A Decade of Evolution in 3D Design

The Gundam 3D Modeling Process: A Step-by-Step Journey Using Blender

Step 1: Concept and Reference Gathering

The journey started with choosing which Gundam to model. After much consideration, I settled on the classic RX-78-2 Gundam, the iconic mobile suit from the Mobile Suit Gundam series. Gathering reference images from various angles was essential at this stage. What amazed me was the sheer abundance of high-quality references available today—thanks to the internet, 3D scans, and digital archives, I had access to a wealth of resources that helped me get the Gundam’s proportions just right.

In the past, finding such detailed references could be a daunting task, but the evolution of digital tools and online resources has significantly simplified this process.

Step 2: Choosing Blender for 3D Modeling

Choosing the right 3D modeling software was crucial. For this project, I chose Blender, an open-source 3D modeling suite that has transformed significantly over the past decade. Just ten years ago, Blender was known for its steep learning curve, but today, thanks to major updates like Blender 2.8 and the release of Eevee (Blender’s real-time render engine), it has become a go-to tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Blender’s intuitive user interface, advanced sculpting tools, and powerful rendering engines made it the perfect choice for creating detailed 3D models of a complex design like the Gundam.

Step 3: Blocking Out the Basic Shape

The next step was to begin blocking out the basic shapes of the Gundam. This process involves using primitive shapes (like cubes, spheres, and cylinders) to form the rough outline of the model’s body parts. With subdivision surface modeling in Blender, it became easier than ever to create smooth, curved surfaces and refine the geometry.

In the past, modeling such complex mechanical forms might have required hours of tedious work to get the proportions right, but with Blender’s updated tools and real-time feedback, I could quickly adjust the shapes and see the results instantly.

Step 4: Refining the Model and Adding Details

After the basic shape was in place, it was time to add the fine details—the armor plates, the V-fin on the head, the Gundam’s unique chest vents, and other mechanical features. With modern sculpting tools in Blender, I was able to add intricate details to the surface using dynamic topology. This technique, which was improved in recent years, allowed me to sculpt the model in a non-destructive way, meaning I could make detailed adjustments without affecting the overall structure.

Thanks to Blender’s powerful modifiers (like Mirror, Subdivision Surface, and Boolean) and the sculpting brushes, adding complex details was easier than ever. Blender’s advanced texture painting and normal map baking techniques also helped me add realistic surface detail without bogging down the model with unnecessary polygons.

Step 5: Rigging and Animation (Optional, but Fun!)

One of the exciting parts of the process was rigging the model for potential animations. Rigging involves creating a skeleton structure for your 3D model, which enables you to pose and animate it. Blender’s Rigify automatic rigging system has been vastly improved over the years. It allowed me to add a skeleton to the Gundam and pose it with ease—something that, just a few years ago, would have required extensive manual rigging and tweaking.

Using Inverse Kinematics (IK) and Forward Kinematics (FK) in Blender, I was able to create dynamic poses that gave the Gundam a realistic action-ready stance, showcasing its futuristic design. The animation process was further accelerated thanks to the real-time feedback provided by Eevee, Blender’s real-time render engine.

Step 6: Texturing the Gundam Model

One of the biggest advancements in 3D modeling tools has been the evolution of texturing workflows. Blender’s integration with Substance Painter and improvements to its own internal texturing systems allowed me to create stunningly realistic materials and textures for the Gundam. The model features realistic armor plating, detailed mechanical components, and accurate reflections—all made possible by PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials.

Unlike ten years ago, when creating textures involved long hours of manually painting UV maps, Blender now allows for much more intuitive and flexible workflows, letting me focus on the artistic side of the process while the software handles the technical aspects.

Step 7: Rendering and Final Output

Once the model was complete, the final step was rendering. Modern GPU-accelerated rendering has transformed the speed and quality of final outputs. In the past, rendering a high-poly Gundam model could take hours or even days. Now, using Blender’s Cycles Render Engine for photorealistic output and Eevee for real-time rendering, I was able to achieve stunning results in a fraction of the time.

Blender’s denoising tools further sped up the rendering process, ensuring that the final image was both high-quality and efficient. The result was a crisp, dynamic render of the Gundam in all its glory, ready for display.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Decade of Progress

Creating a Gundam 3D model with Blender was an exciting and rewarding experience, and it provided a firsthand look at just how far 3D modeling technology has come in the past decade. With powerful tools, real-time rendering, and intuitive workflows, artists can now create intricate models with ease and efficiency. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the next decade of 3D design promises even more groundbreaking advancements.

If you’re inspired to start your own 3D modeling journey, I highly recommend checking out Blender—it’s a versatile tool that’s accessible, free, and full of potential for artists of all levels. If you’d like to see more of my Gundam models or learn about other 3D design tips, make sure to subscribe to my blog or check out my portfolio!

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Made with blender