Hey Reader,

Zach here,

With a selection of inspiration and resources from the 3D world.

I’ll start with a new free sci-fi animation series, followed by an animation fundamentals tutorial and a video essay about originality. Finally, I’ll share a free add-on for detailed clay renders.

Let's dive in.

​Spice Frontier - Pilot Episode of a free animated Series​

​SteamRollerAnimation​ - an independent studio founded by experienced animators from the industry has just rolled out the first episode of its new animated series "Spice Frontier: Escape from Veltegar".

The distinct visual style combines stylized flat-shaded characters with semi-realistic 3D-rendered painterly and colorful environments. It brings to my mind Disney’s "Treasure Planet" and classic Sci-Fi motifs. The story about a jovial chef, Kent and his team of aliens in search of lost Earth Cuisine ingredients is funny and engaging.

Animation and voice acting are world-class level, making the watching experience a pure joy. I’m looking forward to the next episodes (the whole series will be released for free on SteamRoller’s YouTube channel.)

​12 Principles of Animation Tutorial​

If you’re interested in learning animation, you must have heard about the legendary "12 Principles of Animation".

​This video by John Knowles from Into Animation explains these guidelines clearly with a showcase example of a cute penguin animation made in Blender.

While the 12 principles of animation might not magically turn you into a great animator instantly, they are fundamental tools to improve your animations and make them more appealing.

​Stop chasing Original Ideas - Here’s what makes you creative​

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​This video essay by Lofi Cinema touches upon a sensitive topic that creative people struggle with: Originality.

What makes a piece of art truly original? What makes some of the most iconic movies so impactful? Is there still a place for new and original ideas in a world where everything has been told already?

If you ever wondered about any of these questions, you will find some inspiring answers here, backed with experiences of unique cinematic artworks. Especially now, in the age of emerging AI, this approach proves that an individual artist’s voice still matters.

​Claymate - Free Add-on for highly detailed Clay-Renders​

Clay renders (renders with just a simple white/gray material) are a great way to showcase your 3D scenes without materials. The problem is that the default way of making them in Blender doesn’t reveal surface details created with textures.

"Claymate" a free add-on by Alan Wayne (Extra3D) solves this issue. It allows clay renders with all the fine details created by normal maps, displacement and bump map textures in the scene.

​Download Claymate here​

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That’s all from me today, have a great weekend, and till next time.

~Zach