How would you retopologize this and an infinitely thin wall question (clip curve)

[system]

Hey guys,

I’ve been using zbrush for a good while now but am just curious how you would go about retopologizing something like this (see attached image). In particular I’m concerned with keeping the edges on the ovals nice and crisp. I’ve tried a few different methods, zremesher, manual retopo, dynamesh – the one that has been most effective is using Polypaint in the Zremesher to paint the edges of the ovals to increase polycount just in those areas, but even though I think this might be the best method I’m just curious how some of you have approached retopo of things like this and if there is maybe something I can learn to do it better.

On another note, you know those annoying infinitely squashed planes that the clip curve brush makes when you dont cut it at the right angle? Has anyone developed a method to get rid of them, besides not making them in the first place, haha? The one on the back of this thing is pretty annoying but I also find them hiding on pieces I thought were clean from time to time.

Thanks guys!

Attachments

[Spyndel]

1st question:

Crisp edges are a fine detail. Like any other fine high res detail, they will be lost with low polygon remeshing, and must be reprojected from the high poly object. Think of them the same way you’d think of skin pores or wrinkles.

http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/topology/zremesher/transferring-detail/

Your alternative to construct a low poly object with creased edges from a high poly one, is to manually retopo the object with deliberate edge lines along the creased border, and manually crease them with the crease functions.

2nd question:

The clip brushes flatten perpendicular to the plane you draw them at. If you flatten geometry that overhangs an area onto another, you will get those flattened extrusions. Sometimes it is better to flatten (clip) in a series of steps–the first diagonally to flatten inward so the target geometry no longer overhangs the destination geometry, then down onto the destination plane. Use the Trim brush where applicable to actually remove geometry and not just flatten it.

Those overhangs can usually be cleaned up with the Trim Curve brush, or another application of the clip brush.

[system]

Thanks for the insight Spyndel!

I always forget about the Trim Curve Brush!

I haven’t been thinking about edges as a final detail but rather as something I’ve been trying to maintain along the way, so that’s helpful.