Introduction to Digital Sculpting using ZBrush

In the first section of the course you'll explore the ZBrush interface, tools, workspace layout, how the program works, its uses and applications. Through demonstrations of the program in action, you'll model a base sculpting mesh in which to lay the foundation of your learning and use as a sculpting model throughout your course. You'll become familiar with the tools interface and understand the design choices available to you.

Your tutor will assist you in creating the base meshes that are used to create your sculpture, as well as utilising sub tools and subdivision levels to add progressive detail to your sculpts. You'll learn numerous ways to create geometry to begin and refine models.

You'll be introduced to DynaMeshes and ZSpheres that'll form the understructure of your final sculpture. Here you'll explore both digital sculpting and traditional sculpting techniques, as well as how they apply to using ZBrush, whilst introducing texturing elements, and refining your organic forms.

Upon completion of your form (i.e. human head, bust) you'll add hard surface elements (armour, helmet etc.) and explore several ways of achieving hard surface elements that'll be demoed and then applied to your sculpt.

You'll learn how to build a rig under your sculpture that can used to pose and manipulate your sculpture into a final position, whilst understanding the simpler methods of masking and manipulating within ZBrush.

Using Polypaint features of ZBrush will enable you to paint texture and details onto your finished sculptures, adding depth and shape. Once completed you'll finalise your piece into a finished, painted, digital sculpture.

You'll also be introduced to the fundamentals of preparing your sculpt for 3D printing, including cutting and keying parts for later assembly, should you wish to turn your sculpt into a physical product at a later point.

• Master the ZBrush interface; navigating the workspace, menus and tools.
• Fundamental skills needed to create models
• How to add sub tools, adjusting geometry and add details with sculpting brushes and hard surface modelling techniques
• Post-sculpting techniques including poly-painting, posing, simple rendering techniques and preparation for 3D printing

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of ZBrush software, including the tools and processes needed to create a 3D sculpture
• Possess the technical skills to adjust geometry and use sculpting brushes efficiently
  
• Be able to create your own 3D digital sculptures, from initial design to finished product that can be prepared for 3D print
• Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
• Have boosted creativity and imagination
• Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
• Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate contact the short courses team: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222.

After this course, you could:

• Continue to harness your creativity and develop your modelling skills further; explore our full range of 3D Design and Modelmaking short courses
• Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
• Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

• You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
• Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
• We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
• You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
• You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
• Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity