Any suggestions on the best way to sculpt this model???
I’m thinking building a custom insert mesh in another 3d package of the hole pattern on the lantern. Import the object into zbrush and turn it into an insert mesh.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
this is just a rough guide off the top of my head, you’ll have to adjust as needed to get as fine a result as desired.
you’ll have to make sure you have a enough polys to start with, plus some smooth and polish and maybe mirror and weld.
make the pattern in a image editor. make it full white.
in zbrush make a cube and dynamesh it.
insert a negative cylinder in the top and click “make shell” from the dynamesh menu.
import the pattern as an alpha.
draw the alpha on the cube as a mask.
group masked parts.
make the parts invisible then delete invisible.
zremesh.
that should pretty much get you there.
Use the new zModeler 4R7 feature to create the overall shape of the object, beveling it, creasing it and creating the circle opening on top. Use Dynamic Subdivision to assist you in the overall shape and tone of the model. Once you have it where you want it using zModeler and Dynamic subdivision, then click Apply to convert your Dynamic Subdivision to regular sub division. You model’s polycount will ramp up quite a bit with 3 or more sub division levels setting you up for the details. Feel free to add more levels if need be but beware once you get into the millions of polygons it taxes your computer greatly.
Next click PolyF to see all the polygroups. Do control W to make everything one polygroup.
Turn off PolyF
Turn on symmetry so that your brush will affect all four sides of the cube. Probably going to be X using radial symmetry set at 4, but experiment just to make sure.
Next using the mask pen, paint the mask on the sides of your model in the shape of the details you want.
To mask press control key and paint your mask. Hold the alt key while the control key is pressed to erase mistakes or refine. Adjust your brush size accordingly to paint effectively.
Probably be good to sharpen your mask too once your are done with masking all your details.
Once your details are in place go Sub Tool menu and under Split, click Split Unmasked Points. This take all your details and make them into a separate sub tool, separating it from the main model.
At that point you can either delete those details by deleting its sub tool or keep them and just click the eye ball to turn them off.
The separation will give the desired hollowed out effect.
There may be others on the forum that may have better advice with more experience, but I think what I have given you gives you a great start.
Fastest and easiest is probably shadowbox. Shadowbox an alpha for the sides duplicate them as subtools and then create the top and bottom pieces and then merge it all together.
Just remember in 3D modeling there’s almost always more than one way to approach a task.
Thank you guys for your prompt and thorough replies, I truly appreciate it. Zbrush is such an amazing program and daunting as well, your suggested paths of execution is perfect navigation.
Thanks again,
E-MAN
My favourite way would be Shadowboxes and alphas. But there are many ways in ZBrush to get it done, you should experiment and see what works best for you.
By the way, you have two threads about the same subject. One should be enough.