ZBrushCentral

Seamless transition between subtools

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hey, fellow zbrush enthusiasts! Once again, I call upon your collective wisdom ))
So here’s the issue - I’ve got a base mesh split into several subtools (legs, arms, body, head… the usual) for the sake of greater mesh subdivision levels on each separate subtool. Now, how do I go about creating smooth, continuous pattern transitions from one subtool to another without actually merging them into one (which would crash my PC for sure)?

#2

the only way that i would see to keep the subtools separate and still have a continous pattern transistion from one subtool to another would be to hide the seams in folds or creases or something like that

here´s another thread which deals with the same issue: http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?169282-Need-help-merging-sub-tools-without-seams

#3

Ok, I figured it out )) Or, rather, I stumbled upon the solution in pixologic’s interview with “Rango” design team, namely, Frank Gravatt.
In Rango, he used separate subtool “bridges” between two subtools. The pattern was applied to the bridge-object, and then details were reprojected onto both subtools from this bridge, thus creating a seamless transition. It’s a bit tricky, but hey, whatever gives increased polycount )))

#4

very interesting, could you post a link to this workflow?
cheers

#5

It’s not really a detailed workflow description, just mentioned in passing. Here’s a quote -

"How was ZBrush used?

Once the model was approved I then had to figure out what type of scales to put on him. As I learned there are as many varieties of scales and patterns as you can imagine. Ultimately, Crash provided the art for these patterns, which fit the character so well. Zany scales, who would have thought! With the design of Rango's scales established, the next area to solve was how to apply them seamlessly across different ZTool files: arms to torso, torso to neck, etc. The solution was to bring .obj bridges of the body into ZBrush. I'd clean up the gap with scales on the bridge and then re-project this work back to the separate [SubTools](http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/features/05_Subtools/)."

And the link to that page - http://www.pixologic.com/interview/rango/6/

Hope that helps.