How to Learn Blender with the SET Framework

Introduction

• Struggling to learn Blender often stems from overwhelming tutorials or traditional schooling.
• Presenter shares personal journey; attained a bachelor's degree but struggled with Blender.
• Introduction to an alternative learning method: the SET Framework.
• SET Framework promises a structured guide from beginner to professional in Blender.

Level 1: Select

Step 1: Why Blender?

• Establish a strong reason or 'why' for learning Blender.
• Utilize the Wonder, Analyze, Yield (WAY) System:
  1. Wonder: Document inspirations (e.g., cool graphics, animations).
  2. Analyze: Identify appealing aspects and skills related to inspirations.
  3. Yield: Combine findings to clarify your motivation for learning Blender.

Step 2: Domain

• Identify a specific niche within Blender (e.g., modeling, lighting, animation).
• Avoid the cycle of learning multiple domains poorly; focus on one to master.
• Use the MAP Method to select a niche:
  1. Master: Gather inspirations.
  2. Assess: Recognize skills/tools in inspirations.
  3. Plot: Align skills/tools with your why.

Step 3: Quest

• Define clear, specific goals for learning Blender.
• Two approaches to goal-setting:
  1. Define, Why, Action Plan, Deadline, Review:
     • Set specific goals, understand why, plan actions, set deadlines, review goals.
  2. Habit Stack Method:
     • Focus on daily activities rather than just outcomes.
     • Build consistent habits to ensure continuous improvement.

Level 2: Enhance

Step 1: Play Blender

• Gamify the learning process to make it fun using Habitica:
  • Create rules, track progress, earn rewards, and join communities.

Step 2: Advance

• Start learning Blender through structured steps:
  1. Blender Basics
  2. Niche Fundamentals
  3. Intermediate Concepts
• Review progress weekly and adjust the learning path as needed.

Step 3: Side Quests

• Break monotony of tutorials by engaging in weekly projects.
• Structure: Find a subject, match it with your niche, set constraints for completion.
• Only seek tutorials when needed, solve problems independently.

Step 4: Synergy

• Develop a synergy of skills to stand out.
• Use skill stacking to combine multiple skills effectively (e.g., lighting + animation + rendering).
• Develop mini skill trees to progress in different areas.
• Examples include paths for modeling, texturing, and animation.

Level 3: Thrive

Step 1: Build a Name

• Share work online to get feedback and grow as an artist.
• Curate a professional portfolio with 3–5 polished projects.
• Use platforms like Squarespace or Behance.

Step 2: Evolve

• Avoid plateau by continuously learning new skills and techniques.
• Use the Forge System:
  1. Find: Learn new techniques.
  2. Operate: Create using the new technique.
  3. Reveal: Share and solicit feedback.
  4. Grow: Teach the technique to solidify understanding.
  5. Evolve: Repeat the process.

Conclusion

• The SET Framework offers a structured, fun, and effective way to learn Blender.
• Emphasizes importance of having clear motivations, focused domains, engaging learning practices, and continuous skill evolution.
• Suggests building a professional name and continuously evolving skills to thrive as a 3D artist.