Some Production Insights

[Adman]

Remember something I did a long time ago? Something called, "My Favorite Tool" (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000413)? It's been a while, and I apologize, but here's some images from the creation process:

http://www.rendermind.com/zbrush/images/portrait_tools.jpg
http://www.rendermind.com/zbrush/images/3steps.jpg
http://www.rendermind.com/zbrush/images/detail_100.jpg

Instead of a long-winded explanation (because I can be), I'd be happy to answer any questions!

thanks,
Adman

[CDEdwards]

:eek: Wow! That close up is amazing. Everything down to the slight freckle-like discoloration in the skin texture. Very nice.

What is your method for creating wrinkles in the sleeves? They look very realistic.

The cool thing I'm seeing, is that even though you didn't create some objects in ZBrush, those objects could be created in ZBrush. The mouse looks rather simple to build. Also, I think in the ZAcademy, I remember a tutorial for creating a collar similar to the one you have here, if you hadn't stated otherwise, I could've sworn it was done in ZBrush. And now after seeing Martin's Handmade Hands? (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000735) post I think that hands could be created in ZBrush, though I think they are more difficult than the mouse and the collar to create. I'm just curious as to why you didn't import the background into ZBrush as a layer fill, or on a 3D plane and then render?

[Kruzr]

'Morning Adman . . . Great looking objects! ;)

I was looking ( with amazement ) at the different objects used to create your final image, in your statement you say that none of the objects were created in ZBrush, but in a program called "Studio Pro". Is that "3D Studio Pro"? Is it easier to model in "Studio Pro", than in "ZBrush"? :confused:

How about the painting of the objects, was that done in ZBrush? :confused:

The only other question I have is, what exactly did you use "ZBrush" for, other than the rendering? This is not meant to be a sarcastic probe, but merely a curiosity question? "Please do not be offended by my interest in the process of your creation." ;)

Thanks in advance & have a good one :cool: Mark.

[Adman]

Hi CD...

Actually the mouse that's pictured with the tools and in the original render was created in ZBrush from a sphere. It wasn't until after the image was "completed" that I decided I wanted a more techy mouse. So I used my other software package (StudioPro), for speed's sake, only. I duplicated the lighting set-up, rendered it and pasted it into Photoshop on a new layer.

Yup, I could've modeled the hands in ZBrush. But, I think I might still be modeling those hands, to get them to the quality I liked. Still, I look forward to the modeling challenge of using ZBrush for hands. Martin's Handmade Hands was excellent. (how many times did I say hands?)

If you know where that tutorial is for creating the collar entirely in ZBrush, I'd love to see it! :D :D I prefer the native model quality in ZBrush to imported ones.

As far as the clothing wrinkles, the only answer I have is, "observation." I looked at my sleeves, at photos in catalogues, checked out my art books, etc.

The background image? I guess it's just a matter of speed and comfort level. I wanted an effect I wasn't getting in ZBrush using a 3d plane. The way ZBrush casts shadows (especially without the benefit of perspective) is a little different than what I'm used to. Not to say that it can't be done. I also wanted to work on different possiblities with the background with the already rendered foreground in place. ZBrush's memory requirements (understandibly), on my machine, are far greater that Photoshop's.

I told you I was long winded. :)

thanks,
Adman

[Adman]

Kruzr,

Oops sorry, the explanation on the tool image is hard to read. I created 'all models' in ZBrush except for the hands, mouse cord and original shape of the collar. The collar was extruded in Strata StudioPro 2.5.3 and exported as a DXF model. I then used ZBrush to bend, warp and reshape it to fit around my neck. The final mouse was recreated in StudioPro and composited in Photoshop.

StudioPro has nothing on ZBrush when it comes to modeling organic shapes. I would have never dreamed of creating such an image before ZBrush came to the rescue.

Everything was positioned, textured, painted and rendered in ZBrush, except of course the final postwork I mentioned above.

Thanks for asking! This quazi-tutorial thing is new to me, so I'm bound to mess up my explanations.

Adman

[CDEdwards]

Thanks for the info Adman. :) If you have the ZAcademy Compilation (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000243), you should be able to search for "clown" and find it. The tutorial isn't for a fancy one like yours, but I think with a few modifications, it could be used to create a similar one. :)

[Kruzr]

Hi again Adman . . . Thanks for the reply. :)

After reading you reply, I went back & re-read the text in the first box. I now understand what it says! I apologize for misunderstanding your statement. :( Sometimes I think the older I get - the older I get??? :o

Anyway, I couldn't understand why the objects looked so much like ZBrush object creations, if they were created in another program? But as I said earlier, NOW I UNDERSTAND! :p

Thanks again for setting me straight, & have a good one . . . :cool: Mark.

PS: ( I'm going to make an appointment with my ophthalmologist real soon & get my eyes checked! ) :D

[upham]

Great Post ADman! No questions here, just wanted to sing your praises on posting
a breakdown of this picture so that everyone can see the process of making a
masterpiece!

Upham :tu:

[juandel]

WOW! that is like getting the chance to ask Mijnheer Vermeer how he managed to paint his wonderful interiors! :D

the question that pops up in my mind is once more: lighting set up... would you please describe the settings in your wonderful .zbr final render and what was exactly done in photoshop? it occurs to me that it might be more simple than i am thinking but i just love the way you melted the effects of the 2 programs!

TIA :)

- juandel

[Nikko]

Outstanding, Adman! Thank you for sharing this info, giving a little more understanding of how you created that masterpiece. :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool:

[william]

Hi adman,

Thanks for the insight.

[Adman]

Hello all,

I very glad that this thread can be of some help. Honestly though, for me it's all trial and error. It pays to be patient.

CDEdwards, thanks for the clown tip. I've got the compilation and will give it another look.

Juandel, here's some screen shots of my lighting set-up. You can see where the slider bars are to get an idea on the numbers used for the settings:

http://www.rendermind.com/zbrush/images/4lights.gif

Soooo much to say about lighting. I need to put something together with my thoughts on that subject and pick some of your brains. I'll get back to you in a new thread.

thanks,
Adman

[juandel]

once more i was definitely wrong: it is far more complicated than i thought :D but your screenshots already shed a lot of light into the dark lil chamber up there. whooah! can’t wait for the new thread! :D thank you so much!

- juandel