Struggling with ZBrush?
Chances are, if you found my course, you've probably picked up a copy of ZBrush, seen some amazing sculptural jewelry created with the software, but the complexity is making your head spin.
The interface is overwhelming, your computer is crawling, and resolution is baffling. All these crazy terms—DynaMesh, SubTools, Subdivisions, ActivePoints, Polygroups—what the heck does it all mean? You just wanted to jump in and start sculpting.
Whether you're an absolute beginner, new to jewelry, or a professional jeweler looking to add sculptural elements to your bespoke designs, this course can help you.
Gain a true understanding of ZBrush with clear, concise instructions...and learn how to apply it to your own beautiful jewelry pieces.
You've come to the right place
Most of the ZBrush video tutorials out there are presented by talented character sculptors with little or no practical jewelry or casting experience. Trying to piece together content from multiple instructors with conflicting methods is time-consuming and can be frustrating.
I've combined years of practical jewelry experience and a lifetime of teaching with a complete understanding of ZBrush.
The experience of 3D printing my designs, mold making, and casting in my studio helps me to understand the challenges faced by jewelry artists.
I simplify the concepts and teach you quickly what took me years to learn...
Learn with an experienced, professional trainer
Like you, I struggled with ZBrush in the beginning. Translating my knowledge to this new medium was more than challenging. For the past several years I've explored ways to make ZBrush easier—and more efficient—for new users.
As a former Tech Trainer and Systems Engineer at Apple, I excelled at distilling complex concepts into understandable lessons for customers and employees of all skill levels.
The course includes over eleven hours of step-by-step video, detailed handouts, and Tutorial Notes to make learning easier.
Easy-to-Understand Bonus Class Handouts
The course comes with multi-page handouts with graphics, clear explanations, and examples to complement your video lessons.
Hi, I’m Kat Adair!
I am a glass and jewelry artist and technical trainer in the Austin, Texas area. I've been using ZBrush for several years to create 3D models on a Formlabs SLA printer for direct casting of my jewelry designs. With a strong professional training background, years of experience in jewelry fabrication, casting, wax carving, and a love of teaching, I wanted to make ZBrush much easier to understand for jewelry artists.
I get rave reviews from my training clients, who describe me as a patient teacher who's great at explaining the "hows and whys."
I've developed methods that make ZBrush efficient to use on even low-end hardware, with a focus on getting students up and running quickly in one of the most amazing pieces of software I've ever worked with.
I'm confident I can get you there, too!
What can you create with ZBrush?
Sculpted Turtle for Inlay
This turtle has indentations for crushed stone or enamel, and skin detail created with masks.
Try Different Design Variations
ZBrush made it easy to try different design variations with these little kissing bird slides.
Sculpting Multi-Part Charms
This little treehouse charm features hard-surface modeling in ZModeler and regular sculpting.
Experiment with Materials
As a glass artist, I can experiment with non-metal materials such as glass, resin, or enamels.
Necklace with Symmetry
Using different types of symmetry makes this flower necklace a breeze!
Sculpted Eternity Ring
One of the class projects is this Sand Dollar eternity ring with stones and custom textures.
Masked Designs
Import graphic designs from Photoshop, an iPad, or tablet to embellish your jewelry.
Geometric Twists
Use hard-surface modeling features to create complex proof-of-concepts quickly.
Stone Settings
Create unique stone settings using Curve brushes, ZModeler, and sculpting.
Course Outline
- Handouts, Tutorial Notes, & Supplemental Files
- Intro to the ZBrush Interface (7:17)
- Basics of Navigation (4:11)
- A Little Quick Maintenance... (0:32)
- First Sculpt: Puffy Heart (10:45)
- Customizing the Interface (3:11)
- Tips & Tricks: Duplicate Meshes that Seem "Frozen" (2:48)
- Subtools: Adding a Jump Ring (8:30)
- Easy 3D Printing (4:16)
- Working Actual Size: Two Sized Charms (10:17)
- Saving Your Work: ZTool vs. ZProject (9:46)
- Selecting Primitive Types [Handout]
- Adding & Subtracting Objects (13:23)
- Boolean Operations: Creating a Complex Tapered Ring Shank (8:13)
- Sculpting Basics: Modeling from a Photo or Image (4:29)
- Clipping and Cutting: Removing Part of a Model (5:02)
- Spotlight and Snapshot3D: 3D Shape from an Image (18:10)
- Extracted Shape Part 1: Brooch Frame (6:53)
- ZModeler Basics: Creating a Pendant Base (7:41)
- Resolution Secrets: Handout and Exercise
- Resolution Secrets: Sculpting and Responsiveness (11:13)
- Mask Effects: Intro to Masks (14:44)
- Mask Effects: Raised/Inset Text & Designs (6:58)
- IMM Brush Intro: Ball Decorations, Prongs, Tubes (12:48)
- IMM Brushes: Faceted Stones & Accuracy (14:51)
- IMM Curve Brush Intro: Tubes & Scrolls (10:15)
- IMM Curve Brushes: Ovals. Beaded Frames, & Chain (10:39)
- Creating a Custom Scroll Brush from Model (6:52)
- Sunflower Ring Part 1: Petals from IMM Primitives Brush (9:57)
- Sunflower Ring Part 2: Center & Hollowing (20:06)
- Sunflower Ring Part 3: Polypaint Guidelines & Beaded Decoration (13:50)
- Sunflower Ring Part 4: Adding Holes, Seats, Stones & Prongs (15:22)
- Sunflower Ring Part 5: Custom IMM Curve Ring Shank (15:31)
- Sunflower Ring Part 6: Assembling the Ring (19:06)