Elevate Your Blender Game: Weekly Modeling Challenges

I've often found myself gazing into the void, wondering what Blender modeling project to tackle next. Then it hit me: what if I started sharing project challenges inspired by my everyday surroundings through the Freshly Baked newsletter?

For the past five weeks, I've been sharing (mostly) simple Blender modeling challenges with our Weekly Freshly Baked Newsletter subscribers. The responses and creativity have been fantastic, and it's thrilling to see participation grow each week. If you’re seeking a challenge in Blender with no prizes or rewards other than the satisfaction of knowing you did it, these Blender Art challenges are perfect for you.

These aren’t just weekend Blender projects. I encourage everyone to dive in and tackle any of these challenges. Inspired by the amazing community response, I decided to collect these challenges in one place on our site, which is why you’re reading this blog post.

So, let’s grab our virtual sculpting tools and dive into these Blender modeling projects. ☕️

Project 01: Modeling a House Plant

I’ve found that modeling simple objects around the house can be incredibly fulfilling and challenging. This reference was a bit spontaneous but contained some challenges to solve as a Blender artist. 

Being the first one, I didn't take many reference photos (Just this one above), but still, many of you rocked out a model! 

Project 02: Modeling a Brio Toy Truck

I love these little wooden trucks. There is something fun about them, and what an exciting material and modeling challenge. 

⭐️ Link to reference

Project 03: Modeling a Tea Pot

3D Studio Max users worship the Tea Pot (I did, at least), so why not make one in Blender?

⭐️ Link to thread and reference

Project 04: Modeling a Bench at the Beach

While traveling on vacation, I was determined to keep this weekly modeling cult going. This bench is a pretty perfect modeling challenge. It has only a few parts, which are then repeated with an array modifier. 

⭐️ Link to thread and reference

Project 05: Modeling a Plastic Toy Truck

Okay, so this is a little more intermediate, but it's still fun. When you look at the shape, I encourage you to break it down into simple shapes first. Extrude and Loop Cut are your friends here. 

Link to thread and reference

Project 06: Modeling a Plushie in Blender

Project 07: Modeling a Chemex in Blender

Project 08: Modeling a Brio Crane in Blender

This object will be fun to model. With its simple shapes and different materials, it gives off a complex vibe. As a bonus, in your final render, include the first Brio Toy Truck from Week 2.  

You'd think we should be sponsored by Brio... 🤔

Link to thread and reference

Project 9: Modeling a Ritz Cracker in Blender

I've been excited about discussing food with these challenges. For this project, I challenge you to model a realistic cracker in Blender. 

Link to thread and reference to download

Project 10: Modeling an old Wyze Camera

I'm pretty excited about this weeks modeling challenge. Yesterday I was lucky enough to see the new Alien movie. I'm a sucker for this IP and all things cassette-sci-fi style. Chunky and dirty sci-fi: push buttons, toggle switches, etc.. 

My son found our older WYZE camera and I felt it was a perfect candidate for these challenges! 

This is a relatively simple model with a few details that could be challenging to approach. I also left it a bit dirty to see if we can replicate some of the story that has been around for a while.

A stretch goal I think would be to attempt a couple different colors, or nail the dirt on the plastic.

Link to thread and download references

Project 11: A Dragon Frame Keypad

I've been seeing many stylized and realistic keyboard renders lately. This inspired me to dig through my cabinet to find the Dragon Frame Keypad I used while diving into Stop-Frame Animation. 

It was harder to get a side profile reference, so apologies in advance, I feel you can get a sense of the shape from the perspective photos. You're encouraged to mimic the keypad or put your creative take on materials/rendering on what your perfect keypad would look like. :) 

Link to thread and references to download

Project 12 A SciFi Vehicle DVD Case

Who has this DVD at home?! When we (Jonathan Williamson and I) first started, we lived by DVD-Rs. I'm lucky enough to have a signed copy. ;) 

What I love about this model is it has the vibe of nostalgia + some fun challenges with materials and textures. The reference photos are not the best and do contain some lens distortion. All for us to gain experience navigating!

Fun fact: The sci-fi channel used this model in a logo brand bump without asking or telling us. 

Link to thread and references to download

Project 13 - A CG Cookie Coffee Mug in Blender

With CG Cookie's birthday on September 5th (Happy 16th Birthday), I felt motivated to challenge us to model some swag. Enter the cliche coffee mug model! 

This was one of the first pieces of swag we created for our little project. It sports the classic CGC eyes. 

A coffee mug is a great object for practicing 3D modeling. It’s simple in shape but provides opportunities to explore modeling techniques like creating curves, handles, and hollow objects.

You can also experiment with texturing by adding different materials, like ceramic or glass, and even try a logo or design on the surface.

It's manageable for beginners while offering enough depth to feel rewarding!

Link to thread and references to download

Project 14:  A Piece of Firewood in Blender

I'm heading out early this week to spend a couple of days camping, hiking, and enjoying some campfires. In that spirit, this week’s challenge is to model a piece of firewood. :)

Take a close look at the texture and break down the shapes—sculpting can achieve a lot.

Link to thread and references to download

Project 15:  Let's model a Stop Sign

When I was freelancing, I recall having to make one of these for a job. It's simple yet satisfying to model. I encourage you to think about how to approach the metal perforated stand. A couple of approaches come to mind.

Remember, these challenges are an investment in your future self. There are no prizes other than knowing you did it. They are giving your brain more creative problem-solving experiences.  

Link to thread and references to download

Project 16: Lego Go-Kart in Blender

I love Lego. However, I will admit to being a person who prefers following the instructions to becoming a master builder. It's calming to sit down and build something.

I picked up this kit for my son and me to build together. He's six, and I will admit to having just as much fun building it!

This week, let's build some Lego go-karts!

Link to references to download

Project 17:  Extension Chord

How exciting, right? :) 

As a 3D artist, let’s face it—creating cables is unavoidable. But honestly, it can be pretty fun and instantly adds complexity to your scene. In this challenge, pay close attention to the cable's shape, material, and subtle color variations.

Link to extension chord references and download.

Project 18: A chunky RC tire

You're likely to run across modeling a tire in your Blender journey. They can be complicated and fun. This week, dive into the world of chunky tire design to challenge yourself by modeling a tire in Blender. 

Link to tire references and download

Project 19: An Ego Battery

A battery straight out of a sci-fi movie. :) Enjoy this modeling exercise and challenge yourself to make it look as real (manufactured) as possible. 

Link to battery references to download. 

Project 20: Modeling an Ego Leaf Blower

We've reached the final project in this cohort of Blender projects to challenge yourself with. This is a big one! 

A stretch goal is to attach your battery from the previous exercise and render them out together! 

Link to references and download

In conclusion

Weekly modeling projects can boost your skills and build confidence with Blender.

The subjects might not always align with what you want to model, but it's all about practice. This practice prepares you for job opportunities, freelance gigs, and working on projects even when you’re not feeling particularly inspired.