Curious

[DMerchen]

I am just learning about ZBrush, and trying to decide if I am ready to purchase it. What is the learning curve for this program. I know I am not going to be able to bang out pictures like pixolator or some of the other great artists I have seen. I am just looking for opinions. I have used 3D programs before(Truespace, Ray Dream, Animation Master), but after looking and playing with the demo ZBrush is by far the funnest program I have used to create. Anyway, just curious. Thanks, and awesome work!

[Kathy]

Morning DMerchen!

This is a tough question to answer, as the learning curve is a personal issue. Depends on how fast you learn, how hard you work at it etc.

BUT, If you are already familiar with the packages you named, I don't think the curve will be much different than what you found with those.

I have had ZBrush since Feb of '01. Before that I had fiddled with Blender, Bryce, and Poser. Since then ZBrush, Maya, and 3DMax. I guess I felt comfortable around August.

I think you'll enjoy the trip though. ;) :tu:

As far as the product to purchase:

The best money I ever spent on software. Bar none.

[WingedOne]

It's a tough question to answer since the learning curve seems to be different for different people. People that come from a 3D-Only background seem to have more difficulty than people that come from a 2D-only background because ZBrush behaves in a manner that they weren't expecting.

What I did was go through the manual and when it got to a specific tool, I would draw pictures using just that tool so I could figure out the behavior and techniques of using that tool. When satisfied, I would move onto the next tool and so on.

Also, I would recommend going through some of the tutorials listed in the "QuickLinks" section.

This was me when I started ZBrush for the first time:
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

But after going through the manuals and tutorials, lights started going off in my mind as I finally started to "get" it and understand how and why ZBrush behaves differently from traditional 2D and 3D art programs.

[aurick]

Most of what I'd want to say on the subject has already been said. :)

Although the learning curve may be a little steeper for those with a prior 3D background, I think that this is outweighed by the fact that ZBrush compliments other 3D programs very nicely. Not only can it produce great scenes by itself, but it can also be used to create excellent models and textures for use elsewhere.

One other note: The more fun you have with a program, the more enjoyable it tends to be overcoming the learning curve. You already said that ZBrush is the most enjoyable program that you've worked with so far. Let your heart be your guide! After all, that's where art comes from. ;)

[drjjwow]

well it reminds me a slogan and i fell that that slogan works in this situation... JUST DO IT... you wont regret it ...

[DeeVee]

I agree with all the above. If I were you, I would get it, use it, and use it often, then suddenly boom it will all click. You cannot go wrong. Plus you have a lot of members to call on for help.

[Stonecutter]

I've been using computers since 8-bit, 6805 processor, 48 K RAM days, and I remember the thrill( :rolleyes: ) of drawing a single colored line on a tv screen...
I hate : polygons-meshes-vertices...
Anything that takes away from the artistic one-to-one I have sought all those years...Along comes ZBrush, hands me an endless chunk of 'Magic Clay', which I can use to mold anything I want...It also makes my monitor vanish, and suddenly I'm working in a '3D Tank', with total freedom...

What it means to me is that I rediscover the intense enjoyment of drawing that line on the screen in 1973, but now it has become a galaxy...

Without a doubt, the best money you could ever spend on a graphics App!!!

[Ron Harris]

Dr. JJ, took the words outta my mouth.....we have had 13 year olds I believe (correct me yall if I am wrong) knocking out some great stuff here...though talent may not be measured by age...but that is still a good indicator to me that this is and has been a very user friendly program....if you study the quicklinks and run the zscripts you will pick it up in no time.....so I say go for it...and the new edition coming out will blow yer mind just in the new shadow capabilities alone from what we were shown.... :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu: :tu:

[LWTB]

I have found Zbrush to be extremely user friendly. I havent had the chance to read the manual yet, but going through scripts and tutorials and getting tons of help from others has taught me everything i know. I havent had ANY experience with other 3d apps but i love zbrush and i know you will too. My parents bought me Zbrush and i just cant stop absorbing all the info i can. I think that you wont have much of a problem learning the program. It is easy to use yet hard to master.