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ZBrush modeling tips from James Suret

3D artist James Suret gives up his ZBrush secrets for making models more realistic with small details and styling characters with light...

3D artist James Suret gives up his ZBrush secrets for making models more realistic with small details and styling characters with light...

Materials for sculpting

Software: ZBrush
The default red wax material in ZBrush is okay, but not the best at displaying fine detail. As you build up the forms and details of your model it is a good idea to switch materials a few times so that you see the model in a different light. You can also modify any material under the Material menu and then save in the material palette.

Using several materials whilst sculpting

Using several materials whilst sculpting

Create an interesting pedestal

Software: ZBrush
If you want to present your character sculpture in the best way possible it is important to portray the behaviour and style of the character. This can be done by posing the character in a dynamic and interesting way, but you should consider the pedestal. Try and illustrate the environment the character exists in by detailing the pedestal appropriately.

Create a base that compliments the character

Create a base that compliments the character

Think about the mechanics

Software: ZBrush
When creating hard surface models such as robots and machinery it's always a good idea to consider how the parts all fit together and move. Even when creating fantastical or futuristic characters they still need to be realistic to some degree. If your model has metal panels it is a good idea to sculpt in countersink holes for the screws and if it has joints then think about how they would realistically work. There are some great free kitbash sets available to use for mechanical parts at BadKing

Consider how the mechanical parts all fit together

Consider how the mechanical parts all fit together

Creating realistic cloth

Software: ZBrush
Once you have the created the basic shape of the clothing and divided the mesh several times you can use the Surface feature in ZBrush. Click on Surface and then inside the NoiseMaker's Lightbox you can choose a pre-made pattern for the cloth, "Noise07" is good for rough looking cloth. Additionally, if you want the clothing to look old or used you can use the SnakeHook brush to pull ragged threads and tears along the edges of the cloth.

Use the surface feature to apply a textured look to cloth

Use the surface feature to apply a textured look to cloth

Three Point lighting in KeyShot

Software: KeyShot
When you select an environment in KeyShot it lights the scene based on the environment image, sometimes this won't give you the desired effect on its own. To create a more custom lighting set-up you can add a sphere object to the scene and then apply a light material to it. If you duplicate the sphere two more times you can then move each sphere around your model so that you have a traditional three point lighting set-up. It is also a good idea to then turn down the brightness of the environment image.

Scene lit with environment image and three point lighting

Scene lit with environment image and three point lighting

Related links

Check out James Suret's portfolio to see his spectacular 3D models
Take a closer look at James' images in the gallery
Bone up your ZBrush skills with a copy of Sculpting from the Imagination: ZBrush

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