ZBrushCentral

Suggestions for sculptural process?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hello,

If there is a more appropriate place to post this, please let me know.

I understand the the sculpting tools and masking functions, and the use of alphas to make changes in the geometry. I’m specifically looking for some guidance in these areas:

  1. Which ZBrush functions would organize the work into layers or parts, and make it easier to go back and change a specific area without affecting anything else?

For example, I could use 3D layers or Subtools to do the organization, but I am open to suggestions on the best way to do this.

  1. Is there other software in addition to (or perhaps instead of) ZBrush that could improve the process?

I’m working on producing STL files for small bronze plaques (bas-reliefs) that ideally would be produced entirely in ZBrush. The reliefs will be based on a photo or image with the intent to transfer as much detail in the image as possible to the relief. Of course, translating a flat 2d image into 3d will require creative interpretation on the part of the artist.

The plaques would require:

  1. approx 2 - 10 million + triangles, resolution 0.002", size approx 2" x 3" x 0.25" to 4"x 6" x 0.25"
  2. sculpture will be mostly bas-relief, but could contain elements that are fully sculptural
  3. text and logo or other graphics debossed on the edge of the plaque
  4. an STL file that is a 3D printable manifold solid (single volume) that has the correct size as it is saved from ZBrush

At this point I know that there are certain aspect of the project that might be better suited to other software, but my goal in addition to producing the sculptural work involves creating a process or work flow that is standardized, so we essentially can have any artist producing excellent work. The process needs to be scaleable, so we can have just a few, or perhaps even dozens of artistis producing work as needed.

To accomplish this, I think it makes sense to develop a process/work flow that will:

  1. reduce the amount of software needed to reduce or eliminate time moving files between applications
  2. eliminate problems in results that would need time consuming fixing prior to 3D printing
  3. reduce the amount of training required to generate consistent results (perhaps through scripting)

Thanks for any suggestions or comments,

Chris

#2
  1. You could use layers or break into subtools or polygroups. It comes down to personal preference.

Sorry, don’t know much about the rest of your workflow but your best bet is to do a little more research - Not everyone can find the time to address everything you have requested to be taught all in one go.

Good luck tho.

#3

Hi Trist,

Thanks for your reply.

I thought I might get a few suggestions here and there about what works well for others, or if anyone has a workflow for similar projects that they would be willing to share.

I know this is so specific that is unlikely that anyone has an answer to everything.

I can see benefits to polygroups, subtools, and layers. I am experimenting with what may work the best for what I am trying to do.

It seems Dynamesh would be ideal, except the limit on the resolution makes it unuseable for the detail that I need.

Chris