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Milivoj Popovic

. Rated 10/10 on Coursemarks. TOP 1% of 94,680 courses.

CAPTIONS: French, Russian, Spanish

ONLY COURSE WITH Student Facebook Group for QnA/Guidance with over a +5000 members.

Learn how to create amazing 3d sculpts, using industry's top digital software- Zbrush.

Guiding you on this journey is an award winning digital sculptor, Art Academy professor and a studio head with over 15 years of industry experience.

Every section comes with written learning material summarizing the most important points of the section.

Read more

. Rated 10/10 on Coursemarks. TOP 1% of 94,680 courses.

CAPTIONS: French, Russian, Spanish

ONLY COURSE WITH Student Facebook Group for QnA/Guidance with over a +5000 members.

Learn how to create amazing 3d sculpts, using industry's top digital software- Zbrush.

Guiding you on this journey is an award winning digital sculptor, Art Academy professor and a studio head with over 15 years of industry experience.

Every section comes with written learning material summarizing the most important points of the section.

Every section comes with a Quiz that will test your knowledge so you can make sure you learned all you need.  

Download written learning materials and Zbrush tools so you can learn even when of-line.

Updating with new videos as Zbrush updates.

Do you want to learn digital sculpting in Zbrush, by an instructor that's not only a seasoned professional but also a studio owner, sitting on the other side of the hiring table?. Learn the best possible approach and workflow to get from start to finished design, use essential tools that enable you to create any design in Zbrush. Get tips and tricks of the trade, inside thoughts of a studio project lead that will give you an edge when getting jobs in the industry.

A shout out to my friend Martin Punchev Vertexbee, how did the 2d design for the Turtle you see in the course title image.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn zbrush, by an instructor that's not only a seasoned professional but also a studio owner, sitting on the other side of the hiring table!
  • Zbrush user interface
  • Gizmo and deformers
  • Different brushes, like standard, smooth, clay buildup, dam standard,trim dynamic....
  • Alphas, masking, show/hide
  • Dynamesh and zremesher
  • Sculptris pro
  • Zspheres
  • Booleans
  • Materials and polypaint
  • Uv maps
  • Polygroups, panel loops...
  • Rendering
  • Dynamics
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

A short video where I say a bit about my self and the course!

a quick hello where i introduce my self and the course!

Learning about the instructor and the course outline- going through different sections of the course
Read more

A do a lot of talking in this one :) but i promise you we jump pretty quickly into the practical side of thing in videos to come!

Digital sculpting is a part of many industries, such as film, video games, VR/AR... Digital sculpts are made out of polygons, and polygons are made out of points and vertices! The way those vertices are connected to each other is called topology.

A written overview of all the major points covered in Lecture Basics of digital sculpting

THIS IS NOT THE BLUE UI and will probably NOT change anything in your UI! In some updates of Zbrush a few buttons might change their places in the User Interface, so to avoid confusion i made a user interface that will keep you 1 on 1 with the user interface i have in the videos! Please load it and let's start sculpting!

a quick video how to adjust your UI if you have a small res display- laptops, older monitors, etc.

After watching this lecture, you will:

· Know what is Lightbox

· Understand all the parts that make Zbrush UI

· How to customize UI

Hotkeys and shortcuts for Zbrush as found on the Pixologic website!

DOWNLOAD IN THE RESOURCES OF THIS LECTURE

IMPORTANT: Wherever the Ctrl key is mentioned in this documentation, MacOSX users may want to use the Cmd (Apple) key instead, though note for keyboards with both a Ctrl and Cmd key either can be used. The Alt key on Macintosh keyboards is sometimes called the Option key, and the Windows Enter key is called the Return key.

Testing the discription

We are taking a look at Folders, a great way to organize our subtools!

Our first sculpting assignment! In these videos i will guide you through the process of sculpting an apple- we will use this exercise to train and test what we learned so far!

The last in the fruit series of sculpt, a pumpkin is a bit more complex in form than an apple or a bannana, so a natural progression in this sculpting assignment series!

