Newbie's 1st model - what fun!

[jim coe]

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/uploaded_from_zbc/200308/user_image-1062113094aki.jpg


Hi all. Just bought ZBrush 1.55b, to make models to use in my Adobe "Atmosphere" (beta) 3D worlds: http://wellmadewebs.com/public/atmo/atmo-main.html

This is my first attempt at solid modeling, so it's no big deal. But it does show how fast a total novice can produce something with ZBrush, Zspheres and all the great tutorials.

I'm already in love with ZBrush and have raved in the Adobe "Atmo" forum to the extent that a few more folks from there are getting very interested too.

Was simple to export the .obj file, run it through Viewpoint Scene Builder and drop the MTX file into an Atmo world (adobe partnered with Viewpoint as a way to get complex objects and terrains into Atmo worlds).

Now to learn to texture my models. What a blast this is! And what a helpful community. You guyz sure know how to make learning fun and easy.

[Stonecutter]

Nice Job, Jim... :tu:

I hope you show us the textured version as well, and this is the place, if you want input, or have some questions... :cool:

Welcome Aboard!

[jim coe]

Any input would be great, the more critique the better for my education, lol.

Beside the 3 eyes looking like a football helmet, the main problem to my mind is the weird way Zspheres seem to behave on flat planes like the wings.

Guess a 3DPlane, with a good texture, would make better wings? So there's a question:
1. How do i attach a 3DPlane in place of the Zsphere winge?

2. And how to shape the edges? Make a fly wing alpha?

3. Any tutes on managing and joining separate meshes? Guess it's time to learn "markers"?

Another problem i had was when selecting and scaling up 1 Zsphere, sometimes the whole model seemed to expand. This had no effect on the mesh, but made the Zsphere view look like balloons. Any ideas on what i might have done wrong in scaling?

Think i'll start from scratch and have another run at it, lol. That should be very instructive.

[Stonecutter]

You should check out 'Attractor' spheres Jim...In the 'Quicklinks' you can find out about them...They allow you to shape the mesh in a very controlled fashion...Here's a little example...

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/uploaded_from_zbc/200308/user_image-1062119042xqz.jpg

For further info, check those Quicklinks!
:cool:

Also a good tip is to constantly peview your 'skin' moving ZSpheres very slightly each time...After a bit of experimentation you'll find it much easier to produce an orderly, clean skin...If they overlap, you get creases, and messy areas that can be adjusted out of the skin with careful, small movements...I have examples of one mesh, manipulated this way, and I'll post a link here shortly...
:cool:

Here's a thread where I explored the ZSphere tools, and skinning...(From WAY back when...
;) )
http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007683

Hope this gives you something to work with...

[jim coe]

Thanks much SC - good stuff.

I followed the ZSpheres tutorial method pretty closely, so ended up doing just like your example, with adaptive skin.

Yes, had my finger hovering over the "A" key for constant comparisons between the ZSphere model and skinned.

Will get into the QuickLinks in detail - and the attractors.

ZBrush seems to have synergized ease-of-use, ease-of-power and ease-of-learning into a real 1-2-3 punch. Big fun!

[Grub]

Hi Jim Coe, sounds like you're really getting into your ZBrushing. Don't forget to download the manual if you haven't already. :tu: :tu: