3D Animation - Blender

Introduction to the "Blender" Software

What is Blender?

Blender is a 3D software with many generalized capabilities, such as Modeling, Rigging, Lighting, Animation.

Blender is a free, open-source 3D software that's becoming increasingly popular, among both individual artists and companies.

Blender isn't quite to the point of being an "industry standard". However, it's been rapidly getting new features, and even starting to lead the way in cutting edge technology for the industry at large.

For alternatives to Blender, see Maya vs Blender Comparison and zBrush vs Blender Comparison.

Blender Topics

Blender - Basic Controls

External References

Relevant Books

ToDo

Relevant Youtube Channels

Youtube | Blender Guru

Various good tutorials and information about 3D, with focus on Blender. Is also the author of the infamous "Donut Tutorial".

Youtube | Grant Abbitt (Gabbitt)

Really good tutorials and demos, with a focus on creating content for video game development. Tends to focus on modeling and animation. Even if you don't want to do games, content is informative enough and easy enough to follow that it's still good.

Youtube | CGDive (Blender Rigging Tuts)

Good blender tutorials, with a focus on Blender rigging using the free "Rigify" addon.

Additional Learning

Agora Community | A "free to join online community for artists in the animation industry of all skill levels". Has a lot of good informative content, monthly challenges to improve your skills, free resources, and more.

Gamedev.tv | A variety of online courses to teach various skillsets, with a focus on making content for game development. However, courses are informative enough and have enough variety that it's good content even if you aren't interested in games.