Monday, May 27th, 2019 Posted by Jim Thacker

The Gnomon Workshop ships Introduction to ZBrush


Originally posted on 7 October 2017. Scroll down for news of the new chapters on ZBrush 2019.

The Gnomon Workshop has released Introduction to ZBrush 4R8, a comprehensive guide to Pixologic’s industry-standard digital sculpting software, recorded by Double Negative artist Madeleine Spencer.

The tutorial has now been updated to cover new features in ZBrush 2019.

A complete professional guide to sculpting in ZBrush
Gnomon describes Introduction to ZBrush 4R8 as “the most comprehensive set of instructional videos ever created for ZBrush users” – with some justification: the tutorial runs to well over 18 hours of footage.

As well as providing a detailed explanation of every tool in ZBrush, it sets out key ZBrush workflows, from the absolute basics to advanced sculpting and detailing techniques.

The training starts with a brief overview of the UI aimed at new users, and quickstart tutorials on sculpting, plus a more in-depth lesson on painting creature skins using Polypaint.

It then moves onto the individual feature sets, including all of the new features and plugins for ZBrush 4R8, including Live Booleans, VDM brushes and 3D text.

Spencer also demonstrates how to use ZBrush in conjunction with other key CG applications, including Photoshop and KeyShot.


Updated 16 April 2018: The tutorial has now been updated with seven new chapers covering the new features in ZBrush 2018, the latest free update to the software, which was released last month.

It covers ZBrush 2018’s Sculptris Pro dynamic tessellation system, the Project Primitive deformer, automated Polygroup-generation system PolyGroupIt, plus the changes to the UI and sculpting brushes.

In total, the update adds over two hours of new material.


Updated 27 May 2019: The Gnomon Workshop has released another free update to the tutorial, now renamed simply ‘Introduction to ZBrush’, this time covering the new features in ZBrush 2019.

The seven new chapters cover tools such as 3D extrusion system Snapshot3D; intersection masking; the new universal camera system; and the new non-photorealistic rendering toolset.


About the artist
Madeleine Spencer has worked in visual effects, toy and collectible design, and the design of digital maquettes for concept work for over a decade.

She has worked for facilities including Gentle Giant Studios, Weta Workshop and Weta Digital, on movies including The Hobbit trilogy, Wonder Woman and Valerian. She is currently a 3D artist at Double Negative.

Pricing and availability
Introduction to ZBrush is available via an online subscription to The Gnomon Workshop, giving you access to over 300 detailed tutorials. