In the world of 3D animation and games, modeling is the process of creating 3D assets using the computer. Traditionally, modeling was done by starting off with primitives such as cubes, spheres and cones and pushing and pulling the vertices (or points) until the desired shape was reached. This was a very tedious and time consuming process, and was by no means, intuitive. Few artists found this enjoyable, until ZBrush arrived.
ZBrush is a modeling software, brought out by a company called pixologic. So, what is so different about ZBrush? ZBrush makes digital modeling more like sculpting clay. Instead of having to push and pull each point seperately, ZBrush allows the artist to sculpt models using a set of brushes. This also allows the artist to give textures to the models right away, instead of having to map textures, as in other software.
ZBrush also allows the artist to pose models. Posing in other software involves a complex process called rigging, where a network of bones have to be built and skinned to the character. ZBrush makes this simpler by automating the entire procedure. The models are also lit with a subtle glow, which gives the artist immediate feedback on how the model looks. All this has become possible because of the increased processing power of today’s hardware.
So what does all this mean? Have a look at some of the images created using ZBrush here. As you can see, the models are all insanely detailed, and dripping with life. ZBrush has also been used extensively in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (second and third part), for sculpting Davy Jones and his fellow buccaneers.
ZBrush adoption does pose a challenge for many studios, as all studios have a well established pipelines, and integrating such a software takes time. ZBrush is also known to give heavy models (lots of detail, lots of trouble). But that is all changing now. So, the next time you see that amazing beast in the movies, you know whom to thank.
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Hi, My name is Narayanan and i'm your resident blogger. Technology and internet have always fascinated me and that's the reason behind the origin of this blog. Thanks for visiting Tech Spikes :)
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