Sculpting a Creature with ZBrush and Photoshop

Bring creatures from the depths of your imagination to life with ZBrush and Photoshop, in these tutorials from concept artist and Face Off champion Rayce Bird.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching this course
• Using the exercise files

1. Character Discovery

• Introduction to character discovery
• The story behind the character
• Searching for originality
• How to use inspirational images and references

2. Sketch It Out

• Introduction to sketching it out
• Sketching silhouettes in Photoshop
• Light painting
• Adding intriguing details
• Refining your final character choice

3. Sculpting with Dynamesh

• Introduction to sculpting with Dynamesh
• Using ZSpheres to create basic anatomy
• Adding to the anatomy with Dynamesh
• Prioritizing forms and detail
• Working with gravity and movement
• Adding eyes, horns, and fingers
• Adding wardrobe and accessories

4. Detail Refinement

• Introduction to detail refinement
• Remeshing the sculpture
• Subdividing the mesh
• Creating the basic surface skin texture
• Adding wrinkles, creases, and additional textures
• Incorporating asymmetry and ultra-refinement

5. Coloring Techniques

• Introduction to coloring techniques
• Using PolyPaint for the base coat and materials
• Cavity painting
• Adding basic texture
• Adding basic shadowing
• Using images in Spotlight
• Adding asymmetric details

6. Using Transform Tools

• Introduction to using transform tools
• Introducing the Transpose Master
• Masking and adding gizmos
• Finishing touches

7. Lights and Rendering

• Introduction to lights and rendering
• Preparing document for rendering
• Creating new lights
• Lighting terminology and purpose
• Rendering in BPR (Best Preview Render)
• HDRI lighting

8. Compositing in Photoshop

• Introduction to compositing in Photoshop
• Opening renders in Photoshop
• Renders and blending modes
• Adjusting layers and intensities
• Creating a background
• Composition and story
• Custom painting in Photoshop

9. Finishing Touches

• Finishing touches
• Digitally painting with texture
• Adding atmosphere and extra lighting
• Color correcting and adding noise

Conclusion

• The final creation: Reviewing our process
• Next steps