Hey Reader,

Zach here,

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

Today, I’ll start with an animated Blender short film about our beautiful planet Earth (don't miss this one), followed by a stunning architectural Blender animation.

I’ll also share news about our new "Magic Shop" 3D challenge and the September Sprint. Finally, I’ll share a new, powerful procedural Nature Generator add-on for Blender.

Let’s dive in.

​"The Ballad of Pale Blue Dot" - Animated Blender Short Film​

​This Blender short film by Duncan Rudd (I shared his awesome Deep Rooted short in one of the previous newsletters) is truly spectacular.

The retro claymation visual vibes, great storytelling, and animation, combined with a moving message and cool music, make you want to rewatch it as soon as it ends.

Although the subject is pretty serious, it’s all presented with a dose of great, warm sense of humor. Did I mention it’s all done in our beloved Blender?

​"Untitled Spaces" Cinematic Archviz Animation​

There are many nice-looking architectural renderings created in Blender, but this animation by William Landgren goes beyond just a visualization.

It’s a cinematic journey through modern, minimalistic interiors that feel almost surreal and abstract. William shows great mastery in operating the camera, and the lighting is just mesmerizing.

A real 3D work of art.

​New 3D Challenge "Magic Shop" and the September Sprint​

We’ve just launched our next 3D Challenge, "Magic Shop".

This time it’s all about selling a bit of Blender 3D magic in the most intriguing shop you can imagine. Be it white, black, or pink magic - it’s 100% up to you. Make it mysterious, cozy, scary, or funny - if you throw the right ingredients into the cauldron, the spell will surely work on those who view your render!

Everyone who participates (submits a final artwork before September 25th, 2025, 16:00 CEST) will get a special "Magic Shop" badge (see below) for their community profile and get a chance to be featured in the Hall of Fame.

We’ll also hold a raffle for those who join, choosing one lucky wizard who’ll get one of the CG Boost courses for free.

​Join the "Magic Shop" Challenge here​

September is also another month of our sprints, where you can set up a goal for your personal projects or learning, and share your progress with other community members, who will gladly give you cheering support and feedback if you need it.

Those who’ve courageously joined the sprints did not regret!

​Join the September Sprint here​

​The Nature Generator Add-on​

When I first saw this add-on’s trailer, I was amazed by the realism and quality of the assets, but learning that it’s 100% procedural simply made my jaw drop 🤯!

The add-on provides a wide variety of customizable assets for all kinds of environments, from mountains to meadows, deserts to marshes. What’s even greater is that it’s easily adjustable, so you can shape your scene to your heart's content.

The Nature Generator is not the cheapest add-on out there ($99 for a personal, non-commercial license and $169 if you plan to use it for paid work), but for the incredible power it offers, the price seems reasonable.

​Get The Nature Generator here (affiliate link)

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

~Zach