#shift4cube

[shift4cube]

Rattan Pattern - Substance 3D Designer | shift 4 cube

Learn how to create a stunning Rattan Pattern in Substance 3D Designer with this step-by-step tutorial. Elevate your texturing skills and bring realistic rattan textures to your 3D models. Subscribe for more exciting tutorials! https://youtu.be/Lw8_KSzUNRk

[fedor-bortnik-fmp]

ForeFront 6. Evolution of a workflow.

A while days ago I was talking with my classmate, and I noticed that he used Zbrush while creating a model of a pistol. I thought he used it just to add extra detail to the already established model, but there is more to it - I decided to learn more about it.

While I continue to practice in sculpting characters and various organic forms, creature creation is not the only subject that interests me in the 3D field.

Currently, I am using a SubD workflow in Blender since it helps me achieve the best control over my hardsurface model - The final quality of all my assets is determined by the way how well I worked during each stage of production (in other words, how well I did a low poly mesh and optimised it for the Subdivision modifier). SubD workflow is also useful for blocking and preparing the essential details or shapes before I do the real work on the model (mostly before sculpting).

PzThree (2022) did a great tutorial about subdivision workflow. Despite the fact that I already know some things about this way of work, it never hurts to watch extra tutorials or live streams in order to see how I could improve my way of working. (For example - He really impressed me with the way he controls the edges of his model, and I never considered using separate subdivision modifiers in order to easily create a fine topology that would be very easy to fix in mid-poly).

This is a decent workflow, but I noticed that in ArtStation professional artists also use ZBrush for the hard poly projects, and I want to study more about it.

From left to right, the work of: Eugene Petrov (2023), Nate Laurin (2017) and Asia Rendon (2023).

One of the direct upgrades in using Zbrush together with Blender is the ability to apply various details into a high poly model, the ability to tolerate high amounts of verts, use boolean more smoothly, and an extra range of tools for topology optimisation. With the timelapse video by Shift4cube, I have now a clear idea of how it works.

Before looking into various workflows, I already had an initial idea of how Zbrush could be used additionally during hard surface production, and it motivated me a little that I was right in my theory. But I knew that it was possible to use Zbrush in a more complicated way, so I kept looking.

After a while, I found an interesting timelapse created by OnlyBooleans (2019), which I found quite useful.

One of the reasons why it hooked me is because the creator of the video started building a simple low poly mesh in Blender, and then exported that mesh into Zbrush to start creating a high poly out of it. I found the entire process quite interesting since OnlyBooleans could apply various details (softening the edges, creating cracks, making seams with brushes, etc) into the high poly model with ease, without worrying about the topology or the structure.

I find this type of workflow quite impressive since it allows me to bypass the mundane work of adjusting the model for the subdivision to work. With this improved way of working, I believe I could speed up the modelling process significantly, especially with the dedicated tools for the topology optimisation.

In the end, I was looking for a better workflow than I had right now and I found it. I can't apply it right now, since it would dangerously change my current schedule, and potentially will downgrade the final quality - but now I can see where to grow once I am finished with the work.

References:

PzThree (2022). Blender - Easy SubD Workflow. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viwEOzVBqhQ [Accessed 9 Jul. 2024].

d

Eugene Petrov (2023). Revolver concept. [online] ArtStation. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/RnbzAe [Accessed 9 Jul. 2024].

Nate Laurin (2017). LP-42 (Leuchtpistole 42) Flare Pistol. [online] ArtStation. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/RGBke [Accessed 9 Jul. 2024].

Asia Rendon (2023). Design Exercise. [online] ArtStation. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/lDK5nG [Accessed 9 Jul. 2024].

Shift4cube (2020). Blender, Zbrush 2021, Substance Painter - Stylized knife. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwFTP383IfE [Accessed 9 Jul. 2024].

OnlyBooleans (2019). SciFi Grenade Game Asset - Full Workflow | Blender 2.8, Zbrush, Substance Painter. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS5tmGQNpOQ [Accessed 9 Jul. 2024].

[shift4cube]

Making Stylized Cable Knit Wool Pattern in Substance Designer | shift 4 cube