Post 13/30: VFX tutorial for Blender – Creating Fire with the Smoke Simulation

 

Goal:

Learn to create realistic fire using Blender’s smoke simulation tools.

What You'll Need:

• Blender (latest version recommended)
• Basic knowledge of Blender navigation and object manipulation

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Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Set Up Your Scene

1. Open Blender: Start with a new project.
2. Delete the Default Cube:
• Select the cube and press X to delete it.

Step 2: Create a Domain for the Smoke Simulation

1. Add a Cube:
• Press Shift + A > Mesh > Cube.
• This cube will act as the domain for your smoke simulation.
2. Scale the Cube:
• Press S to scale it up, making it larger than the area where you want the fire to be.

Step 3: Set Up the Smoke Domain

1. Select the Cube (Domain):
• Go to the Physics Properties tab (the bouncing ball icon).
2. Add Smoke Simulation:
• Click on Fluid, then set Type to Domain.
• Under the Domain Type, select Gas.

Step 4: Create the Fire Source

1. Add a New Object for Fire:
• Press Shift + A > Mesh > UV Sphere.
• Scale it down to fit inside the smoke domain.
2. Position the Sphere:
• Move the sphere to the bottom of the cube (Z-axis).

Step 5: Configure the Fire Source

1. Select the Sphere:
• In the Physics Properties, click on Fluid and set Type to Flow.
• Under Flow Type, choose Fire.
2. Flow Behavior:
• Set the Flow Behavior to Inflow.
• Adjust the Flow Rate (start with around 1).

Step 6: Adjust Smoke Simulation Settings

1. Select the Domain Cube:
• In the Fluid settings, look for Cache.
• Set the cache type to All and specify the frame range (e.g., start at frame 1 and end at frame 250).
2. Adjust Smoke Settings:
• Under Smoke, you can tweak settings like density, temperature, and vorticity to refine the look of the fire.

Step 7: Bake the Simulation

1. Bake the Simulation:
• Go to the Cache section and click on Bake.
• This process may take a few moments depending on your settings and computer speed.

Step 8: Lighting and Material Setup

1. Add a Material to the Fire:
• Select the sphere (fire source).
• Go to the Material Properties tab and click New.
• Use a simple Emission shader for the fire. Set a bright color (like orange or yellow).
2. Adjust Lighting:
• You may want to add a light source (Shift + A > Light > Point) and position it near the fire to enhance the effect.

Step 9: Camera Setup

1. Add a Camera:
• Press Shift + A > Camera.
• Position the camera to frame the fire effect.
2. Set Camera View:
• Press 0 on the numpad to view through the camera.

Step 10: Rendering the Animation

1. Set Up Render Settings:
• Go to the Output Properties tab (the printer icon).
• Choose your resolution and output format (e.g., PNG or FFmpeg for video).
2. Render the Animation:
• Go to the top menu and select Render > Render Animation.

Step 11: Save Your Work

1. Export Your Animation:
• Once rendering is complete, navigate to your output directory to find the rendered frames or video.
2. Save Your Blender File:
• Go to File > Save As and save your project.

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Shareable Visual:

You now have a fire simulation! Capture a still image or a short video of the fire effect and share it on social media or with your peers.

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Tips:

• Experiment with different settings in the smoke simulation to see how they affect the fire’s appearance.
• Try adjusting the colors and strength of the emission shader to create different fire effects.

By the end of this session, you should feel more comfortable using Blender's smoke simulation tools, paving the way for more advanced effects in the coming days! Happy blending!

 

Source:
ChatGPT

Day 11: Blender tutorial for making illustrations - Adding Backgrounds and Enhancing Visual Appeal

Objective: Learn how to create and add simple backgrounds to your illustrations, enhancing their visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Open Blender: Launch Blender and load your existing project with the flowchart or mind map from Day 10.
2. Organize Your View: Switch to the layout view that you find most comfortable. You can use the default "Layout" workspace.

Step 2: Create a Background

1. Add a Plane:
• Press Shift + A to open the Add menu.
• Select Mesh > Plane. This will be your background.
2. Position the Plane:
• With the plane selected, press G to grab it and move it into place behind your flowchart or mind map.
• You may want to scale it up by pressing S and dragging it outwards to ensure it fully covers the area behind your visuals.

