Blender Intensive — Workshop 3: Physics, Advanced Materials, and Animation Basics - Open Registration
Blender Intensive — Workshop 3 Physics, Particles, Advanced Materials, and Animation Basics
This workshop introduces time-based systems in Blender. We will explore how objects behave, change, and interact over time using physics, particles, materials, and animation tools. The goal is to build comfort with motion, simulation, and visual complexity while keeping workflows structured and understandable.
Topics Covered
Physics Systems (Foundations) Rigid Body physics: active vs passive objects Collisions, gravity, mass, and scale Baking simulations and controlling playback Using physics as a design tool, not just realism
Particle Systems (Introduction) Emission vs hair particles (conceptual overview) Particle instancing and distribution Using particles for environmental detail and motion Understanding particles as rule-based systems
Advanced Materials Building multi-layer materials Mixing shaders and controlling material logic Using textures and masks to drive variation Introduction to procedural textures and node organization
Animation Basics Timeline, keyframes, and interpolation Object animation (location, rotation, scale) Using modifiers and physics alongside animation Introduction to the Graph Editor (conceptual)
Learning Outcomes By the end of this workshop, students will be able to: Set up and control basic physics simulations Use particle systems for visual complexity and structure Create more expressive and flexible materials Animate objects with intention and clarity Understand how motion, materials, and systems interact over time
What to Prepare Before Class Blender installed and updated Project files from Workshops 1 and 2 A basic understanding of modifiers, materials, and scene navigation Optional: reference images or inspiration for motion or environments
In-Class Exercise (Planned) Students will create a small animated scene that combines: At least one physics interaction A particle-based element An advanced material setup Simple animation for timing and presentation
Notes for Students This workshop introduces multiple systems at once. The focus is on understanding concepts and relationships, not mastery. Repetition and refinement will continue in later sessions.
This event is hosted at the Frontier Tower:
We are transforming a 16-floor tower in San Francisco into a self-governed vertical village—a hub for frontier technologies and creative arts. Tier-one labs presenting AI, Ethereum, biotech, neuroscience, longevity, robotics, human flourishing, and arts & music. These floors will house innovators and creators pushing the boundaries of human potential in a post-AI-singularity world.
Apply here for founding citizenship: https://frontiertower.io/apply
Why should I become a citizen?
Be part of creating the first self-governed vertical village
Connect with the most creative people in the city
Get access to all floors, free event space & movement floor
Website: https://frontiertower.io/
Need more reading? Visit https://frontiertower.notion.site/