Visual effects pros from FlippedNormals discuss Blender's place in the industry, misconceptions about its capabilities, challenges of using it in professional studios, and the differences between Blender and Maya. They also touch on the importance of learning the right tools as a CG artist and the accessibility of different software options.
Blender's flexibility and collaborative nature appeal to the Blender community, while industry professionals prioritize specialized tools and established pipelines.
Studios may face challenges in fully adopting Blender due to the lack of specialized tools and integration with existing pipelines.
Blender's unique position as a versatile and open-source software makes it a powerful tool for independent artists and small studios to create high-quality 3D content.
Deep dives
The Blender Community and Industry Professionals
The podcast episode explores the relationship between the Blender community and industry professionals. The speaker points out that while there may be some tensions and misconceptions between the two groups, it's important to consider that both sides have different goals, needs, and perspectives. Industry professionals often prioritize the need for specialized tools and established pipelines, while the Blender community values the flexibility, accessibility, and collaborative nature of the software. While there may be some individuals with strong opinions and biases on either side, the overall goal is to create high-quality artwork and push the boundaries of computer graphics.
The Challenges of Using Blender in a Studio Pipeline
The podcast discusses the challenges that studios may face in fully adopting Blender as their primary software. While Blender has made significant progress and gained popularity, it still lacks certain specialized tools and integration with existing pipelines. The speakers highlight that studios often require highly efficient and specialized software for specific tasks, such as effects, lighting, or rendering, which may not be readily available in Blender. The cost of retraining artists and developing or adapting customized pipeline tools can also be significant, making it less feasible for larger studios to switch entirely to Blender.
Blender's Value and Place in the Industry
The podcast emphasizes that Blender offers a unique position in the industry as a general-purpose and open-source software. It is considered a powerful tool for modeling, concepting, and general asset creation, and it finds its place in various industries beyond just visual effects, including games, medical visualization, and architectural visualization. While Blender might not replace specialized tools like Houdini or proprietary software used in big VFX studios, it provides an accessible and versatile platform for independent artists, small studios, and enthusiasts to create high-quality 3D content.
The Importance of Artists and the Role of Tools
The discussion highlights that, ultimately, it is the skill and creativity of the artists that make the difference in producing exceptional artwork, rather than the specific software or tools used. While it's natural to seek validation and aspire to create at the highest level, the focus should be on pushing artistic boundaries and creating great content, regardless of the software. The speakers emphasize that the Blender community should continue to grow and thrive by supporting artists, fostering collaboration, and recognizing the wide variety of applications and industries where Blender can be used effectively.
The importance of industry experience and the influence of newer voices
In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss how the louder voices, often lacking industry experience, can be more hostile and cultish in their opinions. They acknowledge that they themselves were once inexperienced and prone to forming uninformed opinions. The speakers also highlight the practicality of learning specific tools like Maya for career opportunities in film and VFX. While Blender can produce similar quality work, being proficient in the industry-standard tools can give a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
The value of blending different software experiences
The speakers emphasize the importance of exploring and learning from different software in the 3D industry. They mention that specialized tools like ZBrush and Substance Painter have their own unique advantages and workflows. They caution against relying solely on Blender, especially if one's goal is to work in fields like film or VFX. While Blender can do many things, it may not have the same level of refinement and specialized features as other tools. They encourage aspiring 3D artists to embrace the broader world of software and gain experience with industry-standard tools to enhance their skill set.
Blender’s recent surge in popularity has not shown any signs of slowing. As artists pick it up for the first time and discover how powerful it is, they often wonder whether it's capable of being used to create their favorite movies, games, and shows.
In this episode, Kent Trammell and Jason van Gumster, two of our Blender experts here at CG Cookie, sit down with the visual effects pros Henning Sanden and Morton Jaeger of FlippedNormals to talk about Blender’s place in their industry.
