Hey Reader,

Zach here,

Back with a fresh dose of inspiration and resources from the 3D world to kick off the new year!

Today, I’ll start with the news of Ton Roosendal (Blender’s Dad) stepping down as Blender Foundation CEO. Next, I’ll share a funny Blender animation about the dangers of ordering coffee in a bus and our new 3D Challenge announcement, and finally, a "Big Book of Holes" from Jan van den Hemel.

Let’s dive in.

​End of an Era - Ton Roosendaal stepped down as Blender’s CEO​

The start of 2026 is the true end of an era for Blender. Its original creator, Ton Roosendaal (BDFL*), has stepped down as Blender Foundation CEO (as he previously announced in his Blender Conference Keynote).

From now on, the leadership of the Blender project will be in the hands of Francesco Siddi (the new CEO) and a new board of the Blender Foundation.

Ton will still be active, but in a more supervisory role. A part of the latest "Blenderheads" video is dedicated to Ton, who shares some bits from the early days of Blender development.

Let’s all give a big heartfelt thanks to Ton, who started and led the wonderful Blender project that changed so many lives (mine included) for so many years. I’m sure the best way to do that is to go and make something awesome using Blender!

* BDFL = Benevolent Dictator for Life - which is an honorable title given to influential figures in the world of Open Source Software.

​"Service Bus" - Hilarious Animation made in Blender​

​This crazy animated short film about a very thirsty guy who orders a cup of coffee on a bus trip (clueless about the possible dangers) was made in Blender as a graduation project by a couple of students from The Animation Workshop, VIA University College in Denmark.

The rough, hand-drawn style combines 2D Grease Pencil animation with 3D environments. It fits great with the humor and dynamic, cartoony action.

You can get a taste of how it was developed and how the creators managed to get a consistent style throughout the film in this "making-of" video.

​"Cosy Days" - New CG Boost 3D Challenge + January Sprint​

We’ve been quiet in December, but we’re back with a new 3D Challenge for the new year. It’s called "Cosy Days" to give you a positive vibe for the coldest part of winter.

Make yourself some hot cocoa or tea, and let the warmth pour through you straight into Blender! The theme is deliberately open to all kinds of cosiness, so your imagination is the only limit.

As usual, all who submit a final render will get a special community badge, and we will raffle one CG Boost course among all participants (no bundles). There won’t be a first, second, or third place. The goal is to practice and improve your skills alongside other passionate artists.

​Read more details about the challenge here​

If you already have your own projects or ideas, the January Sprint can help you set a clear goal and stay focused and accountable for actually following through. Feedback and friendly encouragement from the community included. 🙂

​The Big Book of Holes​

If you want to level up your hard surface-modeling skills in Blender, Jan van den Hemel (Blender Secrets) has something helpful for you. "The Big Book of Holes" is a thorough collection of tips and techniques for making clean holes in your models using various techniques.

It is an affordable, focused version of the more expensive Blender Secrets e-Book (so if you already bought it, you shouldn’t buy this one), dedicated to people with a smaller budget or who just want to focus on learning the hard-surface modeling aspect.

​Get the Big Book of Holes here (affiliate link)
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That’s all from me today. Have a wonderful weekend, and until next time.

~Zach