ZBrushCentral

When beginning a new sculpt in ZBrush

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

So, I sometimes wonder about when I am beginning a new sculpt in ZBrush on how to start.
I know it’s going to be a humanoid character, normal proportions, but I feel wrong about using a base mesh that I didnt make.

I see tons of awesome base meshes that would probably cut time off my sculpts, but I am still learning anatomy and proportions and so on. I see the IMM hand brushes and everything and think, man it would be awesome to just plug all these pieces in and get my body generated then work on the accessories and so on. But, I would feel like it wasn’t truly mine or would feel bad showing others cause I didn’t make all of it. I use the IMM brushes for smaller items like bolts/pieces of objects/chains/or pouches, but I feel that using it on a large scale, like the body, is just too much.

Anyone have suggestions on base meshes and stuff of the sort, or is it just a personal issue i have to solve, haha. If masters of ZB are saving hours by using a basemesh, then maybe it’s time I jump on board with the ‘best practices’…

#2

Well, I’m not a ZBrush master I’m afraid, but I would suggest looking into zspheres to generate your base mesh. There is also more advanced zsketch functionality, but that’s probably a bit much to take on at first. I don’t think there is anything necessarily wrong with using the meshes provided as a base for your work (that’s what they’re there for) but I think if you use them exclusively you’ll never get a proper handle on developing your command of the tools and proper anatomical knowledge, which you’re going to need to produce anything of real quality. If you’ve never worked with zspheres before I believe there are videos in the classroom that should help you out

#3

Thanks for the reply. That was my thoughts as well. I figure I have to push on with anatomy and once I am comfortable with it, start using a base mesh or something to help speed up the design process.

#4

http://docs.pixologic.com/user-guide/3d-modeling/modeling-basics/creating-meshes/zspheres/basic-humanoid/

#5

I think i try too hard to get the proportions exact with the zspheres instead of just getting something and using the tools the manipulate it… I have a lot to learn still… heh