pinocchio's style alphas

[marcel]

Hello everybody!!!hope you have a good week end!I send few pictures, mostly based on the make 3d from alphas. Unfortunely, this function does'not allow real straight , sharp edges... It's a pity, in fact, in Jurrassic time, when using 123b, there is 3 month, there was a "wish list"; well , my wishes, now, are: eternal life, spatial travel, and sharp edges form from alphas, in any order!... http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032642676mng.jpg

[marcel]

in this pict, about everything is done with alphas: the window is just draw, and 3d transform in 25 depth ,the wood patterns, on the side, are the same:it's just one, mirrored, draw in white on black, theb edited in 3d...I'm going to mail an another picture, wher it would be more evident...

[Bruce Gregory]

Marcel:

Really nice characters and glazed pottery effect. Quite Disneyesque. I see you emulate the great masterworks.

Bruce Gregory

[KenH]

Lovely! Yes I'd like to see exactly how you produce those alpha products.

[Mahlikus The Black]

I am with KenH on his..a walkthrough would be pretty cool... :D (even though I don't av 1.5..I am REALLY curious to see this 3D from alpha...sounds awesome!

[Northstarr]

Well sharp edges or not this is a really good piece of work. I like it - it's cute!

:)

[Stonecutter]

I believe you'll find that if you don't antialias the alpha image, you will have sharp edges...Aurick explained this on a thread in the past couple of days...The 'blurring' caused by the antialiased pixels is gone if you don't antialias, and if you want you can do this in ZBrush or in an outside graphics program...A pure black on white Alpha will definitely be hard-edged... ;)

[Mahlikus The Black]

Way to go S/C!
I love your nuggets of helpful info!
:tu: :D

[marcel]

:) stonecutter, thank you for your help, but i 'm not sure, with this story of sharp edge:I JOin a pict of a very sharp mechanical drawing, and the result at 256 resolution... It,s round shaped... Don't misundersatand, it's a wonderful function, of course!oh, and if possible: i have a very basic question: i have seen that texture size change when working:how do you "fix" the size? Thank you for help!!! http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032649442boc.jpg

[Stonecutter]

First, you do GREAT work, Marcel! :tu:

I don't think this is the answer but you can resize your texture inside the TEXTURE pallette...I mostly paint texture myself, and in fact prefer painting to using materials, so I'm not the best guy to ask...

And I've written Aurick to see if he can help with sharp-edged Alphas here...So maybe we will both get some valuable tips here from others who might know more than either of us... :D

[Pixolator]

<a name="sharpedge">Hi :)
marcel: Excellent image :)
The ?wish list? is not gone, it is temporarily hidden and it will return in the future. We have evaluated and will continue to evaluate these wishes as we add features to ZBrush.

With the next ZBrush update you will be able to use similar alphas and get sharp edges.
Here is an example of a simple alpha and its 3D skin...
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032690442crq.jpg http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032690457eka.jpg


...and a more detailed alpha and its 3D skin...
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032690424kmx.jpg http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032694083hgk.jpg



...'cubical' skinning is not limited to alpha skins, it can also be used with any 3D object...

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032745725izq.jpg

Hope this helps :)
-Pixolator

[JimMcKnew]

:) :) Whohee!! :} Jim

[juandel]

right, Jim: i might even add whooooooooah! what great teasers, Pixolator!

and marcel: merci beaucoup for those fantastico alphaskinned beauties you uploaded recently - i part. love the ornaments and that chair (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=008266) - excellento :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

- juandel

[KenH]

Thud! *dropping jaw sound*

[Felderin]

Wow! That looks very similar to the sort of stuff that you can do in Bryce with heightmapped terrains. Very cool.

[WingedOne]

Whoa!

Lego Frog! :D

Sounds like a neat feature. Looks like it would be useful for doing some architectural type stuff.

[Flycatcher]

Teasers for the next release already! Sounds excellent for mechanical and technical stuff as well as architecture as already pointed out. :tu: :)

[DeeVee]

Thanks Pix, something great to look forward to. Excellent :cool: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :cool:

[Ron Harris]

great teaser....I can see temples, gargoyles, aquaducts etc in the future for the cube skinner...my little wheel is a spinnin

[JOHNVQ3]

:) Really something to be anxious about on these alpha upgrades,These are nice little tutorials you put out marcel, I put together this table using the make3d alpha and there's just so many things you can do with this technique :tu: :tu: :tu: http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032713372xhf.jpg

[Belleski]

I almosted fainted when I saw the sneak preview of the sharpened alpha 3D tools that Pix posted. The possibilities this presents are overwhelming. That would be a great enhancement. Thanks Pix!!! :eek: :eek:

[Slosh]

As they say, "Ask and ye shall receive" Looks like another fun toy to spend way too much time playing with. LOL!

[Mentat7]

Thanks Pix!! This looks like the alpha skinning has an adaptive skinning option now?? Oh the wheels and cogs in me noggin are going at light speed! I can think of a million things to apply this to right now!!!!

[Kaz]

I realy like the stuff you put out marcel. Great work!

Though you will not get all the sharp edges you want, you can try this:

Create your 3D alpha, then go to the Deform palette and resize on the Z -100. Then Inflate on the Z +100. Then smooth 100.

Of course, uzing a ZDepth of 1 and then Deform>Inflate Z+100 will give similar results....Just dont Optimize...

Again, it's not quite what you were looking for, but it might work out for something.

kaz

P.S. Oh, and if you really want to get the top and bottom surfaces flat, rotate 90 on the Y axis and use Flatten on the X to plane off a bit..

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032719977spv.jpg

[Mahlikus The Black]

WOW... :eek:
*bows before Pix!*
OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

This program Kicks butt every single time!

[Houdini]

MAN, I LOVE THIS!!!!!!

You´re a real Master, a real Zedi!!! :)

[Stonecutter]

Great news Pix, and Kaz I had totally forgotten the 'Flatten' option you demonstrate so ably... :rolleyes: :tu: :tu: :tu: :cool:

[dognose]

Wonderful, both Marcels work and the teaser about "cubical" skinning! :tu:

[Pat]

Totally incredible Pixolator!

[Nikko]

Great stuff, Marcel!

And who ISN'T DROOLING over the next version of Zbrush already? :) :) :)

[Mahlikus The Black]

You kidding?!?!
I start thinking about 2 and up and I almost pass out...THOUGH I have tons of suggestions as to what might be cool to add..Where do I post it?? :(

And no doubt marcel..you have a unique handle on ZBrush! Really nice stuff.

[hitch]

wow you images are so rich and your characters convey alot of emotion

[Mik]

Very impressed with all your images and techniques to date Marcel, excellent work.

Love the Lego frog Pixolator!

:tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :)

[Lobo69]

Pleeeze tell me that "update" you mentioned will be 1.52

;) :qu:

Lobo

[Viral Blue Box]

Pix,

Those are amazing images! I can't believe that soon soon after v1.5 I'm sat here looking forward to the next upgrade! Can you tell us when this upgrade might be available?

[Antimorph]

I'd like to say the wait was killing me too, but it'd be a lie.... after falling in love with zbrush my significant other put her foot down and said I could only buy a graphics tablet if I quit smoking. :)

8 years at 20-40-lost count ciggies a day to zero for the last 3 weeks and happy about it, and all thanks to Z! Nice one pixologic, I'm not sure what your selling here, but it feels.. well.. almost therapeutic. Nobody who has gazed in wonder whilst doing "The Abyss" with the snake hook brush can deny it. lol. Keep it up, That glimpse at cubic mapping just rocks my world.

Off I pop then.

And an wonderful image marcel, I laughed like a drain at your comment too :)

[banez]

hey Pixolator if you need a Beta Tester for your next update i do have a Private Message forum Boxs but dont use my e.mail im up to over 200 spams mails a day i might axlidently delete it.
i Love how you Took the Default Texture Txtr 13 and Made it Alpha :tu:

[Pixolator]

Hi :)
JOHNVQ3: That’s a cool image :)
Mahlikus The Black: The wish list will be returning in the future.
Lobo69: Yes, it will be included in the next update.
EZ: The previous image was not Txtr13, the following image is Txtr13...

