{"id":74406,"date":"2025-03-18T03:00:30","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T16:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=61178"},"modified":"2026-02-24T16:25:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T05:25:39","slug":"flow-movie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/flow-movie","title":{"rendered":"Oscar-winning animation\u2014what makes the Flow movie so special?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some animated films do more than tell a story; they feel like a dream! Flow is one of those films. The soft, flowing motion, the painted aesthetic, and the way everything moves so smoothly make it special. We love it when animation tries something different, and the <em>Flow<\/em> movie does that by mixing simple designs with movement that genuinely feels alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow - Official Trailer\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/82WW9dVbglI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the best part? You don\u2019t need fancy software or a massive studio budget to explore this style. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fiX0sO2ZYZ0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blender<\/a> has all the tools to experiment with the techniques that make the Flow movie so unique. So, let\u2019s look at what makes <em>Flow<\/em>\u2019s animation style distinctive and show you how you can recreate some of its magic using Blender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Flow (2024)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow - Clip reel\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/J9UgjpG0sGA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storytelling without words<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Flow<\/em> isn\u2019t just another animated film<span style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">\u2014it\u2019s a visual experience! With no dialogue and a dreamlike style,&nbsp;<em>Flow<\/em>&nbsp;proves that you don\u2019t need spoken words to tell a powerful story. Every emotion and moment is<\/span> conveyed purely through movement, color, and atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"sbi-embed-wrap\"><blockquote class=\"instagram-media sbi-embed\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DGMF0tfIcuC\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:500px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DGMF0tfIcuC\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Latvia\u2019s first Oscar winner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This film made history by becoming Latvia\u2019s first-ever Oscar winner, taking home Best Animated Short. That\u2019s huge! It proves that bold, artistic animation can captivate audiences and break new ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Brought to life with Blender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a fact we love about the film: Flow was created using Blender! With painterly visuals and fluid animation, the movie was made using open-source software that artists use daily. It shows that Blender is beyond being a hobbyist application and can create award-winning cinematic experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A stunning achievement on a small budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What blows our mind about <em>Flow<\/em> is that it was made with just $4 million, while most big animated films have budgets in the tens or even hundreds of millions. Despite this, it stands alongside major productions, proving that creativity matters more than money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flow movie explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow - Clip 2\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SBou-Q_0HSE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flow pulled me in right away with its unique way of storytelling. No dialogue, no character names, just pure visual language. We follow Cat, a solitary creature trying to survive a massive flood. At first, they want nothing to do with the other animals, but survival forces them to join a Labrador, a Capybara, a Lemur, and a Secretarybird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>\u201cThe bird is the only character that the cat looks up to and respects. We chose a secretarybird from South Africa in this role because of their majestic and authoritative presence.\u201d<\/p><cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DGGQzWksb8k\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">@flowmovie2024<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">The setup hints at&nbsp;<em>Noah\u2019s Ark<\/em>, but it never feels like a religious story; it&#8217;s<\/span> more like a journey about trust and survival. What we love most is how the animation feels both detailed and raw. It\u2019s beautiful, emotional, and completely mesmerizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did they make the Flow movie?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A bold vision with a small team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things we love about <em>Flow<\/em> is that it feels like a massive cinematic experience, but it was created by a small team with a limited budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Inside the Making of FLOW | Official Behind the Scenes\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yw-a7buP4KA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director Gints Zilbalodis had an unmistakable vision for a story told entirely through movement and atmosphere. So, there was no storyboarding. Instead, he built a 3D world first and let the animation and camera work evolve naturally to tell the story. This approach gave <em>Flow<\/em> its organic, almost &#8220;found footage&#8221; feel, making us feel like we\u2019re witnessing real moments rather than staged animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blender at the heart of the production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fact that <em>Flow<\/em> was completely created in Blender is incredible. Isn\u2019t it wonderful to see an open-source production at work at this level? It just proves that you don\u2019t need fancy and expensive software to make great things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow cat rig\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xwLEHiZlzec?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team had the flexibility to experiment with shots and lighting using Blender\u2019s real-time rendering and animation tools. The film\u2019s mix of highly detailed 3D animation and impressionistic, painterly visuals is a testament to what Blender can do in the hands of skilled artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blender add-ons and techniques<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To bring <em>Flow<\/em>\u2019s world to life, the team combined Blender add-ons and clever techniques, balancing detailed environments with an organic, handheld feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow - developing a shot\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LTYa4l5TdrE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From scattering vegetation to simulating fluid dynamics and creating natural camera motion, these tools played a key role in shaping the film\u2019s unique style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GeoScatter<\/strong>: Used to distribute plants and environmental elements efficiently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bagapie Vegetation &amp; Rain Generators<\/strong>: Added layers of natural detail, enhancing the film\u2019s immersive world.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cell Fluids &amp; FLIP Fluid:<\/strong> Combined to create large-scale waves and detailed water motion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Animation Layers<\/strong>: These add handheld, shaky camera movements for a more natural look.