Assignment 1.5

🎥 Video Outline

• Why Exporting Matters

  • Clean exports ensure your character can move smoothly between Blender and Unreal.
  • Correct scale and orientation prevent headaches later in rigging, texturing, and engine integration.

• Preparing Your File

  • Apply all transforms (scale, rotation, location).
  • Double-check naming conventions (Last_First_Character_BaseMesh.blend / ...fbx).
  • Keep folders organized for future units.

• Export Settings for Unreal

  • Format: FBX
  • Scale: 1.0 (1 Blender unit = 1 meter)
  • Forward: -X Forward
  • Up: Z Up
  • Apply modifiers, export selected objects only
  • Armatures: Turn OFF leaf bones
  • Units: Unreal reads 1 meter as 100 Unreal units (centimeters)

• Testing the Export

  • Re-import your FBX back into Blender to check scale and orientation.
  • Optional: Test import into Unreal to confirm correct alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation

  • Renders: front, side, perspective, and wireframe.
  • A simple 30–60 second turntable animation.
  • Reflection paragraph: what worked, what you struggled with, what you learned.

⌨️ Hotkeys to Remember

• Ctrl + A → Apply transforms (rotation, scale, location)
• F12 → Render image
• Ctrl + F12 → Render animation (turntable)
• Alt + Z → Toggle X-Ray for checking geometry
• Shift + Space, V → Quick switch to viewport shading modes

🛠️ Workshop Goals

Workshop 1

• Apply transforms and finalize naming.
• Export character as FBX with correct settings.
• Re-import FBX into Blender to confirm orientation/scale.
• Start setting up studio lighting for renders.

Workshop 2

• Render orthographic and perspective views with wireframe overlay.
• Render a 30–60 sec turntable animation.
• Write a 150–200 word reflection on the modeling process.
• Upload all files to Canvas and add a portfolio entry.

If you finish early:

• Test importing your FBX into Unreal for a scale check.
• Pose your character in a simple stance for extra renders.

📑 Deliverables

• Blender Project File (.blend) with final base mesh
• Exported FBX with correct orientation and naming
• Rendered Images (front, side, perspective, wireframe)
• Turntable Animation (30–60 sec)
• Reflection Paragraph
• Upload to Canvas and Portfolio as:
  “Character Modeling I — Export & Portfolio Upload”