aurick
09-03-02, 12:22 PM
<font color=#FFa000 size=2>
Congratulations to <font color=#FFffff size=3> Nikko </font> for posting his <font color=#FFa000 size=2>1,000</font>th+ message here at ZBrushCentral!</font>
<font color=#FFffff>
<font color=#ffffff size=3> Interview With Danny Huff</font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Where do you live?</font>
In the economically depressed midwest, namely, Akron, Ohio
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you do for work?</font>
I've been unable to find even a half-way decent job around here, so I enrolled into College, and my favorite course so far is 3DS Max I. I'm hoping to introduce the wonders of Zbrush to the class.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you do for fun? (besides ZBrushing ;))</font>
I play music, listen to it while driving, REALLY enjoy all kinds of movies but especially those with lots of special effects, and spend time with my wife and two kids, my son, who is 5, and my daugter, who is gonna be 7 in a couple months..
<font color=#c0c0c0 > How old do you tell people you are?</font>
42, the truth. People always think I'm younger.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What would you like to say on this momentous occasion?</font>
I would just like to thank Pixologic for creating the most innovative, clever piece of graphic software ever invented. I would also like to thank the other members of ZbrushCentral for allowing me to be a member of this
wonderfully creative family.
<font color=#ffa000 > Tell us about your work with ZBrush… </font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What first attracted you to ZBrush?</font>
I was wandering around the "Other Apps" gallery section of Renderosity, and a pic caught my eye. It was one of the "RRR" series of illustrations by some guy named "Pixelator", and he used a program called "Zbrush". I thought to
myself, "What the heck is Zbrush?" Fortunately, information is easy to find on the internet nowadays, I found the Pixologic website right away, downloaded the demo, and was HOOKED within a minute or so of installation. Most addictive software I've ever seen. Kinda like a drug you can't get out of your system, and wouldn't it you could!
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite ZBrush feature or tool? </font>
The 3DSphere, the basis of all early sculpting I did with Zbrush. It basically is a blank ball of clay, ready to be made into a masterpiece. Of course, Zspheres are awesome, and I'll do the majority of my future Z-modeling with them, but it all started with the 3DSphere. You just gotta respect the power of this program. It has the most intuitive interface I've ever used, and very much resembles using real clay, something I enjoy as well.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite thing about working with ZBrush?</font>
UNDO.... Just kidding! I love the speed with which one can realize an idea with this program.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What other software do you use, if any?</font>
3DS Max, Photoshop, Xara X(the very BEST vector illustration proggie, IMHO), Illustrator, and a whole bunch of other programs.I'm kind-of a Jack-of-all-trades, graphically. I don't know enough about website stuff, though, or Flash.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What other (non-digital) media do you work in, if any?</font>?
I also have sculpted with many different mediums, mostly different clays, have several airbrushes, am a pretty darned good comics inker, and basically love to do art in any form or with any medium.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite genre, theme, or style of artwork?</font>
My favorite is probably fantasy, but I love most all classic work. I absolutely REFUSE to acknowledge a big red dot on a large white canvas, or a bunch of lines or colored squares, as art, though. It may be graphic design but it is NOT art!
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What are your main sources of inspiration?</font>
Movies, bad dreams, the other artists here at ZbrushCentral, trips to the Cleveland Art Museum, the list goes on and on and........
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Which artists have influenced you? (ZBrush and/or non-ZBrush)</font>
First and foremost, Michaelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci, Frank Frazetta and the earlier works of Boris Vallejo, more recently, Ofer Alon(Pixolator), Southern, LeDiscot, Ken B, Daniel Sandner, Christos, and the list of influential Zartists can go on and on and on and.....
<font color=#c0c0c0 > When you create something in ZBrush, how much do you plan in advance, and how much do you let it take shape while you create?</font>
I usually start with an idea, get disgusted when that idea isn't exactly realized, play around with it some more, and let it evolve into whatever it becomes, sometimes something totally different than the original idea. This program allows creative freedom in a way never before possible.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What are the most important elements in creating a really compelling image?
