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Learning ZBrush - Need Advice!

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi, just wondering what the best way to get started in ZBrush is. I have followed most all of the ZClassroom videos but I still feel overwhelmed with all the steps needed to complete a project.

I usually open ZBrush for a day or two, get frustrated at not being able to do something and then won’t open it for months again. I know it takes practice, practice, practice but I am still at the stage where when I do something I immediately find I don’t understand how to do something else.

I am hoping I can break through this barrier and stick with it this time. What was it that most helped you learn ZBrush?

#2

well what are you trying to do?
Are you trying to learn to sculpt? are you trying to learn the interface? are you trying to learn workflow?
are you breaking down your subject matter into small chunks so they are easier to digest?

#3

ZBrush has a steep learning curve and patience might be one to the best things to have on board. Even if you have experience with other traditional 3D modelers it can be challenging. I bought a introductory book and that really helped a lot (Introducing ZBrush by Eric keller). By going step by step you wont get confused and will build a solid foundation. If you go though this whole book and learn each chapter well and spend a good portion of time learning each assignment you will be in a totally different place by the end of this book. Another thing is to forget the idea of doing great projects but just focus on small things a first and enjoy.

Good luck

#4

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Thanks. Yes I am trying to learn everything you mentioned, but it’s a lot to learn. I guess I need to break it down into smaller chunks.:slight_smile:

Thanks for the suggestion. Yes a book seems like a good idea. I guess the only reason I haven***8217;t considered it in the past is because most of the books seem outdated when they go to print and I am using ZBrush 4R5.

#5

When I was first starting to use zbrush, I think the most important thing was just understanding the difference between the document and the 3d model. My first impressions of the program were rough, but as soon as that concept clicked it felt like everything else just fell quickly and neatly into place. The lighting and material system then made more sense, the interface became less confusing, even the idea of a 3d model being a tool and not part of a virtual scene.

I think that was the only real barrier between me and editing models in zbrush. Once I could start doing that with a little degree of confidence that comes with knowing why things are the way they are, the rest was just reading the explanation of various buttons (quickhelp rocks), watching some videos to see whats possible, and experimenting to get a feel of what different things do.

#6

Thanks Cryid, good points. :slight_smile:

Pulling out a nose
In ZBrush there are many ways to skin a cat. Heres an example of something that I am having trouble with. Yesterday I sculpting a face but then couldnt figure out the best way to pull out a nose . I tried the move brush but that pulled out too much of the area around the nos. I then thought I would try to use the Snake hook brush but that didnt work. I the tried the mesh insert brush to add a nose, but adding a cube for the nose didnt work either. In the end I just gave up out of frustration.

#7

Draw size, focal shift and intensity all come into play. Of course I have no idea how you started your model. Zspheres to adaptive skin is a good way to start, as a plus you’ll have a rig to pose your model.

#8

If I’m working on a base mesh that doesn’t have a nose defined, then I tend to stick with the move brush and/or some form-building brushes (usually the clay ones). I think it also helps to work on lower resolutions when possible, vs trying to define a form on a very dense mesh. Masking was something I always forgot about when I was first learning which could be helpful in isolating an area such as that, and you can always use brushes to push back the shape if you’ve found you’ve pulled too much. When in doubt, watching another artist sculpt can be inspirational as you can see people tackle things in different ways, seeing which brushes they are using, etc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P59P1TIdb1A or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEiBYgBmhH0&feature=youtu.be#t=34m26s for example). After that, its just a matter of using the brushes yourself to get a feel for them. The more you stick with it, the better you’ll have an idea of how to go about creating something and the faster you’ll become at it. It’s a process, just like any other art.

Speed sculpts might be a good prescription. Start with a sphere or simple basemesh, and just spend 20-60 minutes pushing and pulling it into a sculpt. It doesn’t matter if you spend the whole time focusing on one specific part or if you spread it out trying to rough out an entire bust. Just sculpt. Maybe the result wont be something you’re proud of, but since you’ve only spent 30 minutes on the thing I find any negative mental effects are easily shrugged off. It’s just a small time investment, but as long as you keep at it then before long you’ll be busting out some killer sculpts in such a small amount of time. The positives it brings (such as your experience with the brushes, and your confidence in creating things) lasts a lot longer.

Edit: Also, I suppose there is an insert nose brush when you’re really in a hurry :stuck_out_tongue:

#9

Thanks Doug and Cryid.

Doug, I did try the Zspahere more than once and I like them and yes they are great for posing later on.

Cryid, I think your idea of doing small speed sculpts is also a good idea.

Thanks, I will explore these and other areas. I need to remember to just have fun even while learning the basics and not focus on what I can’t do but on baby steps and what I have learned to do. :slight_smile:

#10

One thing that really helped me to get into a Zbrush workflow was the Spiderbot tuorials found here:

They’re really quite good and helpme get over that initial bump you have which I certainly had and I think can be quite common. The link is:

http://www.badking.com.au/site/tutorial/spiderbot-building-the-cannon-part-01/

This might help a bit, Badking is a great website and resource for Zb users as well.

Cheers
Steve

#11

Steve. Hi, I had a look and definitely a good resource. Thanks.