Creating a Fish Bracelet - Using alpha masks

[boozy floozie]

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1044373620jhb.jpg
Really a posting more of interest to newbies.

In the above below a fish texture was applied to the Cylinder Tool > H and V divide options of the Initialise function was set to maximum > the mesh was then subdivided. A fish shape alpha mask was then used to "cut out" the fish from the Cylinder by using the Hide Pt option - Modifiers > Selection.
(The mask is applied after importing it in to the Alpha tool by using the Modifiers > Selection >Alp - this transfers the live alpha in the alpha tool onto the mesh).

The texture map was then re-applied as an alpha this time using it as a height map to drive a deformation bump to the existing mesh by using the inflate function. Modifiers >Deformation > Inflate.

NB:After you have applied alpha masks to a mesh don't forget to clear it.

Beneath are some further experiments using masks to punch out spheres into scallop shapes. The texture for the shapes was created by texturng a skinned alpha of a fish shape. I then rotated the fish to underview, revolved it so that it ran verticaly > then I snap shotted copies and using the move tool arranged the pattern horizontally across the canvas. This was then grabbed using the MRGBZ Grabber tool and saved out as a new texture.
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1044373702pws.jpg

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1044383113zau.jpg

Mapped to a Cube
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1044386967dvt.jpg

I'd love to see other peoples alpha experiments and links here. It could make a nice reference resource for us all.

[Frenchy Pilou]

Hi Boozy
You forget to say : Texture /"transparent On" :)
And may be "Double On" in the modifiers of the volume3D for the inside and outside texturing :)

You find here my modest research (http://www.renderosity.com/homepage.ez?Who=Frenchy%5FPilou&ViewArticle=2394) about Alpha texture uses and repeat texture H&V :)
Pilou

[Jaycephus]

Excellent :tu:

A little inset showing the "fish-shape alpha mask" or the globe-texture creation in process would probably help newbies understand better.

EDIT:

Great additions :tu:

[juandel]

great technique - those scallop-items are magic - extremely beautiful! i bet the sea gypsies (http://www.offtherails.com/chaoleh.html) would love them!

- juandel

[Flycatcher]

Not just for newbies... some nice little piscine variations here. Thanks. :tu:

[PusGhetty]

Great technique and tutorial Boozy! I made the leaves in this image(check the link)the same way!
Cheshire Slug (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005910&p=)
I dig those scallops especially!
Michael

[richardsan]

very nice use of transparency masks
where'd you get that fish?
it looks like an antique brass 'thing'

[Mik]

Really cool, i'll be off now to try it out. :)
:tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

[SpaceMan]

Really :cool: work ;)

[boozy floozie]

Ah February 04 2003 it's all coming back to haunt me now. :)

What a lovely tutorial :)

[Frenchy Pilou]

What a lovely tut indeed !
All Zbrush tricky trick are inside :cool:
An Auto reflexive congrats is one thing that I not again seen :)
Pilou fan of Boozzy