James Abell: Tradigital Artist & Blender 3D Tutor
James William Crofton Abell
Inspired by a positive outlook for our futures
I work between drawing and 3D, making future-facing pictures, stories and objects, and teaching the workflow online, one to one, wherever you are.
Who am I? I am James Abell...
A British tradigital artist and Blender tutor, I was raised in North Norfolk and now work online with clients and students wherever they are. My work circles the same territory: the future, technology, nature and the people caught between them.
See the finished pieces in my gallery, read process notes and stories, or book one-to-one Blender tuition.
"I blend traditional ARTISTIC techniques with digital media to explore themes of THE FUTURE, TECHNOLOGY, nature & human connections"
Daily drawing on Instagram
I post a drawing most days: sketchbook pages, works in progress and finished pieces. Follow @jamesabellart to see the latest.
Blender tuition & workflow consulting
I teach one-to-one and online, and I keep it practical. Most people come to me with a specific project: a character, a product visual, a printable object. Or because the same three steps in Blender slow them down every time. Sessions are built around your own file rather than a fixed course: modelling, materials, lighting, rendering, and the hand-off between 2D drawing and 3D.
I also cover 3ds Max workflows and the practical end of 3D printing: supports, tolerances and slicing. Sessions run online, so the only thing we need to agree is a time. I keep slots for UK and European mornings and US East Coast afternoons. Tell me your time zone and we’ll find a window that works. Payment in GBP, card or bank transfer.
Recent writing
Stories, process notes and tutorials from the studio.
The Simian Beehive. An illustrated climate fiction story from the Himalayas.
Spirit of the Ages. A 1990 Norfolk summer, a mis-delivered Atari ST game and lights in the sky.
How to Learn Blender Fast. Five project-based tips for artists and makers.
Is Image to 3D AI Cheating or Immoral?. Where AI fits in an artist’s workflow.