Head Model for the excited + Questions

[Kircho]

Hello Everyone,
This new version is amazing in so many ways , that at times I just sit and wonder at the possibilites.
Firstly I wanted presented to you a low poly head model created entirly within zbrush , with z-spheres, please feel free to use it as you wish. The reason I posted it , was to try and emphasise the importance of form when creating your models.zip (http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/uploaded_from_zbc/200404/user_file-1081113410wmx.zip)....its seems to be a trend to over dvide and detail your rather then take time and think through the shape and structure(not eveyone! :)).....this does'nt have to be done through low poly modelling , it can be done at the high poly stage as examplified by AW.

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/uploaded_from_zbc/200404/user_image-1081115261plv.jpg

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/uploaded_from_zbc/200404/user_image-1081117472ssb.jpg
Note: I turned on - Minimal skin to child - Set intersection resolution to zero - and played with the membrane curviture to reach a satisfactory result.I did not chance the resolution of the z-spheres..I add edge loops as I go along.

Secondly I wondered if I could just pose some questions to those who are experienced with zb2...
- Is it possible to select(mask) individual polygons / points. In zb1.55 you could select individual polies but you were forced to zoom up on the polygon and drag from corner to corner...is there a better way to do this in zbrush 2?

- Due to the new visibility tools the previous question becomes very important. Is it possible to define out own sets on the models by first select the polygons ?

- Lastly the new edge loop features are fantastic. The only problem I have is that when I'm working with a multi resoltuion model and want to define an an edge loop on any level higher then the base, I'm asked to delete the history and apply the edge loop to the base model?...is there away around this...as I'd like to keep the different subdivision levles!


Thanks

Kircho

[Dan R]

Hi Kircho,

You say u did the low poly model in ZB with ZSpheres ... care to post a pic of the ZSphere tool?

Thanks,

Dan

[Junk]

could you explain the process, how many zsphere, at which resolution....

[Bonecradle]

Hey Kircho

I've had Z2 only the few days so I'm no expert yet, but from what I have learned:

To select individual polygons you need to set the 'Point selection mode' button (Ctrl-Shift-P) to Polygon mode (button off; this button is one of those on the right in the default config). Only polygons that lie completely under the dragged rectangle are then selected (see the Partial mesh visibility zscript).

To define polygroups, make the polys you want to group visible (all other invisible) and go to Tools>Polygroups>Group visible.

I don't know about the edge loops, but I'm assuming that it doesn't delete all the levels above the base level, but rather keeps the level you are currently in and makes it the new base level - is that right? I guess you just have to be careful about when to apply it.

Hope that helps - and nice one on giving away the model :tu:

[aurick]

Bonecradle, your assumption is correct. The edge loop feature must be performed at the lowest subdivision level, and its effect will then be propogated across all higher subdivision levels.

For example, if you have a 5 level mesh and wish to perform an edge loop at level 3, you must first press Tool>Geometry>Delete Lower. This will make level 3 the new level 1, and level 5 will be the new level 3. You can now perform the edge loop at level 1, and see its results on level 3.

[travart]

wow! :eek:

if this program doesn't catch on big soon there's going to be a lot of people doing things the very hard way. :D

[aurick]

Also, regarding selecting polygons: The default mode (with the Point Selection button off) is a "smart" selection system. Here's how it works:

If your drag rectangle completely encloses at least one polygon, then only polygons which are completely within the rectangle will be selected. If no polygon is completely enclosed, then it will select by points instead.

Activating the Pt. Selection button changes the behavior so that it will only select by points regardless of whether or not a polygon is completely enclosed.

Regarding masking, the easiest way to mask polygons is to first select them so that the ones you wish to mask are the only visible polygons. Next, Ctrl+click on the canvas to mask the visible polygons. Now you can Ctrl+Shift+click on the canvas to reveal the hidden polygons again without affecting the mask.

[Dan R]

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Kircho Said:

Note: I turned on - Minimal skin to child - Set intersection resolution to zero - and played with the membrane curviture to reach a satisfactory result.I did not chance the resolution of the z-spheres..I add edge loops as I go along.

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Thanks Kircho.

Dan

[Kircho]

HI again guys,
Thanks kindley to Boncradle and Aurick for their thouragh and well thought out explanations. All three questions are answered :)!

To see if I understnad everything correctly:

- To select whole polygons drag a rectangle over its four or 3 point, with the deafault selection algorithim. Other wise dragging over a point will select all its polygons members. The Point selection tool , forces the second behaviour to occur regardless of the selection....Is there any reason why this would be advatagous Aurick?

However if you create a 3d sphere the selection process behaves differently..say if you select a single point , the polygon directly south west of the point will be selected??...I figure that this is due to the abscence of Polygroups?.. As after I have converted the sphere to a "Polymesh" the previous behavour returns :)!...

Aurick - I think the workflow you recommended where the polygons are hidden first, to define the specfic portion of the mesh, and then used to form the group is much faster..thanks.

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Yes sorry Aurick :)..I was so invovled in trying to find ways to improve zbrush that I missed the obvious...thankyou

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Thanks again guys...your time is most appriciated!

Kircho

[aurick]

If the model is symmetrical and created by ZSpheres than the symmetrical parts will be assigned the same group ID therefore a simple CTRL+SHIFT click on one side will automatically select both sides.

If the mesh is imported mesh then it will be worthwhile to first assign proper symmetrical grouping to the mesh since these groups will be frequently used for showing or hiding portion of the mesh.

[Junk]

thanks Kircho for the skin settings