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Congratulations to <font color=#FFffff size=3> Slosh </font> for posting his <font color=#FFa000 size=2>1,000</font>th+ message here at ZBrushCentral!</font>
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<font color=#ffffff size=3> Interview With Slosh:</font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Where do you live?</font>
St. Petersburg, Florida. It is the Neighbor City of Tampa and Clearwater on the West Coast.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you do for work?</font>
I work as an analyst for a major mutual fund distributor.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you do for fun? (besides ZBrushing ;))</font>
I enjoy spending time with my niece and nephew when I am not working; I also try to run at least 3 days a week. My other interests include collecting globes, playing on my computer, writing and other artistic endeavors.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > How old do you tell people you are?</font>
I am 32, but like to tell people I am 38, so they tell me I look so young!
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What would you like to say on this momentous occasion?</font>
I’m not worthy! 1000 posts is great, but how many of them were great posts? I hope, now that I have passed my first 1000, that the next 1000 will be inspirational, enjoyable to look at, and that they make people think.
<font color=#ffa000 > Tell us about your work with ZBrushÖ </font>
ZBrush has allowed me to do things I never would have thought possible. I find traditional media to be messy, and difficult for me to work with. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I just don’t have the patience to paint with pigments. I mess up, then scrap the project. ZBrush makes it very easy to get my visions into something I am proud to display.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What first attracted you to ZBrush?</font>
I saw a wonderful animation (by whom?) of a mouse singing to a block of cheese, then slammed with a mousetrap. I went to the artist’s site to see how he did it. He posted a link to 3d software, and ZBrush was one of the links. I saw an image of a screenshot with a cartoon horse’s face. I downloaded it immediately, and within 10 days, I bought 1.23b
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite ZBrush feature or tool? </font>
That is a really tough question, now that 1.5 has introduced ZSpheres and Alpha Skinning. I think my favorite tool is the ZSphere now, but the regular 3d Sphere still holds a big place in my heart. My favorite feature is the lighting. I love trying different lights and seeing how subtle changes can affect your picture.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite thing about working with ZBrush?</font>
Materials. You can achieve nearly any effect just by modifying your materials. I currently have about 150 that I “made” from modifying the existing materials. Every image I make usually results in at least one new material.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What other software do you use, if any?</font>
Only the Adobe PhotoDeluxe that came with my printer (for jpeg conversions and cropping/resizing). I have tried demos of Rhino (which I really love), Vue D’Esprit, Wings 3D, Poser, Bryce, etc. I’m not a big Poser fan, although I think if I had the full version, I might feel differently. My next software purchase will be Rhino.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What other (non-digital) media do you work in, if any?</font>?
I have dabbled in everything, from pen & ink, acrylics, oils, sculpture, papier-mache, clay… you name it. I once did a picture entirely with my fingerprints and an inkpad. I should scan it and share it with everyone, but I’m not sure the detail would come out well in jpeg. I also was commissioned to design and decorate a balcony on Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras 1997.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite genre, theme, or style of artwork?</font>
I like the “realistic” style of art. Still-lives, photo-realism, and such. I’m not huge on landscapes (doing them, that is. I like seeing others’ work, though). I don’t have a good fantasy imagination, so I really appreciate a good fantasy themed image.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What are your main sources of inspiration?</font>
Inspiration comes from all around me. Usually, though, it’s just something that pops into my head and suddenly I have to try to do it. I daydream a lot; so much of it comes from there. I have noticed that, since using ZBrush and getting back into art, that I look at EVERYTHING as a potential image now. I can be talking with a friend and not even hear what they are saying because I’m looking at the shape of their ears, or the color of their eyes. It annoys a lot of people, but you gotta be inspired somehow, right?
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Which artists have influenced you? (ZBrush and/or non-ZBrush)</font>
I don’t want to single out any ZBrush artists, mainly because it would be too difficult. I find that I like nearly everything, because I am in awe of what the human mind can imagine, and that there are people who have the creativity and the desire to attempt to bring those images to life. I will list 5 that come to mind, in no particular order, but I have to reiterate that I have many, many ZBrush artists that I appreciate and am influenced by. The five are Lonnie Sargent, Aaron Lewis, Kathy LaFollett, Daniel Sandner, and Olivier LeDiscot. Traditional artists, like Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Thomas Kincaid, Norman Rockwell, and others whose work is great, but whose names I cannot recall (one guy does amazing underwater sealife images, with dolphins, orca, etc. I love his stuff).
<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>
Seriously, it depends on when I get inspired. If I am at home, I usually jump right in when an idea hits me, because the computer is right there. But when I am at work, or away from home, I usually jot down a few notes so that I don’t forget what I want to do, and a sketch if I can. Extremely basic sketch of the layout, which usually changes anyway as I work.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What are the most important elements in creating a really compelling image?
