How to Design a Balloon Dog using 3D CAD Software
The art of 3D modeling allows us to bring whimsical and creative ideas to life, blurring the boundaries between art and technology. One such playful creation is a balloon dog—a symbol of fun, curiosity, and artistry. Traditionally crafted from real balloons, a balloon dog can now be reimagined digitally using modern 3D design tools.
This article focuses on designing a balloon dog using SelfCAD, a powerful yet accessible 3D design software. By leveraging SelfCAD's intuitive tools and features, even beginners can construct a realistic and visually engaging model. Through this guide, we will explore the techniques needed to replicate the unique twists, shapes, and proportions of a classic balloon dog, showcasing how technology can bring a modern twist to a timeless form of art.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3k594k6z496v4t4y5j2h562d736s22y3x3i3
Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; set top radius to 30, bottom radius to 30, height to 150, position y to 100, rotation x to 90.
Click to finalize capsule
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; set position y to 109, position z to -68, rotation x to -45.
Click to finalize capsule
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; set height to 150, position y to 100, position z to 60, rotation x to 20.
Click to finalize capsule
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; set top radius to 20, bottom radius to 20, position x to 15, position y to 200, position z to 70, rotation z to 10.
Click to finalize capsule
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, set direction to left, offset to -10.
Click to finalize mirror
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; set top radius to 20, bottom radius to 20, position y to 200, position z to 100, rotation x to 90.
Click to finalize capsule
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; set top radius to 15, bottom radius to 15, height to 150, position x to 30, position z to 50, rotation z to 10.
Click to finalize capsule
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, set direction to left, offset to 5.
Click to finalize mirror
Click on mesh 24(1) to select
From the utilities category on the toolbar choose mirror; Set create copy to true, set direction to back, offset to 30.
Click to finalize mirror
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; Set top radius to 5, bottom radius to 10, height to 80, position y to 149, position z to -100, rotation x to -35.
Click to finalize capsule
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose capsule; Set top radius to 5, bottom radius to 5, height to 50, position y to 215, position z to 130, rotation x to 90.
Click to finalize capsule
Click to activate face selection; click on highlighted region to select it
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set use vertex normals to true, extrusion amount to 1.
Click to finalize extrusion
From the deform category on the toolbar choose flatten; set z to -5
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the modify category on the toolbar choose extrusion; Set use vertex normals to true, extrusion amount to 1.
Click to finalize extrusion
Click delete button to delete selected object
From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 1.
Click to finalize add thickness
Click on mesh 28, mesh 24 (3), mesh 24 (1), mesh 24 (2), mesh 24, mesh 4, 8, 12, 20, 16(1), 16 to select
Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose union.
Click to finalize union
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace