Tutorial: Twisting Crystals in Blender

Curve control! Learn how to make any shape follow a curve, and how to make it twist with a simple modifier setup. Assign procedural colors and render in Cycles with a glass material. Timestamps below.
If you want to support the channel: / polyfjord
Please let me know if you have any questions in the description, and I'll try my best to answer. Thanks for watching!
Blender is an open source 3D software that can be downloaded for free here: www.blender.org/download/
Project files for this tutorial is available here: gumroad.com/l/EkFvO
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:41 STEP 1 - Twisting the mesh
02:12 STEP 2 - Adding the curve
05:01 STEP 3 - Editing the shape
06:45 STEP 4 - Duplicating the shape
10:27 STEP 5 - Setting up the camera
14:11 STEP 6 - Adding light sources
19:18 STEP 7 - Material setup and colors
22:33 - Separating mesh
25:12 - Denoiser setup
26:12 - Exporting the video file
26:59 - FINAL RESULT
This tutorial was made in Blender v2.82 alpha
Also works in Blender v2.81 and 2.81a
(Blender v2.80 supports all steps except for the denoiser.)
Sound design in Adobe Premiere. VFX opening shot on location in Norway, composited in Adobe After Effects. Lens flare from ‪@VideoCopilot‬'s Optical Flares.
Gear used in this video:
Camera: Sony A7SII with Sigma 24mm f1.8. Recorded externally with BlackMagic Video Assits 4K in 2160p 30fps ProRes 422.
Sound: Zoom H4N at 44.1 kHz
Workstation: RTX 2080Ti, GTX 1080, Intel CPU i7-6700K @4Ghz, 64GB ram, Win 10
Recorded with OBS Studio at 1440p 60fps
Music from Premiumbeat.com
#OpenSource #b3d

[@Polyfjord]

Important update for Blender v2.90: The node setup with the gradient color at 19:48 will no longer move properly with the mesh in the updated version. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be an easy way to fix this for beginners. However, there are still a lot to learn in this tutorial even if you have to skip the gradient colors! Try experimenting with colorful lights instead, and simply use a strong solid color of your choice. If you are a beginner and you absolutely love colorful gradients, you can always follow this tutorial in Blender v2.82 or earlier. Thanks for watching! For advanced users: A UV unwrapping with projection set to 'project from view' (when viewing the mesh from the side) should do the trick. Use Edit Mode and UV Editor if you need to tweak it. The mapping of the texture can then be set to UV and should follow the mesh perfectly!

[@darkusvintivol9960]

I'm starting to get mad, I have 2 different materials, on 2 separate mesh, (the materials) they are one the copy of the other, and on one (the core) it works fine If you do not make strange curves on the bezel curve, and the second (that as I said is the COPY of the core material) whit the exate same nodes, do not works, in both 2.83 and 2.9. It the time form my pc to jump out of the window?

[@Polyfjord]

Really weird! Having a difficult time reproducing this error myself!

[@Modn4r]

you should pin this so people don't overlook it

[@andreamuraro1917]

OK it's work!...... but if I change position of crystals the Color change! Look that --> imgur.com/3wTT8F1 I have to locked something in the Mapping node? My ShaderEditor for crystals object --> imgur.com/8G0in7Z

[@boop5862]

I use the exact same texture setup, but whenever I move the crystal the texture moves - it only has the gradient when it’s directly at (0,0), and when I move it, it moves through the texture. Do you have any idea how to fix this? I’ve been trying for an hour but I couldn’t find a way XD

[@TheDucky3D]

One of the most well put together blender tutorials I’ve seen, I wish I had the time to put this much effort into mine, really good stuff man!!!

[@Polyfjord]

Hey thanks so much!

[@stevenalexander6262]

Its ducky 3D!!

[@ciaranpmryan]

We need both Ducky. Keep doing you.

[@fatbeast9367]

I've made some great renders thanks to you Ducky!

