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Digital sculpture of a dinosaur

Introduction to Digital Sculpting using ZBrush

ZBrush is the go-to industry-standard software for digital painting and sculpting. It gives artists the freedom to create truly innovative and unique models from digital clay.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

When does it run?

Thursday 18 January – 21 March 2024

How long is the course?

10 weeks

What time will your classes be?

18.00-21.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for creatives and aspiring digital sculptors aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who has a passion to learn and develop their 3D design and creation skills.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience with digital sculpting or ZBrush and wish to develop your skills further. This course will primarily focus on the fundamental aspects of modelling in ZBrush.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

This is an introductory course, so no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£339

What's included in this price?

All course materials and resources, including access to ZBrush software using AUB Mac computers.

Are there additional costs?

No, all course materials and resources are included in your course fee.

Please note, you may wish to practise your skills and be more ambitious with your projects by purchasing the ZBrush software for your own computer. This is optional. You can get a 14-day free trial via Maxon, after which you can purchase the software for £26.90-£34.80 per month.

What should you bring to class?

  • A notebook and pens/pencils for making notes

Why should you choose this course?

  • All course materials and resources included in course fee – no hidden costs!
  • Come away with enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to create incredible 3D sculpted digital models
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ZBrush software and how to use it effectively and efficiently
  • Explore different techniques for approaching modelling tasks and the pros and cons of each, with reference to industry practice
  • Gain hands-on experience experimenting with different techniques and processes
  • Develop your technical skills and unique creative voice
  • Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
  • Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
  • Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 12 like-minded creatives

About this course

This introductory course will introduce you to the fundamentals of the ZBrush software and allow you to create a finished sculpt of a multi-part organic creature with hard surface, painted and textured elements. By the end of the course, you'll have gained insight and practical skills in the basic use of ZBrush to create a simple creature using the major elements and features of the software.

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
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Book your place today

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Important information about evening and weekend courses

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How to Enrol

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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FAQs

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses Booking Terms and Conditions

Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.