Zbrush tutorial: The making of Orc by Moises Gomes

Software used:

• 3DStudio-Max 2012
• ZBrush
• Render Kit - Mike Nash
• Topogun
• Photoshop CS5

01. Concept

Once I had done a little 'Orc Research' of my own, to get references for the accessories, I was able to get started on the project. Aside from making a result I would hopefully be proud of, the main purpose of this project was for me to improve my modelling techniques and skills. Below I go into more detail about my production process, focussing primarily on modelling and composition.

02. Modelling

I start modelling from a base sphere and tweak it until I get a base volume/proportion that I am happy with.

03. Blocking

After that I turn it into a Dynamesh and begin to block it in a more 'solid' way, getting a nice silhouette and defining the right proportions.

04. Retopology

When I get to a stage I am happy with for the blocking, it´s time to start the retopology. The model will then get more detailed.

05. More modelling

I did all the base mesh of the accessories for The Orc in 3DStudio Max and then sent them to ZBrush to make all the details. I used some alphas, but most of it was hand modelled because just alphas wouldn´t be enough.

06. Detailing and Decimation

After the modelling was finished I used the ZBrush plugin, Decimation Master, to export the model with all the details.

07. Light and Render

To render this model I bought a kit from a great artist, Mike Andrew Nash. He has done a great job with this render kit (awesome lighting and shading) and you can visit his link to learn more about it.

08. Composition

My first tip about composition is to save your render in a format called OpenEXR which is a high-quality format created by ILM. This format is multi-channel, allowing great control at the time of composition. To enable this control, simply save your image on 32-bit OpenEXR FullFloat with no compression and in Photoshop convert it from 32bit to 16bit. It will open a window called HDR Toning with a lot of fine controls. with this image, once I'd done that I used some layers from the PSD provided by Mike Nash and added some personal details like more dirt and colour correction. Another tip to make it more real is to use some dirt maps making the cavities more 'heavy'. This will improve the realism in your final image.