(theme, subject matter, lighting, colors, etc.)</font>
I don't know. I don't believe I've ever really created one THAT compelling.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What is/are your favorite tip(s) for ZBrush newbies? </font>
READ everything you can find. READ the manuals. READ the Quicklinks. And then READ some more. And while you are READING all this, try playing around with what you are learning. It really IS incredibly fun! I read and experimented for two solid weeks before I attempted something fairly serious with this program. There is a lot to learn about Zbrush, but the more you know, the fewer limits you'll have on your creativity. ZbrushCentral is a
GREAT place to hang out!
<font color=#ffa000 > Share with us your favorite ZBrush creation so far (Image and/or ZScript):</font>
Probably Gnarfus (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006722), something I did to please my kids. They really liked it a lot.
Also, I'm pretty happy with this Zscript, which makes using version 1.23 a LOT more productive. But it won't work with 1.51 in it's present form. Nikko's Script (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006111)
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Tell us about the process of making this ZBrush creation.</font>
It started with some Zspheres, followed up with some TextureMaster work, and one of my favorite parts was actually doing the trees. I took my digital camera to the park, found a tree with a nice bark pattern, used Photoshop to
make it a repeating tile, and imported it as a texture into Zbrush. Then I wrapped it around a simple skinned Zsphere creation, increased the tiling, and used the new SATURATION mask, did some reverse inflating, and VOILÁ!
Instant realistic tree, completely in 3D, and not JUST on the surface, but modeled and all!
<font color=#ffa000 > Share with us other facts about yourself…</font>
In the late 80's I sang lead vocals and played guitar for a few bands in the Akron/Cleveland area. I currently play bass and do backup vocals for ASHER. A few years ago I also inked most of a 3 issue mini-series, "Automaton", for Image Comics. It was well-recieved but poorly advertised and distributed.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite band, singer, or style of music?</font>
I love Dream Theater, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and the list goes on and on and on and on and.......... I like music by musicians. Singers, Bon Scott from AC/DC, Bruce Dickinson, James LaBrie from Dream Theater. My own singing voice is sort of a combination of the three.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite TV show, movie, actor or director?</font>
SG-1, Dead Zone, or Enterprise, currently. Stargate is one of my very favorite movies, but more recently the Fellowship of the Ring, of course! Love Arnold's and Mel's movies, anything by Kevin Smith, all kinds of stuff, really. Also watch EyeDrops on Tech TV whenever I get the chance.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite book, magazine or author?</font>
Author, Anne McCaffrey, especially but not limited to the Dragonriders of Pern series.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite snack food?</font>
******* Jacks or Violet Crumbles, an Australian candy bar that makes my eyes roll back into my head, they're so good!.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's a good motto to live by?</font>
If you're going to do something, do it well or don't bother with it at all.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite thing about participating in ZBrushCentral?</font>
The sense of family and the chance to communicate with some truly gifted artists.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > From WingedOne: What ZBrushCentral tutorial/tip has helped you the most?</font>
Recently, a tip to resize the Zbrush window, so the right side menus work as flawlessly as the left.
<font color=#ffa000 > Finally, write a question we haven't asked. The next 1,000th-message poster will be asked this question…</font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What programs would you use to express your creativity, if Zbrush hadn't been invented?</font>
My answer is: I would have to use at least two or three other applications, at least, to replace the capabilities Zbrush gives me. Photoshop for bitmap, Xara for vector, and either 3DS Max or Maya for the 3D aspect of my
illustrations.
:b3:We would like to thank Nikko for his contribution to the ZBrush community and for taking the time to answer the above questions. To signify 1,000 messages, the dots beneath his name (each represents 100 posts) have been replaced with a star.
<font color=#FFa000 size=4>Congratulations <font color=#FFffff size=4> Nikko </font>, and welcome to the 1,000 posts club!</font>
We'd like to express our gratitude to you all in helping to make ZBC such a fun place to share techniques and ideas.
The Pixologic Team
</font>
:b3:Previous 1000th posts members: Rhom (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006013) :b1: Mentat7 (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005588) :b1: Filament9 (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005226) :b1: Ron Harris (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=004152) :b1: EZ (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003853) :b1: Deevee (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003667) :b1: Muvlo (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003619) :b1: Stonecutter (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003407) :b1:Robotalk (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003382) :b1:Aurick (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003132) :b1:Dr.JJWow (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003101) :b1:Juandel (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002396) :b1:Kathy (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002375) :b1:Digits (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001893) :b1: WingedOne (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007181) :b1: DM (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007674)
Congratulations to <font color=#FFffff size=3> Nikko </font> for posting his <font color=#FFa000 size=2>1,000</font>th+ message here at ZBrushCentral!</font>
<font color=#FFffff>
<font color=#ffffff size=3> Interview With Danny Huff</font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Where do you live?</font>
In the economically depressed midwest, namely, Akron, Ohio
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you do for work?</font>
I've been unable to find even a half-way decent job around here, so I enrolled into College, and my favorite course so far is 3DS Max I. I'm hoping to introduce the wonders of Zbrush to the class.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you do for fun? (besides ZBrushing ;))</font>
I play music, listen to it while driving, REALLY enjoy all kinds of movies but especially those with lots of special effects, and spend time with my wife and two kids, my son, who is 5, and my daugter, who is gonna be 7 in a couple months..
<font color=#c0c0c0 > How old do you tell people you are?</font>
42, the truth. People always think I'm younger.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What would you like to say on this momentous occasion?</font>
I would just like to thank Pixologic for creating the most innovative, clever piece of graphic software ever invented. I would also like to thank the other members of ZbrushCentral for allowing me to be a member of this
wonderfully creative family.
<font color=#ffa000 > Tell us about your work with ZBrush… </font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What first attracted you to ZBrush?</font>
I was wandering around the "Other Apps" gallery section of Renderosity, and a pic caught my eye. It was one of the "RRR" series of illustrations by some guy named "Pixelator", and he used a program called "Zbrush". I thought to
myself, "What the heck is Zbrush?" Fortunately, information is easy to find on the internet nowadays, I found the Pixologic website right away, downloaded the demo, and was HOOKED within a minute or so of installation. Most addictive software I've ever seen. Kinda like a drug you can't get out of your system, and wouldn't it you could!
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite ZBrush feature or tool? </font>
The 3DSphere, the basis of all early sculpting I did with Zbrush. It basically is a blank ball of clay, ready to be made into a masterpiece. Of course, Zspheres are awesome, and I'll do the majority of my future Z-modeling with them, but it all started with the 3DSphere. You just gotta respect the power of this program. It has the most intuitive interface I've ever used, and very much resembles using real clay, something I enjoy as well.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite thing about working with ZBrush?</font>
UNDO.... Just kidding! I love the speed with which one can realize an idea with this program.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What other software do you use, if any?</font>
3DS Max, Photoshop, Xara X(the very BEST vector illustration proggie, IMHO), Illustrator, and a whole bunch of other programs.I'm kind-of a Jack-of-all-trades, graphically. I don't know enough about website stuff, though, or Flash.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What other (non-digital) media do you work in, if any?</font>?
I also have sculpted with many different mediums, mostly different clays, have several airbrushes, am a pretty darned good comics inker, and basically love to do art in any form or with any medium.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite genre, theme, or style of artwork?</font>
My favorite is probably fantasy, but I love most all classic work. I absolutely REFUSE to acknowledge a big red dot on a large white canvas, or a bunch of lines or colored squares, as art, though. It may be graphic design but it is NOT art!
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What are your main sources of inspiration?</font>
Movies, bad dreams, the other artists here at ZbrushCentral, trips to the Cleveland Art Museum, the list goes on and on and........
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Which artists have influenced you? (ZBrush and/or non-ZBrush)</font>
First and foremost, Michaelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci, Frank Frazetta and the earlier works of Boris Vallejo, more recently, Ofer Alon(Pixolator), Southern, LeDiscot, Ken B, Daniel Sandner, Christos, and the list of influential Zartists can go on and on and on and.....
<font color=#c0c0c0 > When you create something in ZBrush, how much do you plan in advance, and how much do you let it take shape while you create?</font>
I usually start with an idea, get disgusted when that idea isn't exactly realized, play around with it some more, and let it evolve into whatever it becomes, sometimes something totally different than the original idea. This program allows creative freedom in a way never before possible.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What are the most important elements in creating a really compelling image?
(theme, subject matter, lighting, colors, etc.)</font>
I don't know. I don't believe I've ever really created one THAT compelling.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What is/are your favorite tip(s) for ZBrush newbies? </font>
READ everything you can find. READ the manuals. READ the Quicklinks. And then READ some more. And while you are READING all this, try playing around with what you are learning. It really IS incredibly fun! I read and experimented for two solid weeks before I attempted something fairly serious with this program. There is a lot to learn about Zbrush, but the more you know, the fewer limits you'll have on your creativity. ZbrushCentral is a
GREAT place to hang out!
<font color=#ffa000 > Share with us your favorite ZBrush creation so far (Image and/or ZScript):</font>
Probably Gnarfus (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006722), something I did to please my kids. They really liked it a lot.
Also, I'm pretty happy with this Zscript, which makes using version 1.23 a LOT more productive. But it won't work with 1.51 in it's present form. Nikko's Script (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006111)
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Tell us about the process of making this ZBrush creation.</font>
It started with some Zspheres, followed up with some TextureMaster work, and one of my favorite parts was actually doing the trees. I took my digital camera to the park, found a tree with a nice bark pattern, used Photoshop to
make it a repeating tile, and imported it as a texture into Zbrush. Then I wrapped it around a simple skinned Zsphere creation, increased the tiling, and used the new SATURATION mask, did some reverse inflating, and VOILÁ!
Instant realistic tree, completely in 3D, and not JUST on the surface, but modeled and all!
<font color=#ffa000 > Share with us other facts about yourself…</font>
In the late 80's I sang lead vocals and played guitar for a few bands in the Akron/Cleveland area. I currently play bass and do backup vocals for ASHER. A few years ago I also inked most of a 3 issue mini-series, "Automaton", for Image Comics. It was well-recieved but poorly advertised and distributed.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite band, singer, or style of music?</font>
I love Dream Theater, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and the list goes on and on and on and on and.......... I like music by musicians. Singers, Bon Scott from AC/DC, Bruce Dickinson, James LaBrie from Dream Theater. My own singing voice is sort of a combination of the three.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite TV show, movie, actor or director?</font>
SG-1, Dead Zone, or Enterprise, currently. Stargate is one of my very favorite movies, but more recently the Fellowship of the Ring, of course! Love Arnold's and Mel's movies, anything by Kevin Smith, all kinds of stuff, really. Also watch EyeDrops on Tech TV whenever I get the chance.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite book, magazine or author?</font>
Author, Anne McCaffrey, especially but not limited to the Dragonriders of Pern series.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite snack food?</font>
******* Jacks or Violet Crumbles, an Australian candy bar that makes my eyes roll back into my head, they're so good!.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's a good motto to live by?</font>
If you're going to do something, do it well or don't bother with it at all.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What's your favorite thing about participating in ZBrushCentral?</font>
The sense of family and the chance to communicate with some truly gifted artists.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > From WingedOne: What ZBrushCentral tutorial/tip has helped you the most?</font>
Recently, a tip to resize the Zbrush window, so the right side menus work as flawlessly as the left.
<font color=#ffa000 > Finally, write a question we haven't asked. The next 1,000th-message poster will be asked this question…</font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What programs would you use to express your creativity, if Zbrush hadn't been invented?</font>
My answer is: I would have to use at least two or three other applications, at least, to replace the capabilities Zbrush gives me. Photoshop for bitmap, Xara for vector, and either 3DS Max or Maya for the 3D aspect of my
illustrations.
:b3:We would like to thank Nikko for his contribution to the ZBrush community and for taking the time to answer the above questions. To signify 1,000 messages, the dots beneath his name (each represents 100 posts) have been replaced with a star.
<font color=#FFa000 size=4>Congratulations <font color=#FFffff size=4> Nikko </font>, and welcome to the 1,000 posts club!</font>
We'd like to express our gratitude to you all in helping to make ZBC such a fun place to share techniques and ideas.
The Pixologic Team
</font>
:b3:Previous 1000th posts members: Rhom (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006013) :b1: Mentat7 (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005588) :b1: Filament9 (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005226) :b1: Ron Harris (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=004152) :b1: EZ (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003853) :b1: Deevee (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003667) :b1: Muvlo (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003619) :b1: Stonecutter (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003407) :b1:Robotalk (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003382) :b1:Aurick (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003132) :b1:Dr.JJWow (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003101) :b1:Juandel (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002396) :b1:Kathy (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002375) :b1:Digits (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001893) :b1: WingedOne (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007181) :b1: DM (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007674)