Hand Turkey Studios Offers "Blender Basics" Training for Advanced Animation Software

Richmond-Area Design Entrepreneurs Expect to Draw Regional Participants for Workshop

Richmond, VA (PRWeb) February 17, 2007 -- Richmond-based Hand Turkey Studios (http://www.handturkeystudios.com) will offer a "Blender Basics" workshop on February 23, 2007 from 1pm to 5pm to teach Blender software animation techniques. The workshop will take place at the Work Factory (http://www.theworkfactory.com) and will cost $45.

Blender (http://www.blender.org) is an open source 3D modeling and animation software suite. The free program is comparable to high-end suites such as Maya and 3D Studio Max, which cost anywhere between $2,000-$6,000. Because of its low price tage (free) and powerful array of tools, Blender is most popular among small animation production houses, independent artists/filmmakers, and product designers in need of a visualization tool. Plus, because programmers have access to the software's open source code, they can add custom features to personalize the suite.

"Blender was originally designed as an in-house tool for a Dutch animation company," explained Jason van Gumster, Hand Turkey Studios partner and workshop trainer. "It's optimized for working very fast, though there is a fairly steep learning curve. This is especially true for people trying to teach themselves. We're offering our workshops because we use Blender for our day-to-day work and we feel that others can benefit from its strength as well, once they figure it out."

The Blender Basics workshop will cover the basics of using Blender, including familiarizing participants with its interface and steps required to create a 3D model and a small animation. Copies of Blender for all modern computing platforms and all files used in the workshop will be made available on DVD for course participants.

More Information About Hand Turkey Studios

Hand Turkey Studios is a Richmond, Virginia-based illustration, print, design and animation shop that specializes in advanced techniques, such as 3D modeling and animation.

Hand Turkey Studios has recently co-produced a Blender instructional DVD with CmiVFX. The DVD is the first in a series that covers the more sought-after, advanced features of Blender, such as the integrated fluid simulator. With the fluid simulator, animators can do everything from splash water in a glass to run a raging tsunami into a city.

For more information, visit http://www.handturkeystudios.com.

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