Blender 5.2: Turn a 2D Dragon Image into 3D Using the Displace Modifier

Ever wondered how to turn a simple 2D image into a 3D character in Blender? In this Blender 5.2 beginner tutorial, I'll show you how I transformed a cute orange dragon image into a 3D model using a reference image, a subdivided plane, a Displace modifier, and image textures. You'll learn how to prepare your image, generate a depth map, create geometry, add depth to a flat image, smooth the surface, and apply the original colours using Blender's Shader Editor. TOOLS USED 🔹 Blender 5.2 — 3D modeling and texturing 🔹 Depth Anything V2 — Generate a depth map from your image 🔹 Background remover — Prepare the transparent dragon image Generate your depth map here: https://huggingface.co/spaces/depth-a... WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How to prepare a 2D image for 3D modeling How to generate a depth map using Depth Anything V2 How to set up an image reference and plane in Blender How to subdivide a plane to create more geometry How to use the Displace modifier to add depth How to smooth a 3D surface with modifiers How to apply image colours and transparency in the Shader Editor How to preview your colourful 3D dragon model CHAPTERS 00:00 — Introduction: From 2D to 3D 00:27 — Prepare the Image and Generate a Depth Map 00:52 — Set Up the Reference Image and Plane 02:06 — Subdivide the Plane 03:08 — Add Depth with the Displace Modifier 04:15 — Apply Colours and Image Texture 04:41 — Final Thoughts and Outro If you're learning Blender, subscribe to Simply Blender for beginner-friendly tutorials on 3D modeling, animation, materials, maps, and creative projects. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Which character should I turn into a 3D model next? #Blender #BlenderTutorial #3DModeling #Blender52 #2Dto3D