How I render my work

The Problem

Once I started creating 3D art, I realized that if I ever wanted to showcase it, I would either have to print it or render it.

Looking at art in a 3D viewport is just not very attractive.

Wedgwood Inspired Vessel | Spring 2023

The Idea

While working on my independent study, I learned how to use the camera, light, and material systems in Blender.

I already knew lighting to use to photograph people, so I realized that I could probably make a photo stage in Blender using the same principles.

Casey’s Apartment | December 2022

The Solution

I ended up working in Blender to create a full product lighting studio, with a key light, fill light, and a bounce panel that I use most of the time. Sometimes a fill light is necessary in place of the bounce panel.

I can then import objects, create materials for them, and see real time when that lighting will look like once I get ready to render a higher quality image.

This may not be a full breakdown of the process, but it is important to know that the biggest thing making my renders look the way they do is my time spent working in photo and video.

3D viewport view of lighting setup (unrendered)

3D viewport view of lighting setup (rendered)

The view through the lens

A look at the shading menu for one of my objects