ZBrushCentral

Looking for advice. Making a living?

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#1

Hey everybody. I’m introducing myself here and asking for some real world advice.
To sum it all up, I’ve been a professional sculptor for the last 7 years. I’ve worked striclty traditionally up til now and I’m thinking about getting in to the digital side of things. So the question is this - How realistic is the idea of making a living working digitally? I’m not trying to insult anyone, I’m more or less ignorant about this side of our industry. I really want to continue my career as a sculptor and I’m under the impression that I really NEED to learn these new tools.
I was trained classically as a sculptor at PAFA (oldest at school in the US). And I’m probably opening a can of worms here but I worked at McFarlane Toys for the last 6 years. I believe my traditional skills could transfer to these digital programs if I start working at them… I hope. Hahaha. Anyway I’d like to post up some pics of some sculpts I’ve done in the last year. These were done in wax. 1:6 scale. (of course the painted ones were cast in urethane.)
I’m looking forward to hearing all your thoughts. Thanks a lot and hopefully this is the beginning of something cool. :slight_smile:
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#2

Hi!

Your sculping looks great! I think learning is always good…even if you think you can’t use it now… may come in handy later. When I first got into the 3D concept, I was using a program that almost did everything for you… then I learned VRML…then I found ZBrush! It is really good. And I think with your talents and the way you see things; I think you’ll do good and might learn something along the way.

I’ve heard some artists here that do sculping use zbrush and then do something like print and something else and before you know it… they have a scupture!
So maybe one of them will help.

Glad to have you here,
wenna

#3

There be gold in them there hills. But the question is whether you’ll enjoy yourself while digging for it?.

#4

Keep your day job…and learn polygon modeling basics first…(try Wings 3D…it’s free…and a good app), then jump into Zbrush. CIA sculptor here.:wink:

#5

The problem is, I technically don’t have a day job. LOL I’m a freelance sculptor and my gut is telling me that I need to shift gears to stay viable as an artist. Whether I enjoy 3d modeling or not will have little bearing on my being able to pay my bills. Will I like it as much as traditional sculpting… probably not, but at least I would be doing something artistic and I suppose there is a possibility it could open other doors for me. Is my assessment close to accurate? I feel like right now is the time for me to do this if I’m going to. I’m kinda at a crossroads. What I decide to do right now will probably effect my life years to come in a major way. I guess that’s why I’m looking for realistic insight. :confused:

#6

If you don’t enjoy it then you may struggle with motivation. So yes, it could have a huge bearing on you being able to pay your bills. It’s very lonely line of work.

#7

Well I’m alone all day anyway. I don’t get it???

#8

Well if you’re going to enjoy it then go for it!. A job should naturally follow…

…eventually

#9

Well youll need a tablet and zbrush to find out.
Looking at rick bakers zbrush work having traditional sculpting knowledge
definitly helps.

#10

My opinion is go for it. ZBrush will come very natural to you as a sculptor. The tools are very organic.

It could open up several doors for you. Many 3d artists get paid to create content that is used for digital output, where clay cannot be used. Likewise, many companies produce physical products from digital content. It could only work to your advantage I think.

Something else to keep in mind is that you might want to learn more than just sculpting. Actual 3d modeling and knowledge of topology, which is the flow of polygons, is quite important. ZBrush removes the technical aspect of 3d, which I love, but it’s helpful to study that technical side as well. I just recently started using modo, which I highly recommend, and it’s complimented the sculpting very well.

Prior to using modo, I had only used ZBrush with zspheres. I suggest you start off that way, and transition into the technical stuff. That way you’ll immediately start having fun! Plus, I think you’ll be surprised at how far you can push your creativity and it will inspire you to learn the technical side of 3d so you can further use it to your advantage.

Good sculpt btw :+1:

#11

Just out of curiosity, why are you under the impression that you need to switch to a more digital workflow?

