ZBrushCentral

Thinking of buying Zbrush

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hi all, got to say there is some awesome and inspiring work on these forums - wow!

I wonder if I could grab a bit of advice, not been able to resolve the issue totally myself. I am a hobbyist who uses Modo mainly to create scenes which are often sci-fi or fantasy. I like me spaceships (yeah very 90’s I know :wink: ) and I would like to know how easy(!) it is to do hard surface models in Zb. I totally get it is a sculpting app and not originally designed for such things but I have seen a few hard surface models that look incredible which I think were made in Zb. I am wondering if it is possible to do hard surfaces and is the tool set good in this regard or is it awkward and you think I might as well stick with modo for those hard surface things. I’m just not 100% clear and I have (as of yet) not been able to find a related video or something. I would be grateful for any thoughts/advice.

The shadow box stuff looks intriguing as do many other things. I am pretty jazzed about the possibility of learning the Zb way of doing things and with Modo compatible with Zb via GoZ I really want to jump in!

Many thanks for any help.
Cheers
Steve

#2

The last few versions of zbrush have continually made it better for hard surface models. The recent radio tutorial videos hereare a good example.

#3

Thanks Cryrid, just watched the first video - the boolean modelling was awesome although it seems a little complicated - that’s just because I don’t know Zbrush fundamentals as of yet! I’m sure it will make more sense when I go through the basics. Very impressed with the speed and cleanliness on the model in that tutorial.

Thanks again,
Steve

#4

The new topology tool, when combined with creasing allows you to make some really nice hard edged subtools over the existing clay sculpt. Eat 3D has some nice hard surface training DVD’s if you are interested in learning more…

#5

Thanks Matt, I will certainly check out Eat 3d. Sounds as if I need to get stuck in, learn the essentials, the workflow and basics to understand how to do the hard surface stuff. The Zb terminology is a somewhat alien compared to what I’m used to.

Thanks again
Seve

#6

Yeah, we’ve all been there. Z is a totally different animal. The best advice I can give is just dive in headfirst. Just remember, it’s only digital clay. Don’t try to learn all the tools at once on a model that is complex. Grab a basic cube or sphere, mess with a few tools until you understand them, and then progressively add more tools to your arsenal. There are so many different things you can do with this program and so many different approaches you can take to get similar results. Just have fun with it. Personally, I try to watch at least one new tutorial every day just so it keeps me thinking…

#7

I think your’e right I need to take the plunge. I’ll buy Zb tomorrow when back from work and start working through the introduction guide that Pixologic just released and see where I go after that. Looking forward to it :slight_smile:

Thank you for your advice, seems very sensible. I shall try and do what you suggest.

Cheers
S

#8

I think you be very happy with your decision to purchase Zbrush. I like to do hardsurface type stuff and I almost never go out of Zbrush to any other program anymore.

Ezra

#9

Thanks Ezra, I have indeed bought Zb and am enjoying the learning curve! Not really worked out the hard surface stuff yet but I will get there!! :smiley:

#10

Enable point sel to better see which points will be affected.
Read. http://www.pixologic.com/docs/index.php/Transform_Palette
Have fun; Most important part.

#11

Cheers Doug, I will have a read!