16.10.2023 – Organic modelling using Zbrush
Week 3 – how to create concept art and basic tools in Zbrush
How to create my concept art?
Concept art often begins with real images of the subject, which are then used as a foundation for creative reinterpretation.
- Start by choosing what you want to create. Then, hunt down a base image that matches your main idea. You can use tools like Photoshop to work. Outline your subject using the pen tool or a brush.
- Search for images that represent what you want to add to your concept – be it a dash of cyberpunk, steampunk, or whatever floats your boat. Or if you’re handy with a pencil, go ahead and draw these elements yourself (unlike me, I’m pretty bad at drawing). Overlay these images on top of your base and then erase everything around it, except for what you want to use.
- Keep piling on your ideas and keep painting over them. It might take a few rounds of tweaking and painting, but don’t stop until your concept art looks just the way you want it.
Once this groundwork is complete, you’ll be well-prepared to begin creating your own work in ZBrush.
I tried to follow this process and created a concept art. It is based on a German Shepherd and Husky dog, with added cyberpunk elements.
Basic shortcut in Zbrush
- Right or Left mouse: rotate canvas
- Shift+left/right mouse: snap canvas
- Ctrl+left mouse: zoom in/out
- Art+right mouse: panning
- Ctrl+drag(except object area): create mask(rectangle)
- Ctrl+brush(on object area): draw mask
- Ctrl+D: heighten subdivision
- B: open brush menu
I practiced to become familiar with the ZBrush interface. The ‘Move’ brush(shortcut: B-M-V) and ‘ClayBuildUp’ brush (shortcut: B-C-B) looked quite effective for creating a basic structure.