
Create a library of assets by building base meshes in Maya, detailing in ZBrush, sculpting armor and clothing, posing characters, and rendering for 3D printing - perfect for beginners.
Identify essential tools for this course: ZBrush or ZBrush Core with licensing and a trial option. Ensure hardware readiness: CPU, GPU with VRAM, 8–16 GB RAM, and a drawing tablet.
Learn how to access Maya on Autodesk, compare free trials and academic options, and consider the cheaper 'my light' alternative for indie game makers.
Learn five male body measurements and five body types to guide your sculpting with Zbrush and Autodesk Maya, as a continuation of our previous course.
Open Maya and switch to modeling standard to access the modeling toolkit, attribute editor, and outliner, then learn navigation: zoom, pan, rotate, and spacebar four-view switching for a cube.
Import a cube, then move, rotate, and scale it with W, E, and R, switch to edge/vertex/face modes, and use ctrl e to extrude and insert edge loops with hotkeys.
Import a reference image as an image plane in Maya, maintain aspect ratio, align behind a cube, and adjust view with negatives, rotate, and scale for extrusion.
Shape the sword blade by aligning vertices, extruding faces, and refining with edge loops using vertex mode and wireframe view, then save your rogue sword work in progress.
Refine the blade in Autodesk Maya by thinning the edge, aligning the profile, and sharpening the tip. Prepare the model for a 3D miniature and export to ZBrush.
Learn to sharpen and smooth blade edges by previewing subdivision without actual subdivision, beveling edges, adding edge loops, and adjusting bevel fractions to maintain sharp corners and a clean mesh.
Build a complete sword handle by modeling the blade base, guard, pommel, and handle, refining with bevels, edge loops, symmetry, and then export as an obj for ZBrush detailing.
Transform a sword into a dagger by reshaping the blade, shortening and straightening it, adjusting pivots, and exporting the rogue dagger for seamless import into ZBrush.
Craft a throwing knife accessory for a rogue character in Maya and ZBrush, using image planes, extrude modeling, vertex edits, edge loops, bevel, and blade sharpening.
Build a large two-handed crossbow stock from a reference image using extrusion and edge loops, with vertex edits to create a rounded profile for 3D printing.
Model a hand crossbow in Maya using a flintlock pistol as a handle reference, extruding and refining with vertex tweaks, then bevel edges for polish.
Open ZBrush, dismiss the Lightbox, load a simple brush, import a sphere, convert the 3D primitive to PolyMesh 3D, and start sculpting.
Master general navigation in ZBrush by learning to rotate the viewport, pan, and zoom with intuitive controls, and use the gizmo to move, scale, and rotate subtools.
Master Dynamesh workflows by merging multiple objects into a single mesh, adjusting resolution and adaptive density, and preparing clean geometry with ZRemesher and topological moves.
Explore core Zbrush brushes and symmetry workflows for sculpting rogues, including smooth, clay buildup, Damien Standard, and move brushes, plus subdivision and matcap previews.
Bring in the rogue sword, convert to quads and triangles, use dynamic and Dyna Mesh for high-res sculpting, enable Z-axis symmetry, and add wrapped leather details.
Add intricate wraps and notches to a sword blade using masking and sculpting techniques in ZBrush, adjust geometry with precise transforms, and export the rogue sword for Maya.
Create a dagger by importing a base dagger mesh, applying dynamesh, enabling symmetry, shaping with lazy mouse tools, adding wraps and details, then merging parts and exporting as an obj.
Create a throwing knife by importing a base, subdividing, and shaping with lazy mouse strokes, then add a back hole with a cylinder and dynamesh for a clean merge.
Import a large crossbow from the base rogue meshes, auto groups, split parts, subdivide and refine topology, close holes, and prepare a ready rogue crossbow for the next episode.
Continue refining the crossbow by adding side plates and wraps on the front and back, then use trim curve and z remesh with symmetry to shape details.
Add wraps to the top and a wood texture to the back of the crossbow, refining the mesh to avoid clipping and enhance rough detail.
Enhance a 3d printable heavy crossbow by adding fine wood details, nicks, and sharp edges using OR brushes or Damien's standard, with symmetry off.
Design and build a bulky crossbow bolt by shaping the arrowhead from a cone, refining topology with symmetry and extrusions, and preparing the shaft for feathers.
Learn to model feathered crossbow bolts in ZBrush using the trim curve brush, symmetry, and ZPlugin Mirror, then optimize for 3D printing with merge, cutter, and decimation master.
Created with the absolute first timer in mind, this course will teach you to become proficient in many of Autodesk Maya and Zbrush's more complex features - some of which are unknown to more advanced users. By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills to create professional-quality 3D models fit for 3D printing and sales.
This course builds on our previous course: "Sculpting Male Characters in Zbrush", but it is not necessary to have taken that class before this one. This course is completely approachable to a first time beginner using Zbrush and Autodesk Maya.
Join our lead 3D Modeler Josh O'hala as he recreates the exact same Rogue models that we sell to customers as well as unique models created just for this course. You will be guided through our professional production pipeline:
You will learn how to become comfortable navigating Zbrush.
You will learn how to add simple geometry to your project which will be used later.
Learn to create many weapons and Armors
Learn to create various accessories to bring your Rogues to life
You will learn how to use many commonly used brushes as well as specialized brushes to create beautiful and accurate sculpts.
The lessons learned will be reinforced as Josh guides you through creating many Rogue models.
You will learn how to pose your Rogues to create many variations of models.
You will learn how to optimize your models for 3D printing.
You will learn the process of making your model 3D printable.
and much more! visit us on youtube (runeforge studios) for examples of our models and tutorials.