Step 3: Style the Background

1. Add Material to the Plane:
• With the plane selected, go to the Material Properties tab (the sphere icon).
• Click on New to create a new material.
• Adjust the Base Color to a color that complements your diagram. For example, a light pastel color can make your illustrations stand out.
2. Add Texture (Optional):
• To make your background more interesting, consider adding a texture.
• In the Material Properties, scroll down to the Surface section, and find the Base Color field.
• Click on the dot next to Base Color and choose Image Texture or Noise Texture from the options. You can then select or create a texture that suits your theme.

Step 4: Adjust Background Opacity (if needed)

1. Enable Transparency:
• If you want to adjust the background's transparency, go to the Settings in the Material Properties.
• Change the Blend Mode to Alpha Blend or Alpha Clip and adjust the Alpha value to achieve the desired transparency.

Step 5: Add Depth with Shadows

1. Add Lighting:
• To enhance the overall visual appeal, consider adding a light source. Press Shift + A, choose Light, and then select Area or Point light.
• Position your light source to create soft shadows and illuminate your flowchart.
2. Adjust Shadow Settings:
• With the light selected, go to the Light Properties tab.
• Experiment with settings like Power, Size, and Shadow settings to get the desired effect.

Step 6: Finalize the Composition

1. Check Overall Composition:
• Rotate around your scene and make sure the background and lighting complement your flowchart/mind map.
• Adjust the camera angle if necessary by selecting the camera and moving it into position.
2. Render a Preview:
• Go to the Render menu and select Render Image (or press F12) to see how your background looks with the flowchart.
• If adjustments are needed, go back and tweak the materials, lighting, or position of elements.

Step 7: Save Your Work

• Remember to save your Blender file frequently. Go to File > Save As, and create a new version of your project to avoid losing any progress.

Outcome

By the end of Day 11, you should have:

• A well-styled background for your flowchart or mind map.
• Enhanced visual appeal through proper use of color, texture, and lighting.

Source:
ChatGPT

Post 25/30: Prices of plots in Phase 8 Extension, Bahria Town, during the past six years

I thought of learning about different aspects of Pakistan, as I want to do something for it. Therefore, I started with some of the well-known indices or reports that would help me in gaining more information about Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT). These were 12 posts. You can search my posts related to Pakistan by typing: #UsmanZafarParacha_Pakistan

Now, I have been learning about real estate business in Pakistan. I have started from Youtube videos and hopefully during my learning Journey, I will get some more useful resources to move ahead in this learning and perhaps entering into the real estate business.

I have seen a video, titled, “Bahria Town Rawalpindi Phase 8 Extension Prices Comparison | Latest Updates” on the channel “Advice Associates”

The host shares the prices of Bahria Town, Phase 8 Extensions during the years 2018, 2020, and 2024. In 2018, prices of 10 marla plots ranged from 18 lacs to 23 lacs. In 2020, prices of 5 marla plots were in the range of 37 lacs and 10 marla plots were available in the range of 55 lacs. In about 2021, prices of 5 marla plots were in the range of 18 lacs and 10 marla plots were in the range of 28 lacs. In 2024 (September), 5 marla plots were available in the price range of 12 lacs, 8 marla plots were available in the price range of 14 lacs, 10 marla plots in the price range of 19 lacs, and one kanal plot was available in the price range of 35 lacs. These prices are without development charges. For instance, a 5 marla plot with development charges may reach to a value of 20 lacs. In the same way, 10 marla plot has additional development charges of about 13 lacs.

One of the biggest reasons is the addition of “provisional numbers” in the policy of Bahria Town (for instance, the number of plots may change, according to provisions). Another reason is the problem of developmental charges that is difficult for many people to pay.

Follow my Hashtag #behtareenkitalaash on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/behtareenkitalaash

Sources:

Advice Associates - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrOorOx_Xog

Post 12/30: VFX tutorial for Blender – Dynamic Lighting (Animating Lights)

 

Goal: Understand how to animate lighting to enhance your scenes.

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Step 1: Set Up Your Scene

1.     Open Blender.

• Start a new project or open the scene you created on Day 11.

2.     Create a Simple Scene.

• Add a plane for the ground (Shift + A > Mesh > Plane).
• Create a few objects (cubes, spheres, etc.) to illuminate.
• Scale and position these objects as you prefer.

Step 2: Add Light Sources

1.     Add a Light.

• Select your scene and press Shift + A > Light > Point (or any other light type, like Area or Sun).
• Position the light above your objects to start.

2.     Adjust Light Properties.

• Select the light and go to the Light Properties tab (the light bulb icon).
• Adjust the Power to set the intensity of the light.

Step 3: Animate the Light

1.     Select the Light Source.

• Go to the frame where you want the animation to start (Frame 1).

2.     Insert Keyframes for the Light’s Location.

• With the light selected, press I > Location to insert a keyframe for the light’s position.

3.     Move to Another Frame.

• Move to Frame 30 (or any frame you prefer for the animation end).

4.     Change the Light's Position.

• Move the light to a new location (e.g., higher, lower, or to the side).

5.     Insert Another Keyframe.

• Press I > Location again to set the new position as a keyframe.

Step 4: Animate Light Intensity

1.     Change Frame for Intensity Animation.

• Move to Frame 15.

2.     Adjust Light Power.

• Change the Power in the Light Properties tab (e.g., lower it or increase it).

3.     Insert a Keyframe for Power.

• Press I > Strength to record this new intensity.

4.     Go to Frame 30.

• Adjust the Power to another value (increase or decrease).

5.     Insert Another Keyframe.

• Press I > Strength to set this change.

Step 5: Preview Your Animation

1. Play the Animation.
• Press the Spacebar to see how the light moves and how its intensity changes over time.
• Make adjustments to timing and position as needed by moving keyframes in the Timeline.

Step 6: Render Your Animation

1.     Set Render Settings.

• Go to the Output Properties tab (the printer icon).
• Set your output resolution and file format (e.g., FFmpeg for video).

2.     Render the Animation.

• Go to Render > Render Animation to generate your animated scene.

Step 7: Share Your Work

1. Export Your Rendered Animation.
• Save the rendered animation file in a shareable format.
2. Share Your Visual.
• Post it on social media, forums, or platforms like YouTube or Vimeo to showcase your work!

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Shareable Visual:

• Your final product should be a short animation showing your dynamic lighting in action, highlighting how the light moves and changes intensity over time.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of lights (Area, Sun, Spot) for unique effects.
• Play with the Color of the lights to add atmosphere to your scene.
• Adjust the Shadow settings in the Light Properties for more realism.

Sources:
ChatGPT

Day 10: Blender tutorial for making illustrations - Creating Brainstorming Diagrams

 

Objective: Create and animate a brainstorming diagram that visually represents interconnected ideas.

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Step 1: Setting Up Your Workspace

1. Open Blender:
• Start Blender and create a new project by selecting "General."
2. Adjust the Layout:
• Split your view into two sections: one for the 3D viewport and another for the Timeline.
• This will help you visualize your diagram while also managing animations.

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Step 2: Creating Base Shapes for Ideas

1. Add Basic Shapes:
• In the 3D viewport, press Shift + A to open the Add menu.
• Choose Mesh > Circle or Mesh > Plane for your main idea nodes.
• Scale them using S (for scale) and G (for grab/move) to position them effectively.
2. Duplicate Shapes for Multiple Ideas:
• Select the first shape and press Shift + D to duplicate it.
• Position the duplicates to represent different ideas in your brainstorming session.
3. Label the Ideas:
• With each shape selected, go to the Object Data Properties tab (green square icon) in the Properties panel.
• Under the "Geometry" section, you can add text or use the Text Tool (Shift + A > Text) to create labels.
• Edit the text by entering Edit mode (press Tab) and typing your idea.

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Step 3: Connecting Ideas with Lines

1. Create Connection Lines:
• Press Shift + A and select Mesh > Cylinder.
• Scale and position the cylinder to connect the ideas (you can rotate and adjust as needed).
• Duplicate this shape for each connection.
2. Using Grease Pencil for More Flexibility:
• Select the Grease Pencil tool from the left menu.
• Use it to draw freehand lines between ideas for a more organic look.
• You can adjust stroke thickness and color in the properties.