Continuing with the fruity theme! :) next up- a bannana, a great subject to keep using what we learned in previous sections, without being overwhelmed with a difficult sculpt

A bit more of a technical sculpt, in this assignment we will learn, among other, how to use masking and scale, move, rotate tools!

a short video describing how to load my UI, set it all up including my custom pop-up menu!

A quick video explaining how we can solve a problem of polygons getting pushed into each other when sculpting on thin geometry! A great option that can save us a lot of headaches and frustration!

In this video i cover two important options when you are working with alphas- blur and midvalue!

This assignment will push our masking skills further, and we will also use clip and trim brushes!

A student asked a question on FB group- why, even though he has 2M polygons, he still can't sculpt details due to low polygon resolution!? He send me his Zbrush file and this is the answer. As an added bonus i also talk about ProjectAll feature- A great way to transfer details from one sculpt to another!

Our most difficult assignment yet! A challenging sculpt, but i am here to guide you step by step! We will practice all we learned so far and see a few added tips and tricks!

Here is a 20 minute time-lapse of the modeling process for this assignment- Dynamesh Creature! If you don't have time to go through all the videos of this project ( it is our biggest assignment with a lot of videos) you can have a look at this quick video to see the modeling process!

Our most ambitious assignment yet! We will sculpt an entire creature starting from a simple sphere! It's a crazy ride, be sure to come along, but don't just watch- sculpt this bad boy your self and i look forward to seeing your sculpts!

In this session i introduce a very powerful feature that can save you hours of sculpting- Insertmesh feature! you can download the insertmesh brushes in the Resources!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers Zbrush UI, gizmos, deformers, brushes, alphas, masking, dynamesh, and zremesher, which are essential for digital sculpting
Includes written learning material summarizing the most important points, which reinforces learning and retention
Features quizzes to test knowledge, which helps learners gauge their understanding and progress
Taught by an award-winning digital sculptor, art academy professor, and studio head, which brings extensive industry experience
Provides downloadable learning materials and Zbrush tools, which allows for offline learning and practice
Features a student Facebook group for Q&A and guidance, which fosters a collaborative learning environment

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Reviews summary

Beginner to intermediate zbrush sculpting

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in Zbrush, guiding students from beginner concepts through intermediate techniques. Students frequently highlight the instructor's extensive industry experience and ability to explain complex topics clearly. The practical assignments and projects, particularly the creature sculpt, are considered a major strength, providing valuable hands-on practice. While some earlier reviews noted minor technical issues like audio levels, more recent feedback generally focuses on the comprehensive content and workflow tips provided. The course structure is often praised for its logical progression, making it suitable for those starting out in digital sculpting with Zbrush.
Introduces essential Zbrush tools and workflows.
"The course covers all the fundamental tools like Dynamesh, Zremesher, brushes, and masking effectively."
"Learned essential techniques like using Gizmo3D, alphas, and subtools. Very comprehensive basics."
"It gives you a strong understanding of the core Zbrush workflow needed for sculpting."
Well-structured for those new to Zbrush.
"As a complete beginner, this course didn't feel overwhelming. It starts with the basics and builds up nicely."
"I had no prior Zbrush experience, and this course got me comfortable with the interface and basic tools."
"If you're just starting out in Zbrush, this is a fantastic place to begin your journey."
Benefit from the instructor's industry background.
"The instructor's background in the industry shines through, offering valuable insights beyond just tools."
"Learning from someone with 15+ years of experience is invaluable. He shares professional workflow tips."
"His perspective as a studio owner gives unique insight into what's important in the industry."
Assignments offer great hands-on Zbrush practice.
"The creature sculpt assignment really helped solidify everything I learned. Great practical application!"
"Doing the assignments, especially the pumpkin and creature, made a huge difference in my understanding."
"I love that there are sculpting exercises to follow along with. It's not just theory."
Instructor explains complex Zbrush concepts well.
"The instructor explains complex things clearly. I appreciate how he breaks down concepts."
"Very good content and the instructor is great at explaining Zbrush concepts step-by-step."
"He makes learning Zbrush simple. I finally understand topics that confused me before."
Some early lectures had audio/video quirks.
"Some videos, especially earlier ones, had inconsistent audio levels which was a bit distracting."
"Noticed a few lectures with lower audio quality, but the content was still understandable."
"While the content is great, a couple of the initial videos had minor technical glitches."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate with these activities:
Review Digital Art Fundamentals
Reviewing digital art fundamentals will help you better understand the principles behind sculpting and design in ZBrush.
Browse courses on Art Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Study color theory and its application in digital art.
  • Practice basic sketching and form creation.
  • Review the principles of composition and visual hierarchy.
Practice Sculpting Basic Shapes
Practicing sculpting basic shapes will improve your understanding of ZBrush tools and techniques.
Show steps
  • Create spheres, cubes, and cylinders in ZBrush.
  • Experiment with different brushes and settings.
  • Focus on achieving clean and accurate forms.
Review 'ZBrush Digital Sculpting Human Anatomy'
Studying human anatomy will greatly improve your sculpting skills, especially when creating characters.
Show steps
  • Study the skeletal structure and musculature of the human body.
  • Practice sculpting different parts of the human body in ZBrush.
  • Focus on understanding the forms and proportions of the human body.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Advanced ZBrush Tutorials
Following advanced tutorials will expose you to new techniques and workflows.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on specific ZBrush features or techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, paying attention to detail.
  • Experiment with the techniques you learn in your own projects.
Sculpt a Character from a Concept
Working on a character project will allow you to apply your knowledge and develop your skills further.
Show steps
  • Find a character concept that you like.
  • Sculpt the character in ZBrush, paying attention to anatomy and detail.
  • Present your finished character in a professional manner.
Create a ZBrush Sculpting Portfolio
Creating a portfolio will showcase your skills and help you land jobs in the industry.
Show steps
  • Select your best ZBrush sculpts.
  • Present your work in a professional manner.
  • Get feedback from other artists and improve your portfolio.
Review 'Mastering Digital Sculpting'
Reading about digital sculpting techniques will give you a broader perspective on the field.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read about different digital sculpting workflows.
  • Learn about the artistic principles behind digital sculpting.
  • Explore different software options for digital sculpting.

Career center

Learners who complete Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Digital Sculptor
Digital Sculptors use software to create three-dimensional models for a variety of purposes, including prototyping, animation, and special effects. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps build proficiency in ZBrush, a leading software in this field. The course covers the ZBrush user interface, brushes, Dynamesh, and Zremesher. The included quizzes in the course help confirm knowledge of the digital sculpting process. The knowledge gained in this course helps digital sculptors create high-quality, detailed models for diverse applications.
Creature Designer
Creature Designers are responsible for conceptualizing and creating original creatures for films, video games, and other entertainment media. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, provides the skills to design and sculpt detailed creatures in ZBrush. The course covers a variety of tools and techniques, including Dynamesh, Zremesher, and different sculpting brushes. The sculpting assignments, such as the dynamesh creature project, allow students to practice their skills and develop their portfolios. Aspiring Creature Designers find this course particularly valuable due to its focus on practical application and industry-relevant techniques.
Character Artist
Character Artists specialize in creating 3D characters for video games, films, and other media. The job includes sculpting, texturing, and rigging characters to bring them to life. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps build character artist skills in ZBrush, an industry-standard software for character creation. Mastering tools like Dynamesh, Zremesher, and various sculpting brushes, as taught in the course, are essential for crafting detailed and expressive characters. The course's practical assignments, such as sculpting a creature from a sphere, provide valuable experience for aspiring Character Artists.
3D Modeller
A 3D Modeller creates three dimensional models for various applications such as video games, animation, and product design. This role often involves using software like ZBrush to sculpt and refine digital models. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps build a foundation in ZBrush, covering essential tools and techniques like Dynamesh, Zremesher, and various brushes. Knowledge of these tools enable one to create detailed and visually appealing 3D models. The course's focus on practical application and industry insights, including tips and tricks from a studio project lead, offers a competitive edge to aspiring 3D Modellers.
Game Artist
Game Artists create the visual elements of video games, including characters, environments, and props. The job requires a strong understanding of 3D modeling and texturing techniques. This course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps game artists build skills in ZBrush. The course covers essential tools and techniques like Dynamesh, Zremesher, and various sculpting brushes. Game artists can leverage these to create high-quality assets for video games. The course's practical assignments and industry insights, shared by an experienced studio owner, provide a competitive advantage for aspiring Game Artists.
3D Printing Specialist
3D Printing Specialists prepare digital models for 3D printing and operate 3D printers to create physical objects. This job requires knowledge of 3D modeling software and printing techniques. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps build 3D printing skills. The course covers ZBrush, and a variety of tools and techniques. Knowledge of Dynamesh and Zremesher, as covered in the course, helps 3D Printing Specialists create models suitable for printing. The course's focus on practical application helps aspiring 3D Printing Specialists refine their skills.
Concept Artist
Concept Artists create visual representations of ideas for films, video games, and other media. This role involves sketching, painting, and 3D modeling. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps build skills in 3D modeling using ZBrush, allowing one to bring their concepts to life. The course covers a variety of tools and techniques. Concept artists will find this course useful due to its focus on practical application.
Digital Artist
Digital Artists use computer software to create art for various purposes, including illustration, animation, and visual effects. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, contributes to a digital artist's knowledge of ZBrush. This course helps digital artists in mastering the skills needed to create stunning artwork. Digital artists will find this course very helpful in bringing their creative visions to life.