(theme, subject matter, lighting, colors, etc.)</font>
I think color and lighting play the key role in the type of work I enjoy doing. Since most of my work is still life and an attempt to capture something realistic, I don’t concentrate on theme as much. I wish I had the imagination that most of the other ZBrushers have. I just don’t, unfortunately.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What do you hope to convey most in your artwork? (message, humor, esthetic balance, etc.)</font>
Esthetic balance. Points of interest. I like to put tiny details in that most would not catch unless scrutinizing. I love it when someone points out something obscure in one of my images.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What is/are your favorite tip(s) for ZBrush newbies? </font>
When first starting out, try creating single objects that are familiar to you. There is no need to create an entire scene or “masterpiece” while learning the software. It’s not plagiarism if you are simply imitating to learn, either. For example, when I did the Eeyore image.I just wanted to practice ZSpheres with something I was familiar with. In doing this, you are able to hone the techniques. Then, when you are ready to tackle something original, you will have the skills necessary to do what you envision. Also, don’t be afraid to post something that you think is bad. There are qualities in every image that we can find inspirational, and to keep that from your viewers in fear of “not being good” is to rob us of the opportunity to enjoy a piece of your soul, and it robs you of the joy of sharing something that you obviously love to do (or you would not have bothered to try in the first place).
<font color=#ffa000 > Share with us your favorite ZBrush creation so far (Image and/or ZScript):</font>
My favorite is usually the last thing I worked on. I display each finished piece on my desktop wallpaper at home and at work until the next image is done. But, for the sake of the question, I think I like my antique phone image the best. I think I was able to achieve the level of realism that I was looking for, and I learned a lot as well. I even received a few emails from people asking if they could share it with their friend and family.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > Tell us about the process of making this ZBrush creation.</font>
It started with creating the outline of the wooden base, then skinning the alpha and having a resulting block of carved wood. I then used sweep profiles to create the earpiece and mouthpiece. Everything was made with basic primitives: 3D cube, helix 3d, ring tool, ZSpheres (for the cable). I then used 2d painting to antique everything, with rust texturing, material blending. I used the highlighter brush, depth adjustments, various lighting, etc.
<font color=#ffa000 > Share with us other facts about yourselfÖ</font>
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite band, singer, or style of music?</font>
Anything but rap, heavy metal, and grunge. I love country music, pop, classical, R&B, Motown, Reggae, folk, Latin, all of it. Even some of the rap, heavy metal, and grunge, but very little of it. My favorite singer is Trisha Yearwood, hands down. My favorite group would be (I hate to admit it, but) 'N Sync. I think they have wonderful vocal abilities, when they are not catering to the teenyboppers.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite TV show, movie, actor or director?</font>
Recently, I fell in love with the American Idol series, but I like all of the reality shows, like Survivor and Fear Factor. I also love anything on the Discovery Channel, especially the space programs and the forensic programs. Sitcom would be Everybody Loves Raymond.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite book, magazine or author?</font>
John Saul is my favorite author, but Tolkein definitely is right there with him.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite snack food?</font>
Popcorn mostly, but my guilty pleasure is pepperoni and crackers.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s a good motto to live by?</font>
Take responsibility for your actions and decisions. If you have to lie about something, you shouldn’t have done it in the first place.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > What’s your favorite thing about participating in ZBrushCentral?</font>
Seeing the joy of someone when they created something they are really proud of. I like that even more than getting feedback on my own work. People get so happy when they did something, or discovered something that they did not know they were capable of. It makes you feel good. That is why it frustrates me when critics believe we are “too nice” on ZBrushCentral.
<font color=#c0c0c0 > If the members of ZBrushCentral awarded you a trophy, it would probably Be for “Best / Most _______” </font>
Now there is an ego question, if I ever heard one. You tell me.
<font color=#ffa000 >From Nikko: What programs would you use to express your creativity, if ZBrush hadn’t been invented?</font>
I would use Rhino or LightWave, something like that with nice rendering capabilities. Since my main interest is in realism, I think these types of programs would be my best tools.
<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 >How do you think digital art compares to “real” or traditional art, and do you think it has a place in the world of art?</font>
My answer: Art is defined as (quoted from Shah Jahan) “Any human creation which contains an idea other than its utilitarian purpose.” I don’t believe that someone should categorize the expression of ideas as being art only if it follows their own definition of what art is. If you feel it, and if you express it, in whatever way you personally choose, it is art. That includes digital media, paints, clay, stone, gemstones, metal, fabric, paper, words (as in poetry or fiction), music, whatever your heart tells you is right.
:large_orange_diamond:We would like to thank Slosh 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> Slosh </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
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:large_orange_diamond:<b>Previous 1000th posts members: [Nikko](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007795) :white_small_square: [DM](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007674) :white_small_square: [WingedOne](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007181) :white_small_square: [Rhom](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=006013) :white_small_square: [Mentat7](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005588) :white_small_square: [Filament9](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=005226) :white_small_square:[Ron Harris](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=004152) :white_small_square:[EZ](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003853) :white_small_square:[Deevee](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003667) :white_small_square:[Muvlo](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003619) :white_small_square:[Stonecutter](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003407) :white_small_square:[Robotalk](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003382) :white_small_square:[Aurick](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003132) :white_small_square:[Dr.JJWow](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003101) :white_small_square:[Juandel](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002396) :white_small_square:[Kathy](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=002375) :white_small_square:[Digits](http://www.pixolator.com/zbc-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=001893)
…and anytime you get up this way we will pick up a stick of pepperoni and some deli crackers and make a meal of it 