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Step 4: Adding Colors and Styles

1. Color Your Ideas:
• Select each shape and go to the Material Properties tab (red sphere icon).
• Click “New” to create a new material and choose a color that suits your theme.
2. Enhance Visual Appeal:
• Consider adding gradient colors or effects for depth. You can use shaders for more advanced styling.

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Step 5: Animating the Diagram

1. Set Up Animation for Appearance:
• Select a shape, go to frame 1 in the Timeline, and press I to insert a keyframe.
• Choose “Location” to mark its initial position.
• Move to frame 20, shift the position slightly, and insert another keyframe.
• Repeat for each shape to animate them sequentially.
2. Animating Connections:
• For connection lines, use the same method. Move the cylinder or grease pencil lines in and out of view to emphasize connections as ideas are introduced.

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Step 6: Final Touches

1. Add Background Elements:
• Create a simple background using a plane, and color it lightly to keep focus on your diagram.
• Consider a gradient or a light texture.
2. Preview Your Animation:
• Press Spacebar to play the animation. Make adjustments as needed for timing and flow.

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Step 7: Rendering Your Animation

1. Set Up Render Settings:
• Go to the Output Properties tab (printer icon) and set your resolution (e.g., 1920x1080).
• Choose a file format (e.g., FFmpeg video) and output folder.
2. Render Your Animation:
• In the top menu, go to Render > Render Animation or press Ctrl + F12.

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Outcome:

You will have created an animated brainstorming diagram, visualizing interconnected ideas with dynamic movement and color. This will serve as a great learning tool for your audience.

Next Steps:

• Continue refining your skills with different types of diagrams and animations throughout the week.
• Experiment with various topics to find what resonates most with your audience.

 

Source:

ChatGPT

Post 24/30: An analysis of why prices of plots (properties) in Pakistan went down?

 

(Source: Pixabay)

I thought of learning about different aspects of Pakistan, as I want to do something for it. Therefore, I started with some of the well-known indices or reports that would help me in gaining more information about Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT). These were 12 posts. You can search my posts related to Pakistan by typing: #UsmanZafarParacha_Pakistan

Now, I have been learning about real estate business in Pakistan. I have started from Youtube videos and hopefully during my learning Journey, I will get some more useful resources to move ahead in this learning and perhaps entering into the real estate business.

I have seen a video, titled, “Are Major Housing Projects Like Bahria, DHA, and Lake City Failing? | A Detailed Analysis” on the channel “Titanium Group”

The host discusses the impact of the overall effect in Pakistan on Real Estate. He discusses that property are really at their lower level, and it is a sort of “shopping time.”

Money always comes towards bigger cities (such as Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi), rather than moving towards smaller cities.

Considering the prices of Bahria Town, Phase 8 (extension), he discusses that about three years ago, the prices were about 35 lacs; about two years ago, these were about 25 lacs, and now the same plot file can be obtained in the price range of 15 lacs. The host discusses that one of the most important reasons in the decline in prices that initially traders (reaching up to more than 75% of businesses) were involved in selling and purchasing of property. They were not end-users. Actually, end-users like to remain in the process. For instance, they would like to live in the house after purchasing the property. Now, traders are out of the process.

The host tells that in Bahria Town, Lahore (Phase 2, 3, 4), 5 marla plots can be obtained in the price range of 35 to 38 lacs, and 10 marla plots can be obtained in the prices of above 70 lacs. These are the same plots that were initially available at the price of about 1.25 crores.

Aside from plots, commercial shops or apartments can be found profitable in the next few years. This is also one of the reasons that people have moved their money from societies to high-rise (buildings with upper floors). Most of the direction of money coming from outside of Pakistan (remittances) is also towards high-rise. In this case, an interesting point is that suppose you get a 5 crore rupees house in a good society, it would help you in getting a rent of about 50,000 rupees, whereas an apartment of about 1 crore rupees can easily give you this amount of rent.

The host suggests that investing in property (plots) can be fruitful in the next few months. Moreover, investing in high-rise and under construction projects can also be beneficial in terms of taxes, as government as implemented low amount of taxes in these cases (probably appreciating living in high rise).

Follow my Hashtag #behtareenkitalaash on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/behtareenkitalaash

Sources:

Titanium Group - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgx4ck8rzEA