Not to promote nihilism or anything, but Is there even such a thing as a professional digital sculptor? Browsing through the top row archives, it seems clear almost everyone here is into game assets, which means high poly sculpting techniques are just a very minor part of the process. In order to support yourself using digital tools, you absolutely MUST know the technical side (low poly retopology, UVs, Normal Mapping, Texture Painting, even lighting, rendering, rigging and animating). Since you are obviously extremely talented and well educated in traditional media, I think it makes a lot more sense to keep your focus there. If you really want to work churning out digital assests at big game studios, from what I've read, they'll give you a crash course in whatever software they use. They don't seem to turn down anyone with talent because of a lack of software knowledge. You're good enough to get paid to learn. I think you should just keep doing your traditional sculpts and submit your portfolio to ALL the places you'd like to work. See what happens. Don't studios still use 3D scanners, anyway? Traditional sculpting ability must always be in high demand. It seems like a skill and knowledge set more rare and valuable to the entertainment industry than proficient software operator. Then again, I've heard of traditional artists switching over to an almost completely digital workflow, without much difficulty or remorse (other than tactile withdrawl symptoms from using actual paint or clay). Doing this digital stuff merely as a hobby, off and on, for many years, has made me realize how vastly superior the real world materials and processes are. Tyring to learn tech trash on your own, just for a puny working knowledge blurb to add to your resume, seems like overkill. You already have big time experience working for a big name company. I bet if you submit your portfolio for a full time character modeling position at any reputable company, you'll get hired. Let them spend the time and money teaching the geekspeak. Don't waste yours. Which is to say, try ZBrush, and if you don't produce at least one head in one week, then smash your computer with a brick of Red Chavant and never look back. In fact, if you'd rather avoid working in front of a damned computer all day, maybe look into a studio like Gentle Giant, where you could work as a 3D print techie. Certainly doesn't sound as glamourous, but maybe the pay is better. Or, at the risk of being pushy, email your portfolio to Rick Baker or Alex Oliver. I've heard The makeup and special effects industry is so small, and guys with your traditional talent seem so rare, maybe they know a good job for you. Or not. No telling how many emails like that they receive every hour. Geez I sound like a crank (in my defense, though, one thing traditional media never does is crash and vaporize hours of effort). Time to go stand in a corner. Anyway, best of luck in the job search. If you end up at ILM without any digital experience, please brag about it here.
#12

I really appreciate that advice. Like I said I feel like I’m kind of at a crossroads in my ‘career’. This is the first time I’ve had this feeling. I’m 30 years old and I’ve spent 11 of those years doing nothing but sculpting traditionally, either in school or making a living at it. So obviously this is huge change for me and I’m feeling really hesitant. I already have a great computer. I’ve got a tablet and I’ve got an older version of ZBrush. I’m just trying to figure out where to start. School, forums, online tutorials?? It’s a little overhwhelming. nervous laughter. Anyway, here’s a link to my blog. It’s got some of my work on it. Thanks again.
http://ehrenbienert.blogspot.com/

#13

I agree for sure. I still say begin with ZBrush since that’s a process you can relate to off the bat though.

The toy industry, where you’ve worked, is an example of where you can be a digital sculptor. The game industry is divided into specialties from what I understand, so it might be another. Regardless, knowledge of that technical side is a must so that you can provide a proper topology for the output. I currently have a job where I use ZBrush, but I’m not in the game industry. Sculpting is a key part of some projects.

You seem good at traditional sculpting, so I would keep at it and learn digital tools as a compliment to your skills. It could only increase your demand.

Plus, to me, the digital environment has always allowed more creative freedom. Although I have only a little sculpting history, things like posing freely, experimenting nondestructively with 3d layers, and many other benefits really promote the realization of ideas.

I think everyone just has their own preference, which is good. You should try it out and see what yours is. Honestly though, as a sculptor, you really HAVE TO try it out! It’s pretty sweet, you might love it.

#14

Is there a reason why some of my posts aren’t showing up?? Or am I really just that bad with computers… LOL

#15

I believe new ZBrushCentral members (less than ten posts maybe) have their posts screened by admins to prevent spambots from ruling the world or something like that.

After that, they unlock the cage and let you post in real time. :angry:

The pieces on your blog and stories behind them are fantastic.

You have some high profile contacts, man. Just keep reaching out with your portfolio.

Maybe start one of those ZSketchbook threads, too. Grab the attention of the ZBrush experts. I’ve seen a few videos and books on ZBrush, but, in my opinion, the best info comes from the new and archived ZBrushCentral WIP threads (solidsnaxxx, alexia, monstermaker, fatmiri, nickz . . . just check out the most viewed and commented pages. Huge amounts of learning and inspiration.

But never stop using clay, man. Stick to what you’re great at. :sunglasses: :+1: