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Eric Keller

This course is an introduction to the fundamental skills and tools jewelry designers need to know in order to get started using Maxon's ZBrush.  ZBrush has long been the industry standard in digital sculpting software, and it is quickly being embraced by jewelry artists because of its powerful capabilities. ZBrush's interface and approach can be a little daunting at first so I created a course that specifically addresses your needs as a jewelry designer so you understand what is useful to you and what you can safely ignore. The uniqueness of ZBrush is often the first hurdle artist face when they dive into digital sculpitng, however you'll quickly learn to embrace ZBrush's toolset and use it to your own creative advantage. The course consists of 15 video chapters averaging 12 to 18 minutes each. They address specific topics such as navigating the interface, importing and exporting 3D files, sculpting geometry, importing reference imagery, customizing brushes, customizing the interface, and more. I use my 20 years of experience as a professional ZBrush artist and teacher to guide you and help you build a solid foundation so that you can sculpt with confidence and allow your artist vision to be fully realized with this incredible software.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals of digital jewelry sculpting using zbrush.
  • Understand zbrush interface navigation and use the settings to create a custom interface.
  • Create custom sculpting brushes using the brush settings
  • Apply the zbrush zplug-ins to import and export 3d files for 3d printing
  • Use reference imagery on the grid to create a guide for your jewelry designs
  • Use the preferences to create and save customized interfaces
  • Apply symmetry settings to create elegant and engaging designs to your sculpts
  • Understand the power of subtools to create complex pieces and apply boolean operations

Syllabus

Introduction

A brief description of what the course covers and a short bio about me. The second half of this video is an overview of the anatomy of the standard ZBrush interface and the ZBrush UI preferences. How to activate Edit mode to sculpt a 3D model and how to arrange the menus/palettes using shelves.

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How to manipulate a 3D model on the canvas, some tips on starting a project, using "Lightbox" to load a starter project, using hotkeys for navigation, using the gizmo to move the model, locking the canvas, storing camera views, store interface configuration.

File formats used by ZBrush, how to use import common 3d file formats, using the 3D Print Hub Zplug-in, using the Tool palette, understanding ZBrush "tools", saving and loading  ZBrush Projects.

A deeper dive into the ZBrush Lightbox file browser. Learn how to load models, textures, alphas, and other elements. Edit Quicksave settings, delete Quicksave files and save preferences. Add folders and customize the Lightbox display.

Understand tools and subtools. A very brief history of ZBrush tools and Edit mode. Make a polymesh 3D model. Organize models using the Subtool Subpalette. Subtool visibility and transparency settings.

A deeper dive into the Subtool Subpalette. Append a model to a tool. Use the Gizmo to scale and move subtools. Subtool visibility presets. Using Boolean operations. Using folders to create Boolean variations.

Enable the grid, adjust visibility, the Draw palette settings, snap settings, grid fill mode, grid colors and opacity, snapshot to grid, load grid presets, project on mesh, prepare reference images, import images into Zbrush, load images on the grid, save grid presets.

Subdivide a mesh, use the sculpting brush library, sculpting brush settings, undo history, dynamic draw size, stroke type settings, use polypaint settings, use alphas to change brush nozzle, use textures to paint with images, find custom brushes online.

Load a custom grid preset, activate symmetry, adjust transparency settings. Understand the difference between the Move Gizmo and the Move Brush. Use hotkeys to select brushes from the library. Understand the difference between Move and Move Infinite Depth brushes. Use the Smooth Brush. Tips for using Move, Smooth, and Subdivision levels. Use the Clay brush. Use Masking brushes.

Hide parts of a polygon mesh using the selection brushes. Use selection with masking. Move selection areas. Use Select Lasso brush. Use Display setting to toggle backface visibility. Use different stroke types with the Selection Brushes. Use selection brushes to create polygroups.  Use the AutoGroup option in the Polygroups subpalette.

Using the Polymesh Star, use the Gizmo to translate, rotate, and scale, use the Gizmo icon/menus, use Gizmo to create 3D primitives, reposition Gizmo, manipulate multiple subtools at once, create topology masks, use Gizmo deformers, use focal shift with Gizmo to create a fall off.

Create a ring mesh, activate symmetry, symmetry settings in the Transform palette, use radial symmetry, use the Dam Standard Brush, use local and dynamic symmetry, use Mirror and Weld.

Use the Brush palette to create custom brushes, clone brushes, Brush base types, buildup settings, Dam Standard brush, reset brushes, brush depth, Gravity settings, Backface Masking, tablet pressure, edit graphs, lazy mouse settings.

Understand ZPlug-ins, download free Zplug-ins, install Z-plug-ins, download and install free materials, download alphas, grids, and textures.

Load Standard UI, load interface layout and color presets, remove background gradient, set background color, move buttons and sliders in the interface, remove buttons from the interface, save and load custom interfaces, cusomize interface colors,

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for ZBrush for Jewelry Designers. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete ZBrush for Jewelry Designers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Focuses on the creation of realistic human anatomy in ZBrush, and great resource for learning the anatomy of the human body.
Comprehensive guide to using ZBrush in a production environment, and great resource for learning the techniques used to create models for games and movies.
Covers the entire process of creating a character in ZBrush, from concept to production, and great resource for learning the fundamentals of character creation.
Comprehensive guide to creating 3D characters using ZBrush, covering topics such as anatomy, topology, and texturing.
Is specifically focused on using ZBrush for digital sculpting of human anatomy. It provides detailed tutorials and insights into the techniques used to create realistic human characters and models.
Provides a comprehensive guide to digital sculpting using Mudbox, covering all the essential tools and techniques needed to create realistic 3D models for games, movies and other applications.
This beginner-friendly book provides a step-by-step introduction to digital sculpting with ZBrush, covering the basics of the software and guiding users through the process of creating their own 3D models.
Explores the artistic aspects of digital sculpting, providing insights into the techniques and processes used by professional artists to create stunning digital sculptures.
Provides advanced techniques and insights into digital sculpting with ZBrush, focusing on the creation of detailed and realistic models for various applications.
Provides a collection of tips and techniques from industry professionals, covering various aspects of digital sculpting, from anatomy and form to texturing and rendering.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to digital sculpting using Blender, covering the basics of the software and guiding users through the process of creating their own 3D models.
Offers a masterclass in digital sculpting, covering advanced techniques and workflows used to create highly detailed and realistic character models.
Teaches the techniques of digital sculpting using ZBrush, a popular software for creating 3D models. It's a valuable resource for artists who want to create realistic and detailed 3D models.
Covers the basics of 3D modeling, including creating and manipulating objects, applying materials, and lighting a scene. It's a great resource for beginners who want to get started with 3D modeling.
Offers a solid theoretical foundation in 3D computer graphics, covering essential mathematical concepts and algorithms. It provides the necessary background knowledge for understanding how 3D models are represented and manipulated digitally. This good resource for students seeking to solidify their understanding of the core principles before diving into specific software applications.
Highly regarded technical reference focusing on the algorithms and techniques used in real-time rendering, a crucial aspect of interactive 3D applications like games and simulations. It delves into the contemporary topics of rendering pipelines and optimizations. While challenging, it provides in-depth knowledge for those looking to understand the technical underpinnings of real-time 3D graphics. It valuable reference for advanced students and professionals.
Is considered a foundational text in the field of computer graphics, providing a comprehensive overview of the principles behind 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. While it theoretical book, the concepts covered are essential for a deep understanding of how 3D graphics software works. It is often used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate computer graphics programs. This book is more valuable as a foundational reference than a hands-on software guide.
Beginner-friendly guide to 3D modeling. It covers the basics of creating and manipulating objects, applying materials, and lighting a scene. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to get started with 3D modeling.
Covers the basics of 3D printing, including choosing the right printer, designing 3D models, and printing objects. It's a valuable resource for anyone who wants to get started with 3D printing.
This comprehensive guide covers the fundamentals of 3D modeling and animation, from creating basic shapes to rigging and animating characters. It's a great resource for beginners and intermediate users alike.

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