Struggling with ZBrush?
Chances are, if you found my course, you've probably picked up a copy of ZBrush, seen some amazing stuff done with the software, but the complexity is making your head spin. All these crazy terms—DynaMesh, SubTools, Subdivisions, ActivePoints, Polygroups—what the heck does it all mean?
The idea of making beautiful, sculptural jewelry on your computer makes your toes curl, but you need help, and I can help.
Gain a true understanding of ZBrush...
and how to apply it to your own beautiful jewelry pieces.
You've come to the right place.
Most of the ZBrush tutorials out there are presented by talented character sculptors with little or no practical jewelry or casting experience.
Minimum thicknesses and specs for printing remain a mystery. Sure, you can pick up some pointers on YouTube or hours-long webinars, but most of us don't have time to go searching for answers, and when we find them, they frequently contradict other tutorials.
The software is simply a tool to enhance our creativity, so anything we can do to expedite learning allows us to get to the part we enjoy the most—making beautiful jewelry. ZBrush is just another tool—perhaps the most powerful and innovative tool on our bench. And we want to get up and running quickly, because time is money.
Anyone can follow an online tutorial...in this course you'll gain an understanding the software and tools and know how to apply them to your designs.
Taught by a professional trainer & jewelry artist
Like you, I struggled with ZBrush in the beginning. Translating my traditional jewelry knowledge to this new medium was more than challenging.
With a background in fabrication, wax carving, CAD, and 3D printing, for the past several years I've explored ways to make ZBrush easier—and more efficient—for new users.
I live for the "a-ha moments" when a student finally "gets it."
Easy-to-Understand Bonus Class Handouts
Hi, I’m Kat!
Several years ago, I was looking for a program that would allow me to make sculptural jewelry for my new Formlabs SLA printer when I found ZBrush. The program was life-changing, but literally brought me to tears—no program has ever left me feeling so overwhelmed.
Anyway, as a former tech trainer for Apple, lifelong artist, and CAD/woodworking/SketchUp trainer at the college level, it became my goal to make ZBrush easier for artists of all skill levels to create beautiful jewelry.
And I've developed a tried-and-true method that can help you master it, too!
Learn how to make scrolls
We'll explore how to create scrolls in ZModeler and apply them to your custom designs.
Create stone settings
Do things you only thought possible in expensive jewelry CAD software.
Make your pieces stand out
With photorealistic rendering, presenting work and creating photos for your website is a breeze.
ZModeler demystified
ZModeler is a powerful tool for creating your designs...we'll make it easy.
Complete your designs
Adding stones, custom chains, jump rings, and more.
Create sculptural jewelry
ZBrush is like modeling in clay...it's perfect for trying variations in your designs.
Intricate Designs
Learn tips and tricks with ZModeler to make complex shapes not easily executed in wax.
Add custom supports & sprues
Useful tricks with built-in features of ZBrush to add integrated sprue, and minimal supports for easier cleanup.
Use alternative materials
With ZBrush and Keyshot, experiment with nontraditional materials and creative combinations.
What You'll Need...
• ZBrush FULL version (or 45-day trial). Wait to download until you're ready to start the course.**
• Desktop or Laptop computer that meets these requirements.
• Wacom graphics tablet (Intuos or Cintiq), or other comparable pen-based input tablet.
OPTIONAL, but helpful:
• iPad, tablet, or second monitor is helpful for following along with videos while working in ZBrush. I have used Apple's SideCar or AstroPad Studio to turn the iPad into a secondary monitor and graphic input tablet. AppleTV or other screencasting options allow the student to view the instructional material on the big screen.
• ZBrush to Keyshot Bridge & Keyshot for photorealistic rendering as seen on this page. That wax tree to the right? Modeled in ZBrush, rendered in Keyshot. It's fake. ;-)