I've been looking at ZBrush on and off for a year or two but as I mostly use 2D software I've not been tempted to buy it, although it looks very good.

The latest versions appear to be, on the whole, completely amazing and I'm now thinking that it might be a worthwhile investment - it's not that expensive after all. I do dabble a little in modeling and use Sketchup, Hexagon, etc. for simple architectural reference for use in illustrations. I would really like to take that further and perhaps try character sculpting with ZBrush, but the question is... will it be as eyepoppingly good as it appears in the promotional stuff? Or will it be a tough learning curve that will result in frustration? I'll almost certainly download the trial when I think I will have a few weeks with some spare time.

I know a few of you here use it and was wondering what your views on it were, especially those new to it.

I know that some try it and find it completely baffling, get annoyed with it, and never touch it again. For myself, there was a momentary confusion over the interface and how things were done, but once those basics have been fathomed out it's a very enjoyable package to use. I posted a link to some videos in another thread which cover the basics of the interface and workflow. You should have a watch of those and see if it makes sense.

[edit] They have a trial version you could have a play with: http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/trial/

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Thanks for the links. I've run through them all and it re-enforces this feeling of ZBrush being relatively simple to use. How soon after installing the program were you able to produce reasonable work?

I will definitely download the trial but, as mentioned, I need to wait for a time when I have 30 days that will not be filled with other work in order to have enough time to play.

Yes it is THAT good! Will you be able to make a work of art in 30 days? That depends...but you will have FUN and sometimes thats the best you can hope for. I've yet to use it well enough after a year of doing the tutorials to make what I think of as art, but it is so fun just being "the creator" and seeing it happen in 3d. Get it! (if you have a really good computer)

Thanks Zephyr. It's encouraging to know that after a year you're still enjoying it even if you feel you have a way to go.

its very very good.. better than that... sex on a stick... the puppies nuts... the icing on the cake with a bit more icing on... I have the older version and its still breathtaking.  once you get your head around the interface you wont look back, esp if you like a bit of modelling.  I use it every day if I can, I sometimes find it frustrating, but overall, its my favourite software I have.

I would recommend you get some good books to go with it, or a video.  I used "introducing zbrush" out of date with the new release but a fantastic book because it takes you through projects to teach you the basics and in the end you ended up with a really nice sculpt, just from following the simple tutorials.  I hope they update it for the new release.

 heres whats on my zbrush desk top at the mo, its had about 8-9 hours work from z spheres to sculpting so far... needs the weapons and some other bits, probably another 4 hours I think... then painting.  but I hope you will agree its pretty good to create something like this from one peice of software in such na short space of time.

 

steve

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"what do you mean...I stopped thinking, therefore I disapeared?"

You know what would really finish that off nicely... if she had a sword *runs for cover*

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yeah and a dagger in the other hand ........... cheeky bugger.

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"what do you mean...I stopped thinking, therefore I disapeared?"

One thing. ZBrush can be used for the animation? It have this tool? If the answer is no, what software can I use to make an animation? (Actually I only use 2d software and I'm searching info about 3d software and I'm so lost, hehe.) Thx.

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http://shinestudio.deviantart.com/

its not an animation package, though it can be used in the workflow for something like 3dmax or maya.  Blender is free and some of the guys here will be able to tell you if its good for animation, its certaainly good for 3d modelling.

steve

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"what do you mean...I stopped thinking, therefore I disapeared?"

I'm afraid ZBrush can't properly used for the animation, it only used to achieve fine and high details for modeling department in 3D. But the only 'animation' thing in ZBrush as far as I know; it has the turntable system. Just to show off your modeling or sculpting final as a video format. 360 degrees of automatic movie capturing your model, not the animation like the model was walking, running, jumping or whatsoever...

The good 3D software for animation is Maya or Digital Fusion, but its wayyyyy to hard to learn even from digital-tutors or gnomonology videos.

The simple are After Effects or Match Mover but that could be so hard to learn too, my friend.

If you're gonna make an animation, why don't choose FLASH or Toon Boom Animation Studio?

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:: Digital Shapeshifter ::

Thanks guys for your posts. I have tried Flash for an animation and I can say that I know how to make an animation with it but now I want to try 3d animation, only for curiosity. Thanks again for your answers.

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http://shinestudio.deviantart.com/

Lycan:

The good 3D software for animation is Maya or Digital Fusion, but its wayyyyy to hard to learn even from digital-tutors or gnomonology videos.

The simple are After Effects or Match Mover but that could be so hard to learn too, my friend.

I wouldn't call Fusion, After Effects, or Matchmover 3d animation packages.

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You may find some examples of Zbrush animation here:

LINK1

LINK2

LINK3

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http://www.facebook.com/Artist.For.Hire
https://twitter.com/edwardart
Life://Edward.Tucker

There are a couple of zscripts people are working on that add some basic animation capabilities to Zbrush: http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=76473 and http://www.zbrushcentral.com/showthread.php?t=61937 haven't tried either so I can't vouch for how good they are.

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