- This course has closed.
OVERVIEW
Blender For Digital Artists is a comprehensive 6 week FREE training programme designed to equip artists with foundational skills in Blender, focusing on creating optimised assets for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality applications, led by Sean Burns of 4E Virtual Design.
The programme, supported by The Arts Council Ireland, will run across six Thursdays in January and February 2026.
Following sector-wide research identifying key digital and technical skills gaps, the Arts Council is now launching a new Digital Skills Programme developed in partnership with leading stakeholders to support the future needs of digital artists.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Master the Blender interface and become efficient with core tools through systematic training and practice.
- Learn industry-standard techniques to create clean, efficient 3D models suitable for any application.
- Bring your 3D models to life with realistic materials and textures using industry-standard PBR workflows.
- Understand how to create skeletal systems that allow your 3D models to move and deform realistically.
- Master the critical skill of optimising 3D assets for real-time performance in virtual and augmented reality applications.
- Master the technical process of exporting your Blender assets in the correct formats for various VR/AR platforms and game engines.
VENUE
Online – on Zoom
FEE
FREE – This programme is supported by The Arts Council as part of the Digital Arts Policy and Culture Works.
NUMBER OF TRAINEES
Max 12
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
This workshop is open to digital artists as defined in the Arts Council’s Digital Arts Policy 2023-2025. It is also open to artists from other art forms looking to expand their practice into Digital Art and / or wishing to integrate digital art aspects into their practice.
MATERIALS/ EQUIPMENT / SOFTWARE NEEDED
You will need a computer and a good and stable internet connection as the classes will be taking place on Zoom.
Participants should have Blender downloaded (Free and Open Source Software) before the workshops, and ideally will have familiarised themselves with keyboard shortcuts and the available workspace layouts.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
5pm on Thursday December 18th 2025
Applicants will be notified on the status of their application by Friday, December 19th
APPLY
You will be asked to include the following in the form
1. Personal Statement of Intent. This is an opportunity for you to tell us your area of expertise, your experience with Blender to date, and your reason for wanting to undertake the training.
(Max 400 words)
2. Your CV
For any queries, please contact barbaradeignan@furthr.ie
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Week 1: Blender Basics & Navigation
Thursday January 15th – 10am-1pm
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Blender interface layout and customisation options
- Master viewport navigation using keyboard and mouse shortcuts
- Learn object manipulation: move, rotate, scale, duplicate
- Work with primitive shapes and basic mesh editing
- Introduction to modifiers (Array, Mirror, Solidify)
Hands-On Project: Create a simple 3D scene using primitive objects and basic modifiers
Week 2: 3D Modelling Techniques
Thursday January 22nd – 10am-1pm
Learning Objectives:
- Master polygon modelling workflows and techniques
- Understand edge flow and topology for clean models
- Work with advanced modifiers (Subdivision Surface, Bevel, Boolean)
- Learn non-destructive modelling workflows
- Implement proportional editing and sculpting basics
Hands-On Project: Model a detailed prop or character asset with proper topology
Week 3: Materials & Texturing
Thursday January 29th – 10am-1pm
Learning Objectives:
- Introduction to materials, shaders, and the Shader Editor
- Master UV unwrapping techniques for texture mapping
- Learn texture painting directly in Blender
- Create PBR materials using nodes (Metallic, Roughness, Normal maps)
- Work with procedural textures and texture coordinates
Hands-On Project: Fully texture and material a 3D asset with a realistic PBR workflow
Week 4: Rigging Fundamentals
Thursday February 5th – 10am-1pm
Learning Objectives:
- Understand armatures, bones, and skeletal hierarchy
- Learn weight painting and vertex group assignment
- Create simple character rigs with IK (Inverse Kinematics)
- Work with object constraints for mechanical rigs
- Introduction to basic animation principles
Hands-On Project: Rig and animate a simple character or mechanical object
Week 5: VR/AR Specialisation
Thursday February 12th – 10am-1pm
Week 5 focuses exclusively on preparing your Blender assets for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality applications. Learn the critical optimization and export techniques required for real-time performance.
Week 6: Individual Consultations
Week beginning February 16th
Exact time TBD with trainer Sean based on participant’s own availability
Week 6 provides dedicated one-to-one time with the instructor. These personalized 30-minute sessions ensure you get the specific support you need to succeed.
- 30 min 1-to-1 sessions
- Personalised Project feedback
- Tech troubleshooting
TUTOR INFORMATION
Seán Burns is a computer designer and 3D modelling expert with a career that spans over 17 years. He has a deep understanding of design for manufacture, CNC, laser cutters, and 3D printing and has been recognised for his innovative and award-winning designs that bring digital creations to life.
As the founder of 4E Virtual Design, a leading 3D modelling and animation studio, Seán specialises in creating virtual representations of real-world objects and experiences. His studio is particularly known for developing immersive virtual training programs that provide learners with hands-on experiences.
Seán’s extensive experience with software such as Autodesk Inventor, 3D Max, Unity 3D, and Unreal Engine has enabled him to add code, program 3D models, and automate the design process to create highly realistic and engaging virtual experiences. With Blender now as the backbone of his workflow and Unreal Engine as the final destination, Seán has become a sought-after expert in the area of film, game, and animation pipelines.