Product Designer
Product Designers are responsible for the form and function of manufactured goods. The role often involves creating 3D models and prototypes. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, may be useful in helping Product Designers visualize and refine their designs in 3D. Learning ZBrush may help product designers to create detailed models of their products. The course helps product designers by building proficiency in ZBrush, covering essential tools and techniques for 3D modeling.
VFX Artist
VFX Artists create visual effects for films, television shows, and video games. This work involves using software to create realistic and fantastical effects. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, may be useful in helping VFX artists in the creation of digital assets, such as characters or environments. The course offers instruction in ZBrush, as well as its included tools and techniques. VFX artists will find that the course helps them to make compelling visual effects.
Toy Designer
Toy Designers conceptualize and design new toys for children and collectors. The role involves sketching, 3D modeling, and prototyping. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, may be useful in helping toy designers create detailed 3D models of their toy designs in ZBrush. The course covers essential tools and techniques. The course helps toy designers in their role, as they refine the details in their designs.
Animator
Animators create moving images for films, television shows, video games, and other media. This often involves using 3D modeling and animation software. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps animators refine skills in 3D modeling. The course can help animators in refining the process of animating. The course may be useful in helping animate 3D characters. Animators benefit from this course for its practical approach and industry insights.
Medical Visualization Specialist
Medical Visualization Specialists create 3D models and animations of anatomical structures for medical education and research. Creating accurate and detailed models is a significant part of this role. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, can help those interested in this career role in creating anatomical structures in ZBrush. The course focuses on the tools and techniques. Those interested in this role may find this course useful.
Architectural Visualizer
Architectural Visualizers create photorealistic renderings and animations of architectural designs. This work involves using 3D modeling and rendering software to showcase buildings and interiors. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, may be useful in helping Architectural Visualizers in creating detailed models of architectural elements. The course covers ZBrush and a variety of tools and techniques. Architectural visualizers may find the course useful in their visualization needs.
Digital Effects Supervisor
Digital Effects Supervisors oversee the creation of visual effects for films, television shows, and video games. This role requires a strong understanding of 3D modeling, animation, and compositing techniques, as well as strong leadership skills. The course, Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate, helps build a foundation in ZBrush. The course may be useful in helping Digital Effects Supervisors understand the 3D modeling process. The course is aimed at beginners and intermediate users.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Sculpting in Zbrush-Ultimate course beginners/intermediate.
Provides a comprehensive guide to sculpting human anatomy in ZBrush. It covers skeletal structure, musculature, and surface anatomy in detail. It valuable reference for understanding the underlying forms and proportions necessary for creating realistic and believable characters. This book is commonly used by students and professionals alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital sculpting techniques, covering a wide range of software and workflows. While not ZBrush-specific, it offers valuable insights into the artistic principles and technical skills required for successful digital sculpting. It is useful as additional reading to broaden your understanding of the field. It is not commonly used as a textbook, but useful reference.

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