Top 5 videos 3D artists should watch when starting Blender

When talking with the EONS Animation team and our separate discord community of artists, a big concept of discussion revolved around the learning process of animation and the different variations of software with their varying dynamics in ability and quality. While debating which software was good for what became a headache of a topic for any beginner, it did help us reach a consensus on what videos are good for animators to watch when going through their journey as artists for Blender, a 3D Open-Source Software with limitless ability.

One thing to keep in mind is that tutorials are NOT meant for you to completely follow along step-by-step. To learn, you need to have the mindset to create your own projects and utilize the information in the tutorials to help you on your journey to facing the challenge.

With our skilled animators from all over the world sharing the stories of craft and invention in their own respective journeys, we choose these videos based off what taught us the most, what inspired us to begin, and what we use to this day.

And with that being said, these are our top 5 contenders.

1. The Donut Tutorial

   

   
   

Andrew Price’s “Donut Tutorial” has become a rite of passage for Blender novices.

• Overview: Across multiple parts, you model a realistic donut, unwrap UVs, apply textures, set up lighting, and render your scene.

• Why It Works: It uses a familiar, low-stakes subject to introduce core workflows in Blender, from viewport navigation to shader nodes.

• Format: Split into bite-sized videos (Part 1, Part 2, etc.), each focusing on a specific technique.

Pro Tip: Follow along in Blender 4.0 to experience the latest UI enhancements and Eevee improvements by using the updated playlist “Blender 4.0 Beginner Donut Tutorial”.

2. Grant Abbitt’s Complete Beginners Guide to Blender

Grant Abbitt’s channel offers a comprehensive, well-structured entry for absolute newcomers.

• Coverage: Interface walkthrough, object and edit mode, basic modeling, sculpting brushes, materials, lighting, and even a brief animation primer.

• Teaching Style: Clear, concise explanations with a friendly tone—ideal if you prefer step-by-step narration without unnecessary detail.

• Playlist Format: A single playlist aggregates all beginner lessons, making it easy to track your progress.

Recommendation: After completing the basics, check out Abbitt’s low-poly modeling shorts to reinforce modeling speed and accuracy.

3. Blender for Absolute Beginners (20-Minute Crash Course)

For those who want to “hit the ground running,” this standalone video condenses the essentials into one session.

• Length: ~20 minutes, covering interface layout, object manipulation, viewport controls, and quick rendering setup.

• Ideal For: Viewers who need a rapid orientation before diving into longer series.

• Outcome: You’ll complete a very simple scene—often a basic cube or sphere—and successfully render it by the end.

Tip: Use this as a refresher after breaks away from Blender to quickly reacquaint yourself with key shortcuts and panels.

4. The World’s Easiest Blender Tutorial for Beginners

Brad’s Art School presents an ultra-simplified, linear walkthrough.

• Approach: Focuses on one concept at a time, with no assumptions about prior knowledge.

• Progression: Starts with basic scene setup, then moves to modeling a simple object, lighting it, and finally rendering.

• Why “Easy”?: Every click and menu choice is verbally explained, making it perfect for learners who need extra hand-holding.

Best Use: If the Donut Tutorial feels too fast or you’ve never used any 3D software before, start here.

5. The 36 Best Blender Tutorials for Beginners – In 2025

Once you’ve digested the core fundamentals, this curated list points you to the next level of skills.

• Content: Covers topics like sculpting workflows, character modeling, environment creation, animation basics, and compositing.

• Structure: A single video compiles named tutorials and timestamps, allowing you to jump directly to areas of interest.

• Community Feedback: Regularly updated based on user votes in Film Stop’s tutorials roundup.

Action Plan: After the Donut and Crash Course, pick 5–10 topics from this video to diversify your skillset—e.g., rigging, texturing, sculpting a face, or simple walk-cycle animation.

Getting the Most Out of Your Learning

1. Practice Actively, not Copying: Pause the video frequently and use only what you need for your personal projects. Sure, it isn't bad to follow the tutorial, but make sure you take the time to utilize the skills gained from following their project and use it for your own!

2. Join Communities: Share your renders on forums like Blender Artists or r/blender—feedback accelerates progress. Click here for a great discord community to join that is full of 3D animators ready to help!

3. Set Small Goals: Aim to complete one mini-project per week, such as modeling a simple chair or creating a stylized tree. Blender may seem vast in ability and steep in learning curve, but one step at a time in the beginning will help you mitigate those massive looking hurdles later on!