A month ago, I decided to dive back into the world of 3D creation, a journey I'd abandoned a decade prior. My first encounter with 3D, using Maya, was a frustrating experience. The learning curve felt insurmountable, and I eventually put it aside. But something drew me back, and this time, I chose Blender.

To my delight, Blender proved to be a vastly different experience. The interface was more intuitive, the tools more accessible. It was a testament to how far 3D software has evolved. I embarked on a structured learning path, focusing on the core processes: line drawing, modelling, colouring, lighting and camera setup, rendering, and exporting. To deepen my understanding, I enrolled in a fantastic Domestika course, "Kawaii Character Creation in 3D with Blender," which provided invaluable insights, particularly on export formats.

Beyond the traditional workflow, I was eager to explore the intersection of 3D and AI. I experimented with animating my Blender models, both within the software and using Jimeng AI. This led to a particularly exciting discovery: using my Blender models as a base and then re-colouring them with AI. The results were truly inspiring and incredibly fun. The AI's ability to generate unique colour palettes and textures added a new dimension to my creations.

This month-long exploration has solidified my belief in the immense potential of AI and 3D collaboration. It's clear that these technologies are not just tools, but powerful partners in the creative process. The ease with which I was able to achieve compelling results, combining traditional 3D workflows with AI-powered enhancements, has been a revelation. I'm excited to continue exploring this dynamic field and see where it leads.