...the alpha...
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032846745xup.jpg

...the 3D skin...
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032846329zof.jpg



...a test with material and global perspective...
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032850811pik.jpg

Thanks :)
-Pixolator

[TVeyes]

Ooooh, that would look sweet with some vegetation painted on, a couple of windows, some flags flowing in the breeze and of course... a couple hundred people in the streets.

Marcel: Wonderfull image. Great expressions on the vases. Did you use any depth of field in the render? I'm having trouble getting extreme focus/blur with 1.5, with 1.23 it was no problem. Any idea?

[WingedOne]

TVEyes. I noticed this as well, however, I found you can intensify your focal blur effects by adjusting the blur and size amounts in the anti-aliasing menu of the render pallette. This is the same technique I used to get the intense focal blur in my Royal Guard of the Queen image.

[Mahlikus The Black]

Pix,
That last alpha/model is amazing!
One question, I am sure you are familiar with the process Bryce uses for its terrain gen. Is it possible to make the same effect with the proper alpha?
Like..ahh..can it make something with...oh..I don't know...this...
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032876622hdz.jpg
..hehehe! That would be kicking!
Now I know I can take a 3D plain and apply the alpha and use deformers to offset or inflate...but isnt this different?
Thanks!
;)

[Antimorph]

Any option to distribute each layer to a seperate tool? To help people cutting out (frogs, santa claus and other wonderful things) from sheets of polystyrene :) Theres probably a decoration business right there, so cool its bonkers.

[banez]

i know its alpha but it looks like the Texture Txtr 13 THEN Turned into alpha thats what i ment...
but anyways that looks SweeeeeeeeeeeeT :tu:
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032878326ear.jpg

[JimMcKnew]

I want it NOW! <g> :} Jim

[Mahlikus The Black]

I want it period! :(
Looks like I am going to have to sell myself to the night..hehe ;)

[Frenchy Pilou]

Hi Mahlikus
You have exactly the same in Zbrush than in Bryce :)
I you open the modifier draw tool clic on the - or + in the preview screen and the model start to turn :)
Pilou

[Mahlikus The Black]

Yeah I know..cool stuff hu?
Problem is... :( ...I have the demo..I can't load alphas *pout*

[Belleski]

Pix...that texture generated maze looks...well...AMAZING! Question:
When I tried to obtain a permanent serial number for my ZB1.51, I got an email saying that another upgrade was coming in about a monthes time and to wait until then. Is this the upgrade that is to come soon? If so...I am rubbing my hands with glee and doing the 'touchdown' dance...because that would be so DIVINE! :cool: :eek: :eek:

[Bruce Gregory]

Pixolator:

Having seen these wonderful new talents that ZBrush will soon possess, I was wondering if you will also be giving us the means for generating the near perfect "alphas" that you used to create these "cubic" skins. What I really am asking, is whether there will be any kind of "grid" feature and a line that constrains to at least 90 degree increments. Without these things we still must rely on 3rd party software to create such alphas. It sure would be nice to do it all in ZBrush.

sincerely,
Bruce, Gregory

[Slosh]

This is so exciting! We just got 1.5 and we still have more to look forward to. Can you see this feature used to create labyrinths, ancient cities, space ships, etc? I am so glad I bought 1.23b back in March. It's the best money I've spent in a very long time.

[Mahlikus The Black]

OOOH a grid/guide system with grid/guide and obj snapping That would be sweet! :tu: ...An individual poly selection type of tool would be wicked cool! Vector based alphas is what I think Bruce is talking about. I have too many ideas...I had better stop now before I pass out again. ~feeling faint~ http://forums.winamp.com/images/smilies/igore.gif

[Zoid]

Hey Bruce,

I made the alpha for the image below with the simplebrush and square alpha with the dragrectangle stroke. Use Flatcolor material and rgb set at 100%. Compared to doing this in Photoshop it's about 100 times faster.
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032897729hal.jpg

Pixolator, is there no end to your great ideas? You have us on the square edges of our seats with this stuff :cool: My version of 1.51 is due to run out on Thursday, so I guess we get this tomorrow :qu: ;) :D

[Mahlikus The Black]

Wait a minute! What do you mean 1.51 running out. Isn't it if you own it..then there are no worries. I don't get whats going on? *very confused*

[WingedOne]

Ordinarily after installing ZBrush you get a temporary serial number in your folder that lasts 30 days and you send in your registration info to get your permanent serial number. However, with ZBrush 1.51 Pixolator said that a bonus update would be out before the temporary serial number runs out so we wouldn't have to get permanent serial numbers for version 1.51.

[Mahlikus The Black]

OOOOOOOOOooooohhhhhhhhh
I thought it was like an ongoing thing.
I would ask why the temp serial before the permanent one but it isn't that important.
But thanks Winged One of that enlightenment.
OOO!...OOOO!..that means a 1.5X demo soon!
*does a dance of joy*

[Bruce Gregory]

Zoid:

Duhhhhhh... he says in wonderment. It just shows to go you, most of this stuff has been going over all of our heads, it has been there all along, it just does not fit our conventional (Photoshop, Illustrator) view of things. Mostly its a simpler approach from Pixolator. I must say, that is what I enjoy most about the ZBrush way of things: Pixolator is making us use our noggins and discover new things, from a slightly different view - there are many ways to "skin" a cat (pun intended) - now maybe I'm just projecting his intentions, but it seems like there is a "learning and discovery" message buried in the software somewhere. A "Look!" and a "See...!, that's how it is".

By the way, I keep getting all you guys confused. We have a Digits who is Floyd. We have a Floyd who has a Void, and then we have Juandel who has a gallery called "Floyd's Void, I thought, and we have you, Zoid. Hard to keep track of all these "Oids". I even think there is another one out there that I failed to mention. Who the heck are you, anyway? "Square edges of our seats, indeed."

Bruce, Gregory

[Zoid]

Yes, if you want a mental workout, ZBrush is good for some noggin joggin.

I think the other 'oid youre thinking of is the Snoid
:rolleyes:

[Bruce Gregory]

Snoid:
Er, eh, Zoid:

Now wait a minute. You just produced that image and you described how you made that alpha, but how did you make that thing from it? It has square edges . . ., you don't have the "bonus upgrade", so, what goes on here? Enlighten?

Bruce, Gregory

[Zoid]

I used Pixolator's "Alpha Century" method, that is a grayscale alpha used as a selection on a 3D plane. I increased the mesh resolution to 100x100 to help get sharpness and also turned off sv and sv in the deformers panel. The offset z deformation 'pushes' the alpha into the plane and makes the shape come out. If you look close at my image it starts out sharp and then gets a little angled at the bottom. Pixolators image is sharp all throughout and seems to work in all three axis directions at the same time :cool:

[banez]

i tryed the same thing Zoid.
the more inflat the less sharp....
sv or not i can't get the HEIGHT"
with out distracting it,
increased the mesh resolution help's i tryed it but can't get the results

[dO]

Pretty good work! I see there are a few more ways to create your own charakters than forming it out of an 3d sphere.
But I think the ones with the alphas are quite hard and need to be practiced a lot.


Sorry 4 my bad english, i'm from GER

[higaran]

Hi Pixolator,

When can zbrushers expect the next update that will enable use of similar alphas to get sharp edges.


thanx

[gpepper]

Amazing ! it should be cool !

[Craig Ward]

Hello to everyone. When I use the Alpha>Make 3D function I can never get the sharp edges like in the images shown above. Could someone please explain, what is the way to get the sharp edges? I may have missed something, so, I'm gonna have a quick re-read of this thread. If this post is still here, then I've not found the answer. Thanx - now for help - then.

[Frenchy Pilou]

...put the Mesh Smooth slider to 0 (Msn) :cool:
It's on the left under the Mesh Resolution slider

[Craig Ward]

Thank you Pilou.