I’m in search of more light on the subject of my workflow as I feel there might be better methods out there that I’m unaware of…
My current workflow for previous models:
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Create symmetrical base meshes in maya for any hard surface objects. Any objects that would be difficult to make in ZBrush (straps, pouches, buckles, head gear, armor plates…etc)
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Create any organic objects in ZBrush (male/female mannikins, creatures…etc)
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Sculpting: I Import all objects into ZBrush (as symmetrical bipeds in neutral poses) and begin adding detail using symmetry like wrinkles in clothing/fabric, details in the flesh, skin and muscles. I add scratches and basic wear and tear on any hard surface objects as one might expect to find. The result is 60+ subtools with lots of subdivision levels on each. The screen captures look great at this point.
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Transposing: This is were I feel I’m missing something. For previous models, I’ve managed to pose the figures by lowering all subdiv levels and transposing each part into position then “Ctrl+1” replaying the previous action for any subtools attached to it so everything would line up. (Basically, I’ll transpose a leg bending at the knee joint and use Ctrl+1 to replay that action on the boots…etc) This has seemlingly worked for me thus far when I’m faced with a model with 60+ subtools that needs to be posed in Zbursh. I really don’t know a better way. I would gladly hear any suggestions for this step.
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Retopology: I suppose my greatest question is concerning retopology for the purposes of rendering in mental ray (at a medium resolution). I’ve successfully used zbrush zspheres/rigging tab to retopologize a few models already which seemed to work for me on simple models with just a few subtools. It seems to me that for my models comprised of dozens of mini base meshes created in maya all that I needed was to simply use the lowest subdiv of each object for my low poly model to render with. No mesh reconstruction involved hardly. Do I have the right idea here?
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Generate normal maps, paint color maps, spec maps, setup lights, push the magic button, eat a cookie, done. Thanks for any suggestions.
-kc