[@ferrysingh462]

i don't believe my favourite youtuber

[@mrglissi]

I‘m 2 minutes into it and all that is on my mind is: Hoooly shit, this a high-end production tutorial. Everything is put together so well. Congratz, man! 🙌🏼🥳

[@Polyfjord]

Thanks so much mrglissi!! I always get genuinely happy when I see comments from you!! 🔥

[@tamari1127]

Took me 24 seconds and I already thought this was amazing. Dragon ball z in real life.

[@beltranperez378]

0:44 wait... What?... How did he?... The attention to detail and quality of these videos is just outstanding. Great work, keep it up!

[@maxfuller5337]

Defo need more of these high quality tutorials 👍

[@cringerirgendwas7288]

Beltrán Pérez it would be so cool if the splash screen was animated

[@naq_montages]

Coolest intro for a tutorial I've ever seen! Respect, man!

[@스탁]

0:56 "So this cube, is gonna be our core element in this project." me : *Removes cube* and *Add a cube*

[@baonguyen6591]

@SirPixel no one does @@

[@oddy3079]

You are not the only one who does that

[@megawottz4569]

Me uses the default cube also me big brain

[@yan_afrukh]

I have my cube's rotation already missed up by default so that I delete it everytime xD

[@wdude9997]

You must embrace the default cube!

[@nuloom]

Honestly; splendid job. When I look for After Effects tutorials, I find people explaining what I want in a guide fashion; they use it in a project, do it slowly and understandably, and (usually) explain what the feature does rather than what it will do in this project-specific case. This was one thing I always missed because most Blender tutorials were either producing something vaguely interesting at most or pacing themselves as if the creators wanted their chopped 'workflow' to compare with the speed of light. This is just so good, and so refreshing. Well paced, informative, with a good and interesting result. If Blender had more tutorials like this one, in the future it would certainly be a more popular choice for high-end 3D software users. It's not just about competing in features, the more important part is using them; being able to learn to take advantage of the software is essentially what can sell it.

[@Polyfjord]

Man I had to screenshot this comment! Such an intriguing observation. Thank you kindly for this! Would you be interested in shooting me a message on instagram @lotsalote so I can bounce you some quick questions?

[@InDeepShit]

It literally takes 2 minutes to realize how much effort was put into making this tutorial.. It's the definition of high quality Keep up!

[@cyberfalcon2872]

This is one of the best Blender tutorial i've seen. I've never seen a 28 minutes long tutorial without wanting to increase the speed. Is so pleasant to watch. Huge props man. Keep it up, Please

[@-JaggedGrace-]

I think if i increased the speed, my brain would fry

[@tobiassamsonsen3624]

I'm still rendering the procedural texture ball. Literally

[@Polyfjord]

I'm still rendering that video, how does this even work??

[@LeeAddon]

How is it going now?

[@LeeAddon]

Have you already rendered that?

[@LeeAddon]

And now?

[@aditz6851]

@@LeeAddon Its rendered.(full stop)

[@andreaferrario1952]

amazing tutorial man, everything was perfect for me, the structure, the customized animations of the differents parts of the video, the clear explanation of everything. It was like... simply wow. So keep uploading quality tutorials like this.

[@Polyfjord]

Thanks so much!!

[@genglerguillaume6989]

Man the final render is so beautiful, I could spend hours looking at that

[@patricklevar]

Yes, Yes Yes this was EPIC straight to the point no BS no under 1min BS no trying to be funny JUST STRAIGHT TO THE POINT thank you very much hope to see more #keepfilming

[@eavyeavy2864]

because this isn’t your average Minecraft youtuber, this is actually a very helpful and informative video. Not made for the sole purpose of money.

[@matthiasflukiger4866]

This would be such a great screensaver

[@Bwaptz]

0:45 the splash screen detail is just 👌

[@VineetKumar-nx3sk]

Everyone has their own favourite Blender tutor on KZbin like Guru, Ian, CG Geek etc. But YOU are my favourite Blender tutor on KZbin. Every tutorial of yours has some positive vibes in it and even the contents that you share with us are always so cool to work with.

[@Alex-or9gd]

Wow. Just wow. Cant wait to get home and make this!

[@michaelsmusicinstruments9980]

I want to watch great blender tutorials like this 24 hours a day. I always have to go offline when I'm working with blender so I don't get stuck in the great tutorials :-)

[@ManjeetKumar-xk8jf]

Not just the tutorial but the way you put those steps animation, no word to describe...

[@BlackStarASMR]

This is probably the most flawless tutorial I've ever seen (and probably will see) in my entire life.

[@Polyfjord]

Thank you kindly my friend!!!

[@saphir8880]

That intro was so cool, i straight up repeated it like 10 times before starting the tutorial. Just amazing! Edit: just watched the whole tutorial and i am speechless. The quality of your video is insane, i had so much fun creating this scene along side you. Thank you for making this video!

[@soulbone4]

Simply Breathtaking. The intro caught pulsed me.... and the tutorial was marvelous. KZbin NEED MORE GUYS LIKE YOUUUUU!

[@jaraderdmann4919]

The highlight of this vid is the text deforming and changing shape according to the next section of the tutorial. I wish there were more blender tutorial makers with as much effort in their videos. Good job dude!

[@jpoeliniz]

Every time there’s a new step, the sound and animation is so satisfying. Great tutorial

[@lemonade3532]

Been hyped for this for week! The quality of this tutorial is amazing!!

[@emmanuelramirez2780]

I have attempted to do a human render, a donut tutorial, and those I have dropped as I felt like I was being told instead of guided, but this! I felt like I had an impact on its outcome! Thx man great work

[@ImplyDoods]

Donut tutorial can be boring but its good for reinforcing hotkeys basic modeling for brand new users

[@drumstyx6716]

I'm going to be honest man, this is one of the cleanest most professional tutorials on youtube. Your explanations and process are clear and easy to understand. Subscribed👍

[@keithwilson-singer4009]

This is one of the best Blender tuts I've ever seen. Great pacing, not too much detail, not too little. I loved little touches like the title cards which relate to the section. And... result! Man, I can't wait to get home and try this!

[@PetRatPro]

This is incredibly cool! There so many applications for this, fantastic work!

[@Polyfjord]

Awesome! Thanks! Agreed, most client work I get involves curves at some point! A technique I recommend getting a good grasp on as early as possible

[@spikescubing5833]

so true!!! one time I used it to make a battery ad!

[@AAvfx]

Revisiting your channel. Thanks for all the tips!

[@aditya95sriram]

This tutorial is a work of art in itself! Great job! (I had no intention of following along and yet I watched the whole thing)

[@Twinmiaou]

You did an awesome tutorial ! Simple to follow, every step is well explained, the all tut is separate in different steps. Extremely professional, thanks !

[@mr_budo]

OMG this is amazing. Make a tutorial of the opening VFX shot. That was incredible.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

I'm watching on a 30" display with custom built monitor speakers powerd by Class-A valve gear and your production quality is a crisp and clean as your presentation style! Really simple and amazing work! :o)

[@brunocastro4558]

And once again I've got hypnotized for a tutorial of you about half hour . You just do magic, dude !! Simply amazing ! Thanks a lot.

[@shanonaarian5352]

I have seen few tutorials but no one do it the way you teach to newbies. Appreciate your efforts to make more tutorials. You're awesome

[@aliensarenowhere]

So early i should probably wait for others.

[@maxleveladventures]

First, this tutorial is wonderful and it introduced me to a lot of new techniques and ideas. I just started using Blender last week and this was very easy to follow. Thanks! Second, my ColorRamp is only displaying one color of my gradient and I cannot figure out what's causing the problem. I tested the material on a new cube and it works just fine, so I'm guessing it has something to to with my UV map. I don't remember doing anything differently from you, so I'm not sure why mine doesn't work. I tried unwrapping them and that didn't change anything (granted, I don't really know what I'm doing so I probably did it wrong). This also happened with another scene that I made a couple days ago. Can anyone help me figure out what's causing the gradient texture to fail? Edit: The gradient interestingly appears correct in edit mode. When I enter object mode and it snaps back to the curve, it goes back to being a single color. Edit 2: I managed to partially resolve the issue by experimenting with the unwrapped mesh, but I don't understand why I had to do that. Regardless, I learned something! :D

[@danieleborsani]

I had the same problem when the curve modifier is active it has been resolved after starting and closing the rendering

[@fetigepomes4551]

There are plenty of awesome Blender Tutorials on KZbin... but that one was definitely the best one I have ever seen. Great Work!

[@nikitaelizarov7444]

You're very skilled educator. I started learning Blender a year ago, so I don't need a lot of details on what exactly you're doing, and usually it is irritating when people explain to you the stuff you already know how to do. But in your case it is very subtle and concise how you bring attention to what you're doing and pressing. I wish I found your channel earlier. Great job. Can't wait to watch your channel blow up!

[@emanueledepaoli3377]

Hey mate, would you mind doing a tutorial on that sick slow-mo shots effect? I'd really love to be able to slow down parts of my renders but I can't think of a single smart way.

[@magicjohnson4335]

Hi, If you download his project file and select the 3 Streaks, you will see different keyframes which are controlling the slowmotion effect. So basically, as more frames you have between two keyframes, so that slower the motion will be (so for example, keyframe 1, location:" x:0,y:0z:0", and keyframe 2, location: "x:2,y:2,z:2", and it takes 100 frames for example (between the 2 keyframes are 100 frames if you would visualize this example), it would be slower than if the same thing would be 20 frames long) I hope you understand it 👍 (It's the way i did it and i think he as well, but likely there is a better way🤷‍♂️)

[@emanueledepaoli3377]

@@magicjohnson4335 thanks, I'll try it as soon as I can

[@god_ozai828]

me: following the tutorial step by step. also me: ah crap my computers not good enough for this...

[@crabbycreates2943]

I can relate. Check out XIDAX computers. They'll work with you to determine what you need and how to finance. I bought an X-8 and love it for Blender.

[@BrownHuman]

Out of all the Blender tutorial channels on youtube, you have the highest production value and an amazing sound design

[@PeterBrodersen]

As a new Blender user this video is extremely useful. Not only for the featured effect but also for a lot of tips, tricks and hotkeys. Thank you!

[@pokitore]

Can someone explain how he keeps the gradient consistent? When I try it, the gradient changes as my crystals move

[@fordgud4dall]

I used an image texture (rainbow colours created in Gimp, 1000 X 100 pixels), with cube crystal UV unwrapped as box, in UV Editor I needed to rotate and scale the unwarpped vertices to get the mapping I needed.

[@MitoFLMW]

His scroll mouse sounds like a dude crunching a food

[@MMT--Games]

Can you just stop being so underrated? This deserves so much more than what it has

[@uKhyta]

The tutorial is absolutely amazing. And the transitions. They are really cool! I hope you have fun doing these tutorials.

[@Bugman563]

Men I just love your tutorials. As an experienced Blender user, even though I knew all the single steps you are showing there, I would never had the idea to utilize it like this. Nice Vision!

[@infuriatinghealer]

The intro of each section of tutorial is as badass as the final result of the render! love it!

[@StuSutcliffe60]

Really fantastic! The point is that, besides doing such cool animation ( which I never would know how to make alone without tut) we can learn how to do little trickies like lock axis, the curve path, etc. great!

[@coleorloff]

Incredibly high quality tutorial. Thank you. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@hielum1337]

wow, this is one of the greatest blender tutorials I've ever seen. Beautiful results too

[@Hyraethian]

Top tier tutorial, Clear instructions lots of helpful tips and the basis for a lot of inspiration.

