80 Level Weekly Newsletter (September 23 – September 29)

NEWS

Blender 4.2 LTS & 3.6 LTS Have Been Released

The Blender Foundation shipped Blender LTS 3.6.16 and Blender LTS 4.2.2, addressing 101 issues since version 4.2.1.

Details: https://80.lv/articles/blender-4-2-lts-3-6-lts-have-been-released/?utm_source=li-newsletter

OTOY Has Shipped OctaneRender 2024.1

OTOY launched OctaneRender 2024.1, introducing a new geometry pipeline, enhancing ray-tracing, and mixed-platform network rendering with Windows, Linux, and macOS computers.

OctaneRender 2024.2 features revealed: https://80.lv/articles/otoy-has-shipped-octanerender-2024-1/?utm_source=li-newsletter

This Shader is So Unusual, Even Its Author Doesn't Fully Understand How it Works

This Unity-powered portal shader is so mind-boggling, even its creator Reizoko doesn't fully understand how it works.

Stencil buffer? Render Texture?: https://80.lv/articles/this-shader-is-so-unusual-even-its-author-doesn-t-fully-understand-how-it-works/?utm_source=li-newsletter

Juicy 3D Burger Cooked to Perfection in ZBrush & Substance 3D

Have a look at this delectable juicy 3D burger cooked to perfection by Ravissen Carpenen in ZBrush, Substance 3D, and Blender.

The menu also includes a lobster tail, a steak, various desserts, and more: https://80.lv/articles/juicy-3d-burger-cooked-to-perfection-in-zbrush-substance-3d/?utm_source=li-newsletter

This Procedural Backpack Rig Can Adapt to Shoulder Movements

Jacky Coh demonstrated a UE5-powered procedural backpack rig that can adapt to the shoulder movements of a digital character.

More info and tutorials: https://80.lv/articles/this-procedural-backpack-rig-can-adapt-to-shoulder-movements/?utm_source=li-newsletter

Polyfjord Presents a Curve-Based Melody Visualizer Set Up in Blender

YouTuber Polyfjord showcased a jaw-dropping Curve-based melody visualizer set up in Blender.

The add-on and the tutorial explaining how it was made are coming soon: https://80.lv/articles/polyfjord-presents-a-curve-based-melody-visualizer-set-up-in-blender/?utm_source=li-newsletter

INTERVIEWS

See How to Texture Cozy Stylized Street of Italian Town

Alexander Agredo told us how he used a combination of modern and traditional workflows to make the La Piazzetta project, discussed the texturing workflow in detail, and explained why adding movement is important for a scene.

Full breakdown here: https://80.lv/articles/see-how-to-texture-cozy-stylized-street-of-italian-town/?utm_source=li-newsletter

Breakdown: Creating a Man with Amazing Grooming

Artem Erikenov shared a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a realistic male character with a beard using ZBrush for sculpting, Houdini for grooming, and Maya for rendering.

Details: https://80.lv/articles/breakdown-creating-a-man-with-amazing-grooming/?utm_source=li-newsletter

How to Create Glass Blocks with Realistic Cracks

Veronika Shirochenkova provided a comprehensive guide on creating and rendering a 3D glass material with realistic cracks in Substance 3D Designer and Marmoset Toolbag 4.

Learn more: https://80.lv/articles/how-to-create-glass-blocks-with-realistic-cracks/?utm_source=li-newsletter