I started tinkering with 3D development back when I got a free copy of Truespace 3 in a magazines pack in CD, and I always found it extreamly hard to do the things I see people “modeling”.
This case was the same with every other tool I tried, and even Adobe Photoshop wasn’t easy for me to learn, and I still feel that even though its the industry standard, it lacks a certain appeal to new users.
I discovered Zbrush in a random Google search for free 3D applications, in a search to find a good, somewhat easy to use 3D program, and then I saw somthing called made with “Zspheres”. Eventually I discovered Zbrush, and after viewing members art done with it, I needed to see this program first hand.
When I first started up the demo, it wasn’t impressive, but it wasn’t extreamly hard to figure out what certain things did in the program. I became hooked and addicted within 45 minutes after my first attempt at doing anything with Zbrush, and this addiction just continues to grow.
I gotta wonder why, Zbrush is better known, as it would appear to be the most open 3D modeling tool out there.
I’ll admit I’m still not sure how to get from point A to C, but I’m learning, and thats alot more then I can say for a program like 3D Studio Max, which to me has a huge learning curve, and the entire program seems uptight, in that, you can either use it, or you can’t.
Zbrush is probably the only tool around, that sits in the middle ground, between being overly complex and absolutely easy, and blurs a very strange line in a market that caters to pro’s, and leaves ameturs like myself wanting to try.
With Zbrush 2 on the horizon, its only a matter of time before people using the archaic 3D tools of yesterday, dump the products and turn to Zbrush, as it offers more to a user, and at a price that is very low for somthing that offers the power it does.
It also doesn’t require a massive workstation to model things, and on my Pentium 366 mhz and Pentium II 266 mhz laptop, Zbrush runs very smooth.
Not since Poser 4, has a any sort of 3D program been so accessable to anyone willing to learn the ropes, and I myself, can imagine that 10 years from now, this program will be one of the top 3D programs out there.
Aside from the absolutely stellar product, you have a community that is willing to answer questions and shares tips and tools, and feel that the Zbrush community is a wonderful place for new users to learn, and share.
I’m by heart, a traditional artist, who draws in the style of Manga(Japanese comics), and alot of the traditional artist communities are filled with nasty, and typically older members, who will not extend a helping hand to anyone, except maybe if you paid them to.
The internet is a fickle thing, and at least I’ve found one place where, my museing in 3D will not be laughed at, but rather, commended for at least trying.
My thanks to people who have already pointed me in the direction of learning and improvement, rather then out the “club” door, and of course,
Happy Zbrushing to everyone 
