ZBrushCentral

Pixologic Presents: Action Hero Contest

ZBrush Artworks
#21

I’m really excited about this contest. I’ve been looking to start a ZBrush project and this is perfect. I’m also really eager to see what other people come up with.

One concern I have though, is the construction of the model with regards to 3d printing. Like if I did a female character in some sort of handstand position–the thin area of the wrist and forearm might not suitable for printing (?) Are there any general guidelines for what you should or shouldn’t do for the pose?

Also the stipulation for the 5-10 minute transpose video. That seems like a long time, especially for a transpose beginner like me who will likely be wrestling with the mesh to get the thing into the final position.

#22

Yeah, but tweaking for “watertightness” aside, some concepts just aren’t suitable for 3d printing. It tends to enforce a certain structural philosophy that wont allow for just anything someone can imagine. The model needs to be designed with that eventual output in mind.

My suggestion is if this is going to be a 3d Print output challenge (which it is), this should be clear in the Front page, if not the title of the challenge, as then the entire project becomes about the 3D printing output, and not pure unrestrained imagination.

As long as people understand that going in, it should be a great opportunity for some (other) people to see their work realized in a way they might not get to otherwise.

#23

Aww yeah!.. I’m definitely in this one… :smiley:

#24

I have an idea for the contest but it may require two characters - would that be allowed if they are both part of one base mesh (ie. joined meshes - like a punch to the gut where the fist is actually attached to the stomach)?

If it must be only one character, that’s fine, I can do that too, I just thought it’d be more dynamic this way.

#25

I think this is a great competition and I will more than likely enter although I think the 5-10 min transpose video idea should be scrapped. As JEQ said beginners are gonna struggle with this. I certainly will. If it’s just for evidence to show you have not used other software to pose it then I think several stills in your WIP would be acceptable for this. I don’t think it should be so heavily taken into account for the final piece.

#26

These are the basic requirements for any type of digital model which will ultimately be prototyped. It’s not as bad as it sounds. Printing costs are going to be coming down across the board as time goes by and it’s definitely worth learning the basics. Multi-purpose digital sculpts are a good thing.
From Computer Generated Imagery to Computer Generated Reality…very cool stuff! :cool:

#27

Wow, this is going to be tough. I guess we beginners are pretty much out although I’m gonna make my hero regardless. I’ve been looking forward to it and had ideas floating about in my head since day 1. Man that 3D scanner would be incredible! what a bit of kit that is!

Unfortunately when it comes to all that stuff about being watertight, everything intersecting and all the WIP rules, the pros (who don’t need 20 Gnomon DVDs!) will be the only ones who can win.

It’s a little sad, I’d hoped this was going to be about imagination, talent, sculpting ability and yes, even fun. In reality it’s an extremely technical event for experts only.

But then winning ain’t everything! Like I said, I’m going to do a superhero/villain and I hope everyone has a go even if they can’t quite jump through all the tech hoops. Forget the rules - have some fun! You can always make another thread if you can’t manage all the details - that’s how the impressionists got started!!

But JEEEZ that 3D scanner is too cool! :stuck_out_tongue:

#28

I was wondering if this could be done as a collaborative effort between a 3d modeler and an illustrator? Illustrator provides the concept, the modeler provides everything that is turned in for the contest. Thanks!

#29


Team entries are NOT allowed.

Regarding the matter of print output: This was never meant to feel like a restriction.

Please keep in mind that not all winners will receive a print. The only entries affected by the print requirements are those that win one. The information about print requirements are a guideline, only. You can keep them in mind while you work, or ignore them.

If you win a prize that includes a 3D print, you will be able to modify your model as necessary to allow for printing. It simply means that the more you deviate from the guidelines during the contest, the more you’ll have to modify things after you win. It’s your choice. But print-worthiness of a model is NOT a criterion on which entries will be judged.

Also, Offload Studios will work with the winners of 3D print prizes to help you get your model into print-worthy shape while maintaining your vision!

Regarding the TransPose Video: Why do you think we had that teaser two weeks ago, telling you folks that TransPose would be important and that you should start practicing? :slight_smile:

Seriously, though, keep in mind that the video is not of your entire TransPose process on the character. It’s whatever section of the process that you feel best illustrates your skills.

#30

To bad I’m still stuck with ZBrush 2. Still feel like Pixologic ****ED ME OVER! :mad: :evil:

#31

this is going to be a difficult contest. I am kind of a rookie compared to a lot of people. i agree that the winners are most likely to be professionals. Also just to confirm i can export a base mesh from Maya 8.5. And can you only export the base mesh of the character or can you export other objects like goggles into zbrush to use as a ztool :qu:

thanks for all the help :wink:

#32

I think I’ll make a “Non-Entry” for this challenge, so I can participate in the fun of the concept and contribute to the community, but unfettered by all the hoops this challenge requires you to jump through. Its not like I was going to win anyway.

I already wear too many shackles in all my jobs with all their various stipulations…I do these sorts of things for the opportunity for fun and freedom. This feels more like a job without a paycheck than an exhibition for fun. It doesn’t even feel like a “learning” challenge either, because there is no real in-depth instruction on the ins and outs of designing for 3d output (which is its own skillset, just like miniature sculpting). I wouldnt even have known about the requirement if I hadn’t stumbled across it in the second page of the rules or so.

I just want to design and pose unrestrained by the mundane realities of the 3d printing process, and the 5 minute transpose movie, in addition to the submitted file and turntable is simply excessive. Transpose is really only a matter of proficiency, not talent to show off in any event. The artistry of your posing skills will be evident in the final piece, and transpose makes posing non-animated figures so easy and straightforward, working outside of ZB to pose would be its own punishment.

#33

Aurick, any word on if it has to be one character? A slugfest between two seems more dynamic. Just wanted confirmation before I started my sculpt.

#34

If you are not using a Fully Licensed Version of ZBrush in YOUR name, you are not eligible for this contest.

All software used in the execution of this contest must be legally licensed to the user. No company owned copies are allowed, unless the company is owned by the contestant.
Demo Trial Versions will ONLY be allowed IF you purchase a full License by January 30, 2009.
The ZBrush trial version may be used to begin your entry, provided that a license is purchased no later than January 30, 2009.
Now, for those individuals wanting to enter this contest, who will NEED to purchase a License in their name, you can always buy ZBrush at the Pixologic Store for $595, download only, you CAN save a few dollars through some of the Resellers.

Pixologic Authorized Reseller’s List (updated periodically)

So, your price for ZBrush can be as low as $510, not including S&H. Figure about $525.

This isn’t about “amateurs” or “professionals.” It’s merely about having a Licensed version of the software you are playing with, in order to win these VERY valuable prizes. A LOT of “amateurs” own Photoshop, Maya, and other expensive software applications. ZBrush is just another one…

I’m looking forward to the competition, and am keeping my fingers crossed that Santa comes through, so that my entry will have a chance to win!

I like Bingo_Jackson’s idea of non-competitive threads in the forum, too. Although not eligible for judging, theres no reason everyone can’t create an action hero following the format of the contest.

Remember, 1st post MUST be a sketch and background for your character!

~OM

#35

Yeah I second that multiple character question. My whole concept was geared around a “symbiotic” relationship between two characters, and maybe even a team.

I can see where the team thing would be a problem with the 3d stuff or with the turntable, but a symbiotic dual character shouldn’t be excluded I would think. Or even two opponents interacting?

#36

Teyon, the concept is for an Action Hero, not a slugfest, not a team, not a couple. A hero. One.

The “dynamic” will be dependent upon the action pose you give them, NOT any other elements.

I would imagine that if you made two characters, only one of them would be your action hero entry.

Your slugfest, like a background setting, might help you with the popularity part, but won’t affect your judging, becuase all the rest of us are following the rules and creating a singular action hero.

Don’t make things more complicated than they are. Just follow the rules as we’ve been given them.

~OM

#37

Okay, cool. No worries. Time to put my few years of inking comic work to the test! Let’s see if I can be dynamic without a penciler! WOOHOO.

Edit: Oh and thanks for the reply!

#38

This challenge seems more about designing a “miniature”, than a scene or image. It is NOT an illustrative challenge. If you think the second figure is somehow an integral part of the character (for instance, like the parrot on the shoulder of a pirate), you’re fine. If the second figure would look extraneous as part of a miniature on a gameboard, its probably out of place.

#39

Here we go again,

Aurick, can we use photoshop and zapplink for texturing or are we limited to polypaint only… ?

The rules are not clear about this…(Seems everything in the creation process - sculpting, posing, rendering…- have to be zbrush only(except the basemesh)
What about texturing ?

Thanks

#40

Not a miniature, a CHARACTER Design. Be it for a comic, a game, a resin cast, a tattoo, irregardless. If the parrot on the shoulder is as much a part of the character as his/her hat, moustache, or any other integral part, it’s okay. If it is freestanding in any part, probably not…

Now, if your “symbiote” is like a monkey, or faithful dog companion, or dragon, etc., I would think your image would have to show it in a dynamic action pose with the character, but again, they would have to be as one “unit…”

But that’s just my interpretation of what I read, and what I’ve learned about character concept design. I’m sure Aurick will clarify it for us.

~OM