[@Binzdogger]

As a newbie to blender, I find myself wondering how to do a certain thing and bam, you just seem to have at least one segment of a video that covers it. E.g. I was having an issue getting the object to follow a curve path, sorted. I couldn't wrap my head around the glass colour shaders, sorted. I couldn't figure out denoising the meh glass I had produced beforehand, sorted. 1 vid and my project can now proceed for another few hours before I'm inevitably scratching my head again! To give this level of tutorial out for free and for it to be so precise is astonishing. Thank you so much

[@jorgealbertobullamanjarres7215]

I don't usually comment on youtube videos, but you deserve it, this is undoubtedly the most incredible tutorial I've seen in many years; the custom animations, the clarity and simplicity of the process and the effect achieved at the end is incredible, the introduction was epic, congratulations, I hope to see many more tutorials from you, greetings from Colombia.

[@AtrusDesign]

This is so very well done. This video is a sort of mini blender course, and the tutorial itself is a sort of artwork. Final animation with music is awesome! I am officially your fan!

[@stackdev-io]

after two years of learning blender and only able to add and delete a cube with no one really teaching blender but savaging money for courses online, this is the best tut ive ever seen , now i think i can restart my blender journey thank you so much for this great free content. You are changing lives man!!

[@nanekytrevel7664]

Wow! Very cool! I did not know about the curve modifier. I will definitely have to give this a try Thanks!

[@klemencibald]

one of the most organised and well put together tutorials i have ever seen , congratz and thank you man!

[@abhisheksahu8753]

The way you teach is simply amazing...Thanks for being a mentor to so many beginners

[@adiraimaji]

The way you present the video is wonderful. And the teaching curve excellent...!

[@accamerer]

Amazing and wonderful work as always! Appreciate your compact style of presentation - not one second wasted! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@aymanfatani]

As always I luve watching your every Piece of Arts, and start to fall in luve day by day with blender, I just started off 3 days a go, never thought I one day would love it, although it was frustrated at first, Thanks for everything you make in this wonderful channel 🥰

[@vishisht8688]

I just saw this video and I became a huge fan of your work... love to see more of your content... I especially liked the animation and effect done on "STEP" for every purpose... Awesome work

[@Land-Shark]

I love your tutorial style. You make it very easy to understand and see what to do. I admit to getting unexpected results with Blender, which makes it difficult to learn and move forward with (in this case, the gradient wouldn't apply and it stayed monochrome). But it's usually just in need of a restart, then delete the things that weren't working, and doing them over (deleted all textures and started over with them, and the glass gradient worked the first try). I'm very meticulous in following tutorials, and I appreciate the time and effort you put into these detailed, and easy to follow tutorials. It gives me hope that someone stupid like myself might actually be able to learn how to use Blender. Thank you! :)

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Honestly this is my favorite place for tutorials

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i love these new tutorials they tell u all the things they should be telling like which buttons to press a few years they only told what to do but not how to do great work

[@killer271007]

Honestly the best blender tutorials are on your channel. I really appreciate all the steps and not skipping anything important.

[@Polyfjord]

Thanks so much!!

[@baryhobal]

That was an amazing tutorial ! The time and effort you put into this video is just incredible ! For all the people who are having issues with the color gradient only displaying in edit mode, I found the solution. The problem comes from the bevel modifier. You just need to set the limit method to None for it to work properly.

[@yajuvendra15]

Previous comment was after watching 5 min, now after finishing the whole tutorial, i am just awestruck, i learnt so many things in just one tutorial than any other tutorial and u got one more subscriber :)

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Damn, I can only imagine how hard you've worked for this tutorial. Even the titles look awesome..

[@MrCyReX.Official]

i can pretty much tell at least 95% of the new people trying blender got it all the way to the end right, besides rendering. The video was at least top 3 on my watched yt videos, really amazing work, i kinda walked into this blender world a bit late but for now i got the motive which is watching your videos, i've learned a lot in this video thanks to you. Keep it up :)

[@dshetty99]

The way you put together is just awesome and innovative between tonnes of tut out there. Please keep up! 👍

[@lancambodia]

Wow so clear explaination,Thank you. You are the big part of my blender knowledge

[@theagilemaker]

I was trying to quickly check KZbin then get to bed... But... Can’t... Stop... Watching... Awesome tutorial! Thanks for sharing.

[@colinboileau3448]

this is such a great tutorial because it has so custimazation involved

[@z-7108]

It made me cry. It's so beautiful I'm crying. Thank you for this amazing tutorial. I love the way you are describing things so much. Thank you for your time.

[@Polyfjord]

That is amazing. Hope you have a nice weekend my friend! Thanks for watching

[@zackeuphoria9932]

PLEASE DO MORE TUTORIALS!!!! I'm an ex-VFX student and I finally regained the motivation and time to start learning again

[@FarhanKhan18]

That right there is the most awesome intro I have ever seen, for that I am subscribing to you, hope to see more in the future, good luck

[@worldmusic7247]

i am loving your works. please upload these kind of tutorial more so that the students like me can learn more and can get motivation. you are doing super great!!!!!!!!

[@murphylus8941]

I'm not even trying this out, I'm just watching the tutorial to be amazed by the quality and effort put into it

[@giexgi]

Only few people can take such a project and explain it so beautifully without pacing it too slow. Love the video! P.s. Guilty of playing the first 20 seconds too many times because its so good 😛

[@omarkarimc1910]

Subscribed right away! Been trying to learn blender and I need to know everything in every step, you nailed it, thank you very much !!!

[@libra8593]

i don't use or plan to use blender anytime but this video was so high quality that i watched every second of it

[@adrian5895]

Amazing high quality intro! Please make more videos. We need more youtubers like you!

[@Darkest-Kn1ght]

You must read minds Polyfjord, I have this idea for a trailer that involves a logo I designed, and this EXACT tutorial. I've finally managed to get the logo almost perfected within Photoshop, and was putting off building it in Blender because I wanted to build it and do the twisting as well, and now I have no reason to put it off any longer!! Thank you!!!!

[@eggyrepublic]

Thank you for making this tutorial easy to follow, I was able to learn a lot from it!

[@sameerjain6726]

One of the best tutorials. Underrated channel.

[@metatechnocrat]

I know this was months ago, but this is the second tutorial I've seen where he used the default cube. Subscribed! Oh and the tutorial was pretty good too.

[@piersM]

Nice Job to my man out here giving the default cube some love! Seriously though, insanely good tutorial, and well paced. It's really easy to get lost in blender tutorials, but your explanations were fast and simple. I hope you get the attention to your channel that you deserve!

[@Polyfjord]

So glad to hear it!! Thank you kindly

[@DanielOakfield]

Stunning, amazing tutorial and effects!

[@krzysztofn.4636]

Its really helpful for me at beggining, simple and good information in form im not get bored with great effects. Made me feel less lost in all this 3d. Thanks

[@valb8422]

It is very intelligible, everything is laid out on shelves, you have a talent to make tutorials, develop it and use it. And, in fact, the tutorial is very useful!

[@raflonoce]

Your work is truly incredible, complete, one of the best on Blender I've ever seen. I can learn a lot from you, despite my sixty years it's a pleasure to get back to messing around with the PC. Well done and greetings from Sardinia.

[@z-7108]

Hey, I just rewatched your video again, caus I thought about Blender. I just wanted to thank you once more for making this video. Because of this beauty I started with blender and became quite skilled in the past 2 years. Thank you Polyfjord for your rafiness and skill to make the world smile.

[@Polyfjord]

Thanks so much!!! That means a lot to hear!

[@jenovaizquierdo]

Awesome tutorial man, you made me subscribe. Looking forward to see more awesome tutorials from you

[@pojomcbooty]

You are a great educator and artist!! Thanks for this tutorial I learned some very valuable tips!

[@nascentspace]

This is a very useful tutorial, definitely looking forward to more stuff like this

[@learningsomething8904]

i'm so addicted to your tutorials! Pls keep going!