Extrude an Image

In my recent pursuits of taking up 3D printing, I've found a desire to try to print an extruded version of an image.  The following is one approach to achieving this using Inkscape and Blender.  For this entry, we will use the blender logo.

The basic process is in converting the original image into an SVG and importing that SVG into Blender and then extruding that object. We will use Inkscape to convert a PNG into an SVG.  

Texture Animation

This approach to animating textures is well documented via videos.  Here is a written procedure of the standard approach for using the UV Warp modifier to achieve a texture animation.

This technique is found in characters like Pocoyo or the Lego movies.

Texture Map - External Coloring

In this entry I'll cover how to create a texture based on the unwrapped UV map.  In this case, I wanted to create the waffle cone volcano in a game I was making.  In some cases it makes more sense to attempt to paint directly in the viewfinder.  For that see my other entry:  Texture Painting.  In this case with a specific uv unwrapping in mind, I wanted to modify the mapped texture.

The first step is to unwrap the UVs on the object.  Then with a new empty image created, Bake the current material into that image.  Render Tab > Bake panel > Bake button  (shown below).

Preferred Video Render Settings

There are many settings for rendering video.  So far, the one that brings me the most consistent results with videos coming in with varying FPS and resolution, is shown below.  This was suggested on a forum I came across and so far it works the best for me.  Note that the Maximum Rate is set to 0, so that Blender ignores it.

Video Stabilization

This entry will cover the ever popular desire to stabilize captured video.  Having reviewed several avenues for doing this (even with dedicated video editing software), this method seems to be the best and provides the most control.

To get started, when first launching Blender switch to the Motion Tracking view.

The first step is to select a track point.  This is simply done by holding [Ctrl] and [Right-Click] a point on the scene.  Some things to consider when selecting a point.  First find a point of good contrast that will not change between frames.  This is the anchor for the scene.