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>VirtuCamera<\/strong>: Tested for live camera motion, but keyframing was ultimately preferred for better control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EEVEE<\/strong>: Enabled fast real-time rendering, allowing for quick previews and efficient iteration on lighting and shading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the team brought <em>Flow<\/em> to life with animatics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of traditional storyboarding, the <em>Flow<\/em> team used animatics to plan out the film\u2019s sequences. This allowed them to focus on movement and pacing early in production, shaping the story through animation rather than static drawings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow Animatic\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4qUR-gbwsRQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">This approach made perfect sense since the&nbsp;<em>Flow<\/em>&nbsp;movie is all about visual storytelling without dialogue<\/span>. It allowed the team to experiment with how the characters and environment interacted in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Animation process in Blender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using Blender\u2019s flexible animation tools, the team could quickly test and refine their scenes. Here\u2019s how they approached it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blocking out scenes in 3D<\/strong>: Instead of drawing frames, they built simple versions of each shot directly in Blender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Testing movement and timing<\/strong>: Early animation versions helped define the flow (pun intended) of each sequence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adjusting camera angles dynamically<\/strong>: By working in 3D, they could tweak perspectives and refine the handheld style motion on the fly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Flow - Animatic cut\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mrrlFga4cWs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to create a <span style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><em>Flow-<\/em>inspired<\/span> scene in Blender<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most exciting things about <em>Flow<\/em> is that you can explore its unique style in Blender, even if you\u2019re just starting out. You can achieve a similar look with just a few key techniques by focusing on composition, lighting, and atmospheric effects. Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_09.jpg\" alt=\"How to create a Flow inspired scene in Blender.\" class=\"wp-image-90969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_09.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_09-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_09-768x420.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Create a composition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before diving into materials and lighting, start with a strong composition. Block out your environment with simple shapes, keeping it minimal like <em>Flow<\/em>. A well-planned layout will make the rest of the process much smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Import your 3D objects into the scene (this can include your character, some buildings, and other props).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arrange objects to create an engaging environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Position your camera at an engaging angle to create depth and movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"477\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_00.jpg\" alt=\"create a 3D scene inspired by Flow in Blender using your 3D models\" class=\"wp-image-90960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_00.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_00-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_00-768x431.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to build a <em>Flow<\/em>-inspired scene but don\u2019t have time to model everything from scratch, Envato has a vast library of ready-made 3D assets, including characters, animals, buildings, and props. Download what you need, import it into Blender, and start crafting your scene! Here are some to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/3d\/models\/cat\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/3d\/models\/cat\">3D cat models<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/3d\/models\/boat\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/3d\/models\/boat\">3D boat models<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/3d\/models\/buildings\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/3d\/models\/buildings\">3D buildings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info elements-product-embed--count-3\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                                                    Unlimited <span><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/all-items\"><strong>Creative Assets<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. Access to <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/ai\/\"><strong>AI Tools<\/strong><\/a>.\n                                            <\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-right\">\n                    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__more\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">View all<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"slider\">\n    <div class=\"slider__items\">\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/siamese-cat-in-profile-view-2VHPQWL\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Siamese cat in profile view        <\/h3>\n                    <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n                TurboSquid            <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/envato-dam-assets-production\/EVA\/TRX\/11\/eb\/a7\/3c\/e0\/v1_E11\/E115QTDX.png?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=fe8cfbdbe774d41a1aea2650f713d4aaa347d914d408412f0e109139e6a4700c\"\n            alt=\"Siamese cat in profile view\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/wooden-fishing-boat-with-deck-equipment-and-mast-BHHS64N\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Wooden fishing boat with deck equipment and mast        <\/h3>\n                    <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n                TurboSquid            <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/envato-dam-assets-production\/EVA\/TRX\/d5\/7b\/ec\/24\/78\/v1_E11\/E115R7LN.png?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=d1d6c68d103732e379f81cd155d49192a5a7d79944ab6f22848c990c1d8752e9\"\n            alt=\"Wooden fishing boat with deck equipment and mast\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/single-story-house-with-gable-roof-and-shutters-K4X2XAT\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Single-story house with gable roof and shutters        <\/h3>\n                    <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n                TurboSquid            <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/envato-dam-assets-production\/EVA\/TRX\/17\/57\/d5\/02\/70\/v1_E11\/E115QDDT.png?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=133bfd608631ebbad6f2080e78940008ccec243637f224355b2e7b3b5db8728d\"\n            alt=\"Single-story house with gable roof and shutters\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        \n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"slider__controls\">\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--prev\" href=\"#\">\n            &lt;\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--next\" href=\"#\">\n            &gt;\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Create a toon shader<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big part of the look of the <em>Flow<\/em> movie is its soft, painterly shading. A toon shader can achieve a similar effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <strong>Shader Editor<\/strong> in Blender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a <strong>Shader to RGB<\/strong> node and connect it to a <strong>Color Ramp<\/strong>, which is then connected to the <strong>Material Output.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust the color ramp to create some toon-like shadows and effects. Change the interpolation to <strong>Constant<\/strong> to create some toon-like edges for the shading.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"349\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_02.jpg\" alt=\"Create a toon shader in Blender.\" class=\"wp-image-90962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_02.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_02-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_02-768x315.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If the model already has a texture, you can merge it by adding a <strong>Mix<\/strong> node and changing the blending mode to <strong>Multiply<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then, connect the texture to <strong>A <\/strong>and the toon shader to <strong>B<\/strong>. Adjust the factor to give more weight to the texture or the toon shader.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"509\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_03.jpg\" alt=\"Mix your texture with the toon shader using Blender.\" class=\"wp-image-90963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_03.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_03-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_03-768x460.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember to refer back to your viewport to see how the shader affects the look of your scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_04.jpg\" alt=\"Check how the shader effects your scene with the viewport in Blender.\" class=\"wp-image-90964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_04.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_04-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_04-768x421.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Add lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Soft, diffused lighting is key to achieving <em>Flow<\/em>\u2019s atmospheric style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start by adding a <strong>Sun Light<\/strong>, then tweak the <strong>Color, Strength, and Angle<\/strong> to set the overall mood and direction of the lighting in your scene.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While you&#8217;re doing this, pay attention to where the shadows fall. They add depth and make the scene more interesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next, add some <strong>Area <\/strong>lights, again adjusting the <strong>Position, Power<\/strong>, and <strong>Size<\/strong> to create areas of interest in the scene (for example, the main character).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_05.jpg\" alt=\"Add some lights to the scene using Blender.\" class=\"wp-image-90965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_05.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_05-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_05-768x421.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great way to light your scene is by using the three-point lighting setup, which helps create depth and balance. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key light<\/strong>: The primary light source that defines the subject\u2019s shape and highlights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fill light:<\/strong> A softer light that reduces harsh shadows and adds subtle details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Back light (rim light)<\/strong>: A light placed behind the subject creates separation from the background and adds depth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Create fog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding a layer of subtle fog will enhance your scene&#8217;s depth, atmosphere, and overall mood, making it feel more immersive and cinematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add a <strong>Cube <\/strong>object and resize it so it fills your scene.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a new material for it and change the shader from <strong>Principled BSDF <\/strong>to <strong>Principled Volume.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then, connect it to the <strong>Volume <\/strong>input.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From there, adjust the <strong>Emission Strength<\/strong>, <strong>Density<\/strong>, and <strong>Color<\/strong> until you achieve your desired look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_06.jpg\" alt=\"create fog in blender\" class=\"wp-image-90966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_06.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_06-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_06-768x519.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Render<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your scene is set, it\u2019s time to render and bring your <span style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"><em>Flow-<\/em>inspired<\/span> scene to life! This is where all your hard work comes together, transforming your composition, lighting, and effects into a fully realized cinematic shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_08.jpg\" alt=\"Final image of a Flow inspired scene made using Blender.\" class=\"wp-image-90968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_08.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_08-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flow_08-768x420.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where next for Blender animation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Flow<\/em> is more than a beautifully crafted animated film\u2014it\u2019s a breakthrough for independent animation and a huge milestone for Blender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"The animation of Flow \u2014 Blender Conference 2024\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fxz6p-QATfs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seeing an independent film, made entirely in open-source software, win an Oscar and stand alongside massive studio productions is incredible. It shows you don\u2019t need a Hollywood budget or expensive tools to create something remarkable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If <em>Flow<\/em> can achieve this, we&#8217;re excited to see what the next major Blender movie will accomplish. This is just the beginning, and we can\u2019t wait to see how far Blender-powered animation will go next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/lp\/every-type-of-asset\/?ec_promo=ctr-q3\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ai-stack-blog-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-92130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ai-stack-blog-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ai-stack-blog-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ai-stack-blog-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ai-stack-blog-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ai-stack-blog.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more movie-infused assets, try Envato AI tools, or look at our recent <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/oscars-2025\">Oscars: lessons for creatives<\/a> post, learn all about the intricacies of <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/stagecraft-explained\">StageCraft<\/a>, discover an <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/ai-video-blender\">AI video Blender<\/a> workflow, or get started with our free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fiX0sO2ZYZ0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blender for Beginners course<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How was the Flow movie made, and how can you achieve a similar look in Blender?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":91021,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[142,248,245,149],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-video-filmmaking","category-animation","category-blender","category-motion-design"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74406","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74406"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74406\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74406"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74406"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74406"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}