Learn the ART of ZBrush

Course Requirements

This video explains what ZBrush is, and who uses it.

How to Install ZBrush

This outlines how I have structured the course, and why.

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An introduction to how we are going to familiarise ourselves with ZBrush.

A simple first look at Zbrush to absorb what you're seeing the moment you boot it up for the first time.

Getting started in Zbrush...

In this lecture we look at the input for controlling your sculpt.

Here we take a look at the standard brush in a little more detail.

In this video we take a look at using the spacebar for quick access, and how to draw straight lines.

Here I quickly show you how to change your startup material.

In this lecture we learn what a 'Tool' is inside ZBrush. Not what you might think it is.

Here we take a look at how we transform our objects.

Your first assignment... an apple using the most basic features.

An introduction to some basic features of ZBrush and what this section includes.

How to extract additional help from ZBrush and a look at the 'quicksave' feature.

How to use subdivision in your models.

Append allows you to add components to your scene. I show you how to do that here.

An explanation of the Sub Tool menu.

Folders in ZBrush is relatively new, but certainly a necessity. Take a look how to create them here.

Swapping between objects might seem a trivial task, but ZBrush lets you do this in various ways.

Another trivial task it would seem, but ZBrushes history timeline is unique. Take a look at that here...

In this video I show you how to use the 'Move' and the 'Move Topological' Brushes.

This is your second assignment. A very simple one, but one that you will learn to appreciate going forward.

Here I show you my example of the assignment, and give you some advice on how to approach a piece of art in general.

An introduction to the more advanced features of ZBrush and what this section includes.

Masking is a fundamental feature within ZBrush and in this video, I show you how to use it.

More ways of using the masking feature in ZBrush.

In this lecture we take a look at symmetry on X, Y, Z and Radial.

Boolean is a technique to subtract chunks of geometry from your model, and in ZBrush, it's awesomely dynamic.

Combining Live Boolean with Dynamic Subdivide are a tool combo you can't be without.

Here we look at more uses of Live Boolean that are invaluable.

Deforming your model easily and creatively is always welcome to a modeller. Here I show you just that.

Polygoups is a technique that allows you to manage your objects and easily.

Alphas are an age old concept, but are used to the max in ZBrush.

A very quick way to create models (yes, 3D geometry) from an alpha map. It's just magic :)

Dynamesh is at the heart of sculpting in Zbrush. Here is show you how it works and how to use it.

Here we learn more advanced features of Dynamesh.

Here we take a look at more of the brushes on offer.

Assignments number 3. Let's re-do that apple you did earlier, but now with the newer features you have learned.

Here's my apple.

Let's take a look at IMM brushes, another very cool feature in ZBrush.

Here I show you how to create your own IMM brushes.

Let's take a look at Custom Curved brushes, what they do and how to use them.

Exactly what the title says. Make your mouse lazy so you can get a delayed, smooth motion on your stroke.

This is your next assignment. A slightly more complex object, but a fun and important exercise nonetheless.

Here I show you how I sculpted the Bison toy so you can either use it for reference, or follow along.

The second part where I show you how I sculpted the Bison toy so you can either use it for reference, or follow along.

Adding final detail to the Bison toy using some of the Lightbox brushes.

I know I've got you starting a project in a particular way up to this point, and that was really to introduce you to teh features of ZBrush. But there are other ways too...

This is more of a technical feature regarding the scale of your model / brushes, that you might find useful as you proceed.

A very different way to begin creating, especially if you're doing characters and creatures.

Introduction to the GUI Section

Lets step though the default UI set up.

Now let's make our own UI set up that works for you.

This is optional, but I like to have my most common brushes accessible on screen. You can too.

Choose your own head in the main viewport.

Customize your UI colors that suit you.

Introduction to Zmodeler Section

Let's take a look at the Zmodeler Brush itself.

This video shows you how to use the basics of Zmodeler.

Using ZModeler and Dynamic Subdivide together is a powerful combination.

An example of you can use them together to create objects very quickly.

An introduction to how we go from ZModeler into Dynamesh.

Introduction to the stone circle scene.

In this lecture we start creating the basic stone circle shapes and stine pillars. We utilize the Boolean operation to give is those shapes, and make a good start on the overall scene composition.

In this lecture we continue creating the basic stone pillar shapes. Again, we utilize the Boolean operation to give is those shapes, and continue with the overall scene composition.

Introduction to the concept sculpting phase.

Here we simply block out the shape like we normally do, but it is good practice to do this.

Here we begin to refine the shape and make it more into the monster it becomes.