New to ZB3? Totally lost and don’t know where to start? A bit more experienced, but rusty on alphas, or bemused by creating brushes? Then this challenge is for you!
There has been some criticism that the literature for ZB3 has not been aimed at the total beginner. So I got to wondering … what subject would get you quickly into the ZB mindset without drowning you in detail? The answer is Alphas and Brushes. And I’m not going to give you reams to read. No sir. Instead, I’ve created a series of 4 video tutorials, all accessible to the true newbie. Recorded live, with commentary, I’ll take you gently through most major aspects of alphas. And in the final video we’ll create our very own brush … for that is the challenge … Create a Unique Brush.
Video 1 (12mb) : we take a leisurely stroll around the alpha palette, and consider enough technical info to get you started, without getting all geeky.
Video 2 (11mb) : we’ll create our very own alphas from 2.5D painting and 3D sculpting.
Video 3 (18mb) : we’ll use 2D data (from photos and from painting in ZBrush) to create 3D alphas.
Video 4 (22mb) : in this monster vid we make alphas from ZSpheres and parametric objects, we save one alpha into the Alpha palette and use the other as a base for a unique brush. We explore the brush settings and the Brush Master, and then look at brush trouble-shooting.
Phew! There’s a lot here, but it should help get you started with the programme. There’s no pressure to take part in the challenge itself but if you want to, simply post shots of how you’ve used your new brush, or pictures of your alphas, or share alphas or brushes with the community. Go to it! There’s no time limit … join in when you’re ready. As always, the more experienced users are welcome to take part, or take me apart (if I’ve messed up anywhere!).
All videos, Right click > Save target as …
http://www.pantsofpower.com/mooch_alpha01.avi
http://www.pantsofpower.com/mooch_alpha02.avi
http://www.pantsofpower.com/mooch_alpha03.avi
http://www.pantsofpower.com/mooch_alpha04.avi
Grab the TSCC TechSmith video codec, if the videos won’t play : http://www.techsmith.com/download/codecs.asp
If you want to distribute brushes, check this WinZip tutorial to make sure you’re using the best zip method : http://www.zbrushcentral.com/zbc/showthread.php?t=46874
Good Luck!