Introduction to Packaging Visualization in Blender

This course introduces you to Blender, a great open-source 3D content creation software that is predominantly used in industries like movies, animation and games. In this course, we explore the possibility of using Blender as a tool for packaging design. 

Choosing 3D model over mockups:

• 3D models are extremely customisable and versatile

• Allows simulation of surface details like embossing, UV, foiling, transparency and paper texture.

• Ability to view the design from multiple angles.

• Better accuracy of texture mapping on curved surfaces.

• Offers more flexibility and control.

• Unlocks animation capabilities.

What is 3D Visualization for packaging all about?

The end goal of a packaging visualisation is to show your 2D packaging design concepts on a 3D model as if it was made for real. By doing 3D visualisations, we gain a deeper understanding of our design, hence one can quickly prototype ideas using 3D software and make confident and quick design decisions which will reduce the production time. A 3D visualisation can greatly benefit a designer as one can communicate ideas with 3D renders to potential people such as clients or investors and get feedback.

To sum up, 3D visualisation helps to:

• Reduce production time.

• Better understanding of a design.

• Make better design decisions.

• Communicate design ideas to potential people.

• Make Animations.

What does a 3D software offer for Packaging Designers?

3D content creation offers creative tools for various industries for a vast amount of different needs. This makes 3D software seem daunting and complicated to learn. However, the tools needed for a packaging designer are much simpler and easy to learn. We will make use of certain tools in the following domains: Modelling, UV unwrapping, Texturing and Shading then finally Rendering.

Why Blender as a tool for Packaging Designers?

• It has got powerful tools required for packaging design.

• Cross-platform nature runs the same on Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

• Clever development makes it extremely lightweight software that can run even in lower computer configurations.

• Continuous development adds new features.

• Growing and great community support with new tutorials added every day.

• Blender is open-source and free software (please consider donating) and is free to use for learning as well as commercial purposes.