ZBrush 4R7
We discover if Pixologic’s newest release will appeal to 2D artists thinking of branching out…
Price
$795 (single user license) rtists wanting to move from 2D into the third dimension are faced with a raft of decisions. There’s usually a hefty financial outlay at the end, so you need to get this right.
Are you looking for a solution to help with environments where you can paint over a blocked-out world, ensuring that your perspectives are correct? Or do you feel the need to create high-quality finished renders entirely in 3D? At the other end of the spectrum you may just want to add a little depth to your flat artwork. Pixologic believes that it offers a tool for all of the above, with ZBrush 4R7.
ZBrush has a wealth of tools and abilities for many kinds of work, but it has stayed true to its origins of being a
ACompany Pixologic
Web www.pixologic.com 2.5D app, so if you want to add some impasto to your digital paint then it can do this with ease, enabling you to adapt light sources as well as media.
Even so, the user base for ZBrush has become a hardcore group of 3D artists working across the creative industries, from jewellery designers to film concept artists. This, in part, is due to its unorthodox but intuitive interface. In use ZBrush is very different from other 3D software, so if you feel you may develop this side of your work keep that in mind, because you’ll need to learn yet more interfaces if you move on to other programs.
Although ZBrush is an odd beast, it’s easy to get to grips with, and is powerful to boot. The modelling tools mean less switching across to other programs: it’s evolved into a fully featured polygon modeller. Adding fine detail and replicating pieces to generate interest is simple with the new Instancing tools, and if you need to generate a high-quality render there’s a new plug-in to send your project to the (not included) KeyShot render engine.
In summary, confident artists will get a lot out of this version of ZBrush – especially if they’re keen to expand their creative skill set.
July 2015