Quick Z tips

[Kaz]

I was going to post 10, but I think I will start with 1. I will add more to this thread from time to time. Anyone is free to add to it as well...

:b4: Organize your materials

It was an eye-opener to me when I discovered that materials are "Live" Meaning, you can modify them and you see the effects in your document. This seems to be common knowlege now, but it was something I missed that changed the way I work.

Another intersting fact is that materials are relative to the "slot" or "register" they are located in on the materials palette. So, if you needed to change the material of an object you already droped on the canvas, you can load the new material into that slot (I think Material Pack (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003203) allows you to copy and paste from one slot to another...COOL!). All objects placed with that material will be changed to the new one. Which brings me to:

Use a different material (Slot) for each object you place. You can then experiment with materials without having to place new objects...

[wenna]

Thanks kaz for the tips and this is a good idea..
I still get caught with that one, all of sudden all my materials changed to the same one. Took me forever to get it thru my head to use a different one for each object! :D

[Kaz]

:b4: Markers

Use them markers. They are useful for many things. Here is one example:

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1031672269muu.jpg

I placed a marker after placing the first object. I used that marker to place all the other objects I attached to the space station. It orients the objects perfectly so everything lines up...

[Kaz]

:b4: Save and Experiment

Don't be afraid to try new things. Have not pushed that button yet? Go ahead, try it out. Just make sure you save first. Undo is great, of course. But sometimes one experiment turns into another, and if it goes astray, you might want to just go back...

[Jaycephus]

Just wanted to let you know that these tips are appreciated. :tu:

[DeeVee]

Thanks Kaz, You know I experiment maybe too much. It is nice to be encouraged to do it though. :tu: :tu: :tu:

[Kaz]

:b4: Lighting

Experiment with lighting and shadows. It can make a big difference:
before render:
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032234448udw.jpg

Best render, soft shadows:
http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1032234466rmy.jpg

[Northstarr]

Hmmm, I especaially like the example and tip on shadows. I haven't had much luck with them yet. Have to experiment some more -
:D :D :D

[Kaz]

:b4: Undos

Paint in smaller strokes when possible. I was following Pix's Auto Depth Masking (http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=000082) tutorial and was trying to paint the details. I would make a mistake, hit undo and lose everything, because it was all one stroke. Smaller strokes when you can, so your undos won't undo too much...