ZBrushCentral

ZBRUSH 4R7 courses on best workflow practices

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Just joined the forum so forgive me if this is a repetition on other postings.

I’m slightly frustrated and daunted by the idea of learning ZBRUSH. I’ve watched several videos from Pixologic and I’ve purchased hard surface modelling techniques and coursed from CG Society. All very good BUT I’m finding ZBRUSH to be a whole load of tools and plugins and brushes. Yes I can understand and learn each plug-in and brush but I’m struggling to find a course on simple explaining best practices for workflows. I just want to run through a modelling experience to sculpt something and touch base on best practices.

Can any one point me in the right direction here.

Paul

#2

Hi nonstop_paul,

I’m also learning Zbrush and though I don’t have any courses to recommend… you could try speed sculpting your models. It made me realize that you don’t really need all the tools (just maybe a few brushes) and plugins (if any) to sculpt. It has also helped me a lot to just don’t be scared and play with the model.

The book ZBrush Characters and Creatures has helped me a lot.

I know it’s not much but hope it helps.

#3

Thanks pezzott1. I’ll check it out.

Paul

#4

Hang in there, nonstop. I started with ZBrush3, but never got far, as the GUI really put me off,
though I’ve worked with many other 3D apps (including Blender) the past 20yrs.

BUT when I saw this thread by mealea, I finally decided, “I gotta do it!”…and now, after a few months
of banging my head on it, I’m doin’ it!!! :slight_smile: It’s worth going through the whole thread and digging out the
gold.

Mealea and others have shared many amazing techniques in this epic thread. If you like her
artwork, read her methods, try it out…you may find it gives you the incentive to do more.
She and others have been a huge help and inspiration.

You’ll need a few basics before, but don’t be intimidated by the GUI like I was…still am somewhat, but
feeling a whole lot better now that I’ve been able to do something with it.

Here’s a great book I highly recommend: ZBrush Professional Tips & Techniques

Check out the free tuts at ZClassRoom to get an overview…it can be overwhelming, but
if you just start on one small task, and keep at it.

Also, I printed out the What’s New in 4R7, double-sided (at home), and had it spiral bound for $5.
Or put it in a 3-ring binder. Helps to read, under-line, etc.

I’ve also downloaded ~31gb of tutorials! (using FreeMake video downloader)
Just Google it, and check YouTube, Vimeo.

It’s finally getting easier now, and am over the hump.
I almost gave up, but so glad I didn’t. ;):+1:

“Baby steps, baby steps!” - What About Bob

#5

Subject should of read Thanks 2 megacal (that’s spell correct and wobbly fingers)

Hi and thanks for the reply. Yes I will go through it all.
Personally I am more competent with MODO and hard surface poly modelling and rendering.
That said ZBRUSH was the very first piece of 3D software I bought. This was due to watching a double DVD of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” the making of, and I saw ZBRUSH for the first time.

Having purchased it thought I was just overwhelmed by BLACK and the seemingly endless tool sets.
Like other I couldn’t even start modelling, just sprayed 2.5D squares all over the screen.

I took it upon myself this summer to purchase some courses from http://eat3d.com
Even though the courses are very in depth and good i still couldn’t figure putting ALL the tools together.

BUT I guess I’m trying to look around the corner when I should just make the mistakes we all need to make in order to learn.
Who was it that said after a 1000 hours of practice then you can start to say you’ve got it (that applies to anything you chose).

So I thanks you for this and I’m off to investigate one more.
Much appreciated.

Paul