A newbie Struggles with modeling

[darnest]

SO I am still struggling with making my model distinct using textures and rendering. This one is better than most 121 me to death any help or ideas is appreciated. http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/uploaded_from_zbc/200308/user_image-1062108368tnw.jpg

[Stonecutter]

As far as specifics go, you would have to ask questions regarding particular things you want to work on...
The absolute BEST place to start is to run the tutorials that come with ZBrush, and in particular, to check the 'Quicklinks' at the top of the page. There is a whole section in there for new users, and since they are catagorized, you can check particular techniques...
Another thing which I think a lot of users overlook, is one technique that gives a lot of possibilities for 'tightening up' an image...
For instance, if you put your model together, without flames or exhaust, or anything else, and do a final render, you can then load your image in, making sure your document is the same size as the size you used in the original, 'Fill' the document with your image, and then, using the 2D paint tools, add those 'post processing' effects...Remember, ZBrush is a paint program, and with some of the slickest painting tools you'll ever find...

Now that we have a general comment out of the way, post some specific questions regarding what you need to know, and I and the others here, can give you some specifics!

And:


Welcome Aboard, Matey! :cool:

[darnest]

Okay so I guess my first real question is how many different shapes would you use for something like I have drawn here?? Would you use one or three or 6 (as I have here) or does it even matter?? I have gone through a lot of the tutorials, But still have so much trouble with making a model look cool yet not be so busy. Like the pixol racer or the space marine, are simply amazing to me and that type of clean picture is what I really want to make. Any suggestions on tutorials to kinda start me off in that direction would be great.

[Stonecutter]

On Jim Coe's thread here, http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=012131
I posted a simple, 'space-shippy' type of deal to show ZSphere use, and it also shows the mesh...Maybe the ZSphere/Attractor sphere route would be a good thing for you to check out...
I think ZSpheres can be used for shapes or you can modify a 'primitive' like a sphere or torus tool. It's pretty well up to you.
In the case of the pixol racer, Noba used the modified primitive approach, on a ring tool with partial coverage. It's the same as when you paint or draw...

Say you're drawing a head, and want a place to start...You draw an oval, right? It works the same in CG, although the choices are a little more difficult...

The best way to learn ZBrush is to run all the tutorials that come with the program...
Don't worry if you don't 'get it' immediately...I don't think anybody did at first, and that includes me! ;)
And the 'Quicklinks'...
In there, you will find whole threads from here, and a lot of times the people who started the threads were asking the same questions you are...They can get you up to speed a lot quicker than you might think.
Of course everybody has a different approach. For instance I NEVER use more than 3 layers on any piece I've done, including one piece I have been working on with 50 figures in it. Some people use individual layers for everything. I probably shouldn't even have brought up layers, but that's just an example topic...

Sooooo...Although that probably doesn't answer your questions, check out that thread I posted, come back here, and ask more questions. I, and the other members here, all started at the same place you are...You ask, I'll be here, and so will they.

We're ALL bozos on this bus! I have all the time in the world, I'm at my studio every day here, and my time is yours. Be patient, check things out, and we'll get you up to speed!

:cool:

[darnest]

cool I will do that tut tonite and work on some stright models and texuring them and see what i get. I will be back

[Stonecutter]

I'll be here! :cool:
Have fun, and don't stress...You'll be rockin' in no time at all!