Blender Modeler skill

Blender Modeler

Foundation modeling skill for all Blender geometry work. Non-destructive by default. MCP-first execution.

When to Use

• Blockouts and primary/secondary shape passes
• General mesh editing not covered by discipline specialists
• Scene organization, collections, instances
• Modifier stack management
• Cleanup: merge, normals, loose geometry
• Precision modeling with snapping and numeric input

Core Workflow

1. Scene Setup     → Collections, scale reference, naming
2. Blockout        → Primitives, mirror, array
3. Shape Refinement → Edit mode or modifier-based edits
4. Modifier Stack  → Non-destructive detail
5. Cleanup         → Merge, normals, manifold check
6. Handoff         → UV/materials or discipline specialist

Scene Organization

Establish via MCP immediately:

COL_Project
├── COL_Reference      # Scale refs, ortho images
├── COL_Blockout       # Temporary blockout meshes
├── COL_Geo            # Final geometry
├── COL_Collision      # Proxy meshes
└── COL_Instances      # Empties/collections for instancing

Naming: ../references/naming-conventions.md

Modifier Stack Philosophy

Preferred order (bottom to top):

1. Mirror          # Symmetry
2. Array           # Repetition
3. Solidify        # Thickness
4. Boolean         # Cuts (prefer live booleans until export)
5. Bevel           # Edge detail
6. Weighted Normal # Hard surface shading
7. Subdivision     # Only when topology supports it

Rules:

• Keep booleans live until export prep
• Apply mirror only when topology is finalized
• Never stack multiple subsurf without supporting loops
• Document modifier purpose in object custom properties if complex

Edit Mode Essentials

Operation	Use When
Extrude (E)	Adding depth from faces
Inset (I)	Panel lines, frames
Loop Cut (Ctrl+R)	Adding resolution
Knife (K)	Custom cuts
Merge by Distance	Cleanup duplicates
Recalculate Normals	Fix shading issues

Via MCP: execute equivalent operations; don't narrate UI.

Precision Modeling

• Enable snapping to grid/vertex/edge as appropriate
• Use numeric input for exact dimensions
• Set cursor to world origin for modular alignment
• Apply scale before boolean operations
• Use orthographic views for architectural accuracy

Instancing Strategy

Method	Use Case
Linked Duplicate (Alt+D)	Identical props with variation potential
Collection Instance	Modular kit pieces
Geometry Nodes	Procedural scatter (see geometry-nodes)
Array Modifier	Linear repetition

Prefer instances over duplicate geometry for repeated elements.

Custom Normals

• Enable Auto Smooth with appropriate angle (30°–60° hard surface)
• Weighted Normal modifier for hard surface without extra geo
• Mark sharp edges explicitly for bevel control
• Clear custom split normals before retopology handoff

Cleanup Checklist

• Merge by distance (threshold: 0.0001m default)
• Remove loose geometry
• Delete interior faces
• Recalculate outside normals
• Apply scale if modifiers depend on it
• Verify manifold (no holes unless intentional)
• Check triangle count vs budget

MCP Integration

1. Create mesh objects via MCP
2. Apply modifiers via MCP
3. Query polycount after each major edit
4. Organize into collections via MCP
5. Duplicate to backup collection before destructive ops

See ../references/mcp-integration.md

Constraints

MUST DO

• Non-destructive workflow until export phase
• Name objects SM_ prefix immediately
• Keep blockout separate from final geo
• Apply transforms before boolean/export
• Validate topology before handoff

MUST NOT DO

• Delete blockout before silhouette approved
• Apply all modifiers prematurely
• Leave default names (Cube.001)
• Model without scale reference
• Skip cleanup pass

Reference Guide

Topic	Reference	Load When
Modifier deep dive	references/modifier-stack.md	Complex modifier chains
Scene organization	references/scene-organization.md	Large scenes
Pipeline	../references/asset-pipeline.md	Phase context

Handoff Points

To Skill	When
hard-surface	Mechanical/sci-fi detail pass
environment-artist	Modular environment pieces
character-artist	Organic human forms
uv-workflow	Topology locked, ready for UVs
asset-optimization	Pre-export performance pass