• https://www.youtube.com/@blenderguru
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zxULCW1UBc
• https://www.youtube.com/@JoeyCarlino

This year has been a rollercoaster of learning 3D and animation – from opening Blender for the first time to now, trying to rig and animate a character by next Sunday! I wouldn’t have made it this far without three incredible YouTube creators who turned my screen struggles into some of my most satisfying wins. Here’s a shoutout to each of them and how they helped me through each stage of my journey.

1. The “Donut Maker” – Blender Guru: The First Semester Lifesaver

If you’ve tried learning Blender, you probably know Andrew Price, aka Blender Guru, the guy behind the famous “donut tutorial.” When I started, I was totally new to Blender and needed a straightforward, encouraging guide to keep me from getting overwhelmed. Blender Guru’s tutorials are perfect for beginners – clear, well-paced, and packed with just the right details to build a solid foundation.

His donut tutorial didn’t just teach me Blender; it gave me the confidence that I could actually learn 3D. The satisfaction of creating something from scratch was a game-changer and kept me motivated. So, thank you, Blender Guru, for getting me started!

2. Tinynocky – The Tiny Powerhouse of 3D Design

After the basics, I wanted to dive deeper, especially into character design and lighting. That’s when I discovered Tinynocky, a creator with a unique style and a massive amount of skill packed into small, approachable videos. His tutorials are perfect for tackling tricky parts like nodes and lighting setups in Blender. Tinynocky breaks down complex processes in a way that makes them feel doable – almost like he’s there, showing you step by step.

Plus, his characters are adorable, and I couldn’t help but want to learn how to make models with that same charm. Tinynocky has made Blender feel more accessible and fun, even in moments where I would usually feel lost.

3. Joey Carlino – The Rigger I Needed (And Fast!)

Now, I’m on a deadline: I need to rig and animate my character by next Sunday! Enter Joey Carlino, whose animation and rigging tutorials feel like they were made for students in crunch time. Joey explains things clearly and quickly, focusing on getting you to understand the fundamentals without bogging you down with extra details. It’s exactly what I need to move fast while making sure my rig actually works.

I’m watching his videos nonstop right now, and I can already tell his tips are going to save me from a lot of frustration – and maybe even help me pull off a finished project by my deadline!

Why These Creators Matter So Much

Learning 3D and animation can feel overwhelming and lonely, especially when you’re just starting. But these three creators have each made my journey easier, inspiring me to keep pushing and showing me that I’m not alone. From doughnuts to adorable characters and now rigging, I wouldn’t be here without their guidance.

One day, I’d love to pay it forward and help others the way they’ve helped me. But for now, here are my digital mentors in this crazy 3D adventure!