Ken B
12-10-01, 06:27 PM
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1008037532fci.jpg
This isn't all Zbrush, but an example of how it was one of the tools used in a model and texture creation.
The basic shape of the dinosaur was blocked out with Metaballs or blobby objects. For those who don't know what they are, in their most basic form they are geometry spheres that "melt" together when close to one another. Some modeling packages have many blobby shapes such as Organica, the one I used here. Most 3D modeling programs have metaballs included. There are cheap and free metaball modelers out there if you just do a web search.
They are good for quickly getting a form and can be fun. The downside is difficulty in getting sharp detail and the "messy" mesh you end up with, but if you're not going to be animating, then that shouldn't be a problem.
But I wanted more control over the shape and detail so that's where I turned to ZBrush. I imported the metaball mesh and did more sculpting.
While in ZB, I used texture master to paint what was to become the bump and color maps. I had to save them out separately and could work on both at the same time, but otherwise it was pretty easy. I did set up the UV maps beforehand in the Lightwave.
Then the maps were loaded onto the mesh and rendered in Lightwave. It went quickly, and was fun! Just another example of how ZB can augment the arsenal of 3D tools we have.
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1008037633gmw.jpg
This isn't all Zbrush, but an example of how it was one of the tools used in a model and texture creation.
The basic shape of the dinosaur was blocked out with Metaballs or blobby objects. For those who don't know what they are, in their most basic form they are geometry spheres that "melt" together when close to one another. Some modeling packages have many blobby shapes such as Organica, the one I used here. Most 3D modeling programs have metaballs included. There are cheap and free metaball modelers out there if you just do a web search.
They are good for quickly getting a form and can be fun. The downside is difficulty in getting sharp detail and the "messy" mesh you end up with, but if you're not going to be animating, then that shouldn't be a problem.
But I wanted more control over the shape and detail so that's where I turned to ZBrush. I imported the metaball mesh and did more sculpting.
While in ZB, I used texture master to paint what was to become the bump and color maps. I had to save them out separately and could work on both at the same time, but otherwise it was pretty easy. I did set up the UV maps beforehand in the Lightwave.
Then the maps were loaded onto the mesh and rendered in Lightwave. It went quickly, and was fun! Just another example of how ZB can augment the arsenal of 3D tools we have.
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1008037633gmw.jpg