
I know when I downloaded Blender3D I wasn't quite expecting such a steep learning curve and my searches for a step-by-step guide of the basics left me scratching my head and fearing I'd never understand this program. But this Blender tutorial series is the first that actually makes sense and he does it with the mind on using your models in AfterEffects.
So if you want to download Blender (it's totally free and as good as the commercial 3D apps) but worry that you'll not understand it then follow this series.
( , Tue 20 Jul 2010, 12:04, Reply)

I think I got as far as making a square. Or something, I gave up when I couldn't find any good tutorials.
( , Tue 20 Jul 2010, 12:07, Reply)

it will make sense.
There are several Blender tutorial sites like www.blenderguru.com/ the problem is he assumes you can keep up with him and he doesn't explain what shortcut keys he's using so presumes a good knowledge of the Blender interface which is always a problem.
( , Tue 20 Jul 2010, 12:18, Reply)

and promptly went "uh?" at the inteface and never used it again.
Thanks for this, I shall be rendering bouncing balls by the weekend
( , Tue 20 Jul 2010, 12:19, Reply)

www.vimeo.com/channels/blender3d
en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Category:Blender_3D:_Noob_to_Pro
I've tried blender but unfortunately I haven't the patience for 3d modelling
( , Tue 20 Jul 2010, 13:28, Reply)

but I'm too lazy to follow written tutorials (ironic as my own website contains my own written tutorials) but not seen the vimeo one - thanks for the links.
( , Tue 20 Jul 2010, 13:47, Reply)