Open Blender and delete the default cube (if it’s there).
Go to Add > Mesh > Cube to add a new cube to start modeling the axolotl.
Step 2: Model the Axolotl’s Body
Scale the Body: Scale the cube along the X-axis to create the axolotl’s long, rectangular body. You can adjust the dimensions to your liking or follow Minecraft’s approximate style.
Duplicate for Head: Duplicate the body cube (Shift + D) and scale it to create a slightly smaller cube for the head.
Position the head cube at one end of the body.
Step 3: Create the Legs
Add a Small Cube for a Leg: Add another small cube for one of the axolotl’s legs.
Scale and Position: Scale down the cube to make it rectangular and position it under the body near the front.
Duplicate the Leg: Duplicate the leg cube three more times and position them for each leg. Two should be near the front, and two near the back of the body.
Step 4: Add the Tail
Duplicate the Body Cube: Duplicate the body cube and scale it down to make a tail. Place it at the back of the axolotl, adjusting the length to your preference.
Shape the Tail: Optionally, you can extrude or shape the tail to be slightly thinner at the tip for a stylized look.
Step 5: Create the Axolotl’s External Gills
Add Small Cubes: Add small cubes on both sides of the head to create the iconic “feather-like” gills.
Duplicate and Position: Duplicate and position them on either side of the head, and consider rotating each cube slightly for a natural spread.
You can add additional small cubes in varying sizes for each gill to mimic the fluffy, frilly appearance.
Step 6: Color and Texture the Model
Materials: Go to the Material Properties and create materials for each part of the axolotl (e.g., pink for the body, darker pink for the gills).
Assign materials to each part individually, mimicking the pixelated style of Minecraft by keeping solid, unshaded colors without gradients or textures.
Step 7: Lighting and Rendering
Add Lighting: Place an Area Light or Point Light above the axolotl to create a balanced light for rendering.
Adjust the light’s strength to highlight the blocky, vibrant colors.
Step 8: Setting Up the Camera and Rendering
Camera Position: Position the camera to capture the axolotl model from a good angle.
Render Settings: Use Eevee for quick renders or Cycles for higher-quality, realistic lighting.
Render the Scene: Adjust resolution and sample settings for the best quality, then render the image.
