ZBrush 2.0

2D and 3D Combined

There are many specialized 2D and 3D applications out there but there is one that really bridges the gap between the two. That program is called ZBrush. ZBrush is a very powerful program that enables new users to get impressive results fairly quickly.

If you take a look at user posts on ZBrush forums you can see what the program is capable of. You can see Works In Progress (WIP) that can be nothing short of impressive. Take into account the fact that some of the people posting there are new to the digital medium. That speaks volumes about the strength of the program. See some WIPs here

ZBrush sells for $489 on the Pixologic site. Depending on your level of interest that is either a steal or a bit too expensive for hobby use. For me, ZBrush is a valuable utility that bridges the work between my other applications and is worth the price of admission. If you are a Poser user you may be interested to know that ZBrush is great for creating morphs for Poser models.

ZBrush really empowers new users with its use of ZSpheres. These innovative three dimensional balls are at the root of ZBrush’s 3D strengths. By arranging a group of interconnected spheres you can create very organic shapes in half the time it would take in more expensive 3D applications. Creating basic humanoid and animal forms are really fairly easy. Of course the ZSpheres menus have a number of settings that offer different interactions that form geometry. So creating your optimal shapes is best done after a few tutorials.

On the Up Side

Depending on your computers speed and memory ZBrush can really handle very complex models/meshes effortlessly. The same models that bog down performance in Lightwave run smoothly in ZBrush. My suggestion is get as much Ram as you can in your system especially if you are planning on building detailed characters.

The sculpting tools are amazing. There is a great level of control over model surfaces. It really does feel like your painting your mesh. I have yet to see this level of ease in more expensive 3D applications. You also model symmetry mode which sculpts two sides evenly. There are also various symmetry options beyond the Y axis which can be of great benefit.

On the Down Side

Despite being a software application that caters to both 2D and 3D artists alike, ZBrush sports a rather clunky User Interface (UI). The overall icon and text system is cumbersome to navigate and make adjustments with. To say the UI unique is being nice. If you’ve rarely worked in another graphics or 3D application it may not be as much a readjustment or learning curve.

Perhaps the biggest draw back in ZBrush is the save function. For whatever reason there are two options upon saving and the default saves the canvas. If you are working on a 3D model you MUST save the model separately. This fact should be in bold letters on Page 1 of the manual. At best the program should offer a Save All function.

The second problem is that some commands cannot be undone. If you opt to use a paint brush tool while in a 3D state your object will freeze to a 2D state. There is no warning or message alerting you to this and once you’ve crossed that line.

Conclusions

ZBrush is great as a stand alone application or an addition to your current tool set. It really does reduce the time it takes to produce quality organic 3D models, all without requiring a super powerful PC.

It should be noted that practising tutorials is a must. Some aspects of the program are not entirely intuitive and its not a program the easily forgives. With patience, creative investment and fortitude some real great work can be achieved.