Using Shape Keys in Blender
A quick overview of Shape Key animation.
lechu writes:Hey everyone,
just wanted to let you know there’s new tutorial published at chocofur.com on using Shape Keys for empowering the usability of your 3D models. I hope you find my tips and tricks on that helpful and interesting.
Error 404 LOL
The link gives a 404
Sorry about that, it’s fixed!
Link works if you add an “l” on the end so it’s “html” not “htm”
I’ve been using Shapekeys for customising models for some time now at work. I work for a furniture company and it’s my job to pull together quick 3D preview renders of custom office furniture before it’s manufactured for customers. I have 3D models of components which are commonly used and some are customisable through shapekeys, like different worktops, divider screens and desk leg frames, and I have setup the shapekeys to directly control their dimensions so I can enter “1.3” for example to get a 1.3m wide deskframe. It takes extra work to set them up, but if you’re going to be reusing something over and over again with slightly different dimensions or shapes, it’s very much so worth the effort of setting up.
If you combine shapekeys with armatures, constraints and modifiers, you’d be amazed at just how customisable and *modular* you can make some 3D models! With a modular library of components, I can easily throw together a render of a customer’s order of a large desk system for anywhere from 1 to 12 people, with all the fabrics, worktop finishes, metal coatings, accessories, dimensions, all in place and correct, in 20 minutes or less! Then position the camera, hit render, let Cycles produce a very realistic beautiful image, and send it off to the customer to wow them.
No one here knew what Blender was when I started working here, but they do now and they love it!