Detailing Next-gen Characters in ZBrush
Learn a production workflow and time-saving techniques for creating high-resolution geometry for use in games, methods of sculpting, generating and applying maps, and adding character enhancements for appeal.Software required: ZBrush 3.1, Maya 2008.
What you'll learn
Learn a production workflow and time-saving techniques for creating high-resolution geometry for use in games, methods of sculpting, generating and applying maps, and adding character enhancements for appeal. Contains over 5 hours of project-based training for artists learning the creative processes of modeling and sculpting characters for next-generation games. Popular highlights include: Character Refinement; Adding Appeal for Enhancement; Additive Sculpting Techniques; Subtractive Sculpting Techniques; UV Tools and Techniques; Creating Usable UV Layouts; Strategically Combining UV Shells; Preparing Geometry for Sculpting; Exporting Geometry from Maya; Importing Geometry to ZBrush; Appending Subtools; Morph Targets; Subdividing Geometry; Sculpting Organic Shapes; Masks and Deformation for Detail; Adding Flexibility with 3D layers; Stencils to Add Details; Creating Custom Alphas; Hard Surface Detailing; Integrating Geometry with Detail; Combining Brushes and Strokes; Adding Texture with Alphas; Exporting Normal Maps; Using ZMapper to Create Normal Maps; and Applying Normal Maps in Maya. Software required: ZBrush 3.1, Maya 2008.
Table of contents
- Making Changes to the Model in Maya 8m
- Laying Out UVs for the Head 13m
- Laying Out UVs for the Chest Armor 15m
- Laying Out UVs for the Tubes 10m
- Laying Out UVs for the Legs 9m
- Grouping the Leg UVs Together 11m
- Grouping the Head, Abdomen, and Arm UVs Together 6m
- Modifying Topology to Better Accommodate Sculpting 8m
- Adding Resolution in Preparation for Sculpting 12m
- Adding Detail to the Tubes 6m
- Final Preparation for Sculpting - Intersections / Vents 7m
- Combining Geometry and Exporting 8m
- Assembling Geometry in ZBrush and Setting Morph Targets 7m
- Sculpting the Abdomen 9m
- Defining the Character's Head 8m
- Sculpting Stretched Skin on the Head 7m
- Adding Finer Details / Wrinkles to the Head and Abdomen 11m
- Adding Texture / Irregularity to the Head and Abdomen 11m
- Using Masks and Deformation to Create Panels on the Legs 13m
- Creating Layered Effects on the Knee Armor 7m
- Creating Panels on the Chest Armor 16m
- Creating and Applying Custom Alphas 10m
- Using the Layer Brush to Add Straps to the Legs 5m
- Sculpting Folds into the Legs 7m
- Adding Fabric Texture to Legs 7m
- Sculpting the Gun Arm 13m
- Detailing the Gun 10m
- Integrating the Gun and Arm Together 11m
- Adding Wear and Tear to the Armor 7m
- Using 3D Layers to Add Scars and Damage 9m
- Using Stencils to Add Custom Damage 4m
- Exploring the Remaining Pieces 4m
- Exporting Normal Maps from ZBrush 9m
- Combining Normal Maps in Photoshop 2m
- Assigning Normal Maps to the Original Model in Maya 9m
About the author
Justin thrives as a lead modeling author at Pluralsight. Growing up, Justin found a deep interest for the computer graphics industry after watching movies like Jurassic Park, Toy Story, and The Abyss. His ambition would lead him to work at Sony Imageworks in Los Angeles on movies like Monster House and Surf's Up. Justin has also had numerous articles, tutorials, and images published in 3D World and 3D Artist. As an author, Justin enjoys collaborating with fellow authors, especially on project... more