom right hand side so

I used the knife tool in blender and

just cut that basic shape into the

surface of the object and then I

extruded it down the subdivision surface

made it look nice after adding some

supporting cuts to the

edges as you can see I just cleaned up

the extruded shape by cutting extra

supporting lines away from the logo and

to the nearest Edge this last feature

completed the 3D modeling portion of the

project after this I went back into

inkscape and created the rest of the

graphics for the MP3 player these

Graphics included the arrows on the

navigation button the pause and playay

symbols the power off text the option

button

Tech the back button text after

exporting this image with the final

Graphics from inkscape I went back into

blender and layered it over the blue

texture on the MP3

body once the MP3 player was fully

modeled and textures were added I moved

on to the scene setup I rotated the

product about 80° and then added a

camera which I rotated down and around

to a nice 3/4 angle view after this I

added a floor plane to create some

Reflections and then I added a lighting

system with two very narrow lights on

the sides as well as a light pointing at

a plane behind the object to make a

little bit of a light area right behind

the

object lighting Products is a very

iterative process so I just adjust and

readjust until I like how it

looks as you can see I just adjust

things like the floor plane texture and

position and the intensity of the lights

I also added a plane and moved it far

back this is the plane where I pointed a

spotlight at to create a glow behind the

MP3 player

so once I was happy with the dark

background with the light glow coming in

from behind I duplicated the MP3 player

and then moved it back a little bit out

of focus next I rotated it and then

adjusted the Hue of the main color to a

light pink then I duplicated the MP3

player once again and moved it to the

right hand side rotated it a little bit

to a nice position and then desaturated

and decreased the value of this color so

that it became a darker gray or sort of

black texture once the scene was set up

I rendered an image and did some

compositing in the blender compositor I

just used my usual post-processing setup

first I added a color balance node which

gives you control over the lights and

Darks of the seam I like to Crunch these

a little for more contrast next I use a

glare node which I set to fog glow I

decrease this one to almost the minimum

value possible so that the image does

not look too glowy then I added a lens

Distortion effect and finally I added a

node called filter which I switched over

to Diamond sharpen and decrease the

value this node gives a little bit of

crispness to the edges of things which

makes for a nice defined look I did one

final high resolution render and then

the graphic was finished that is how I

created this image thank you for

watching if you enjoyed this video

please consider giving it a like And

subscribe to my channel for more 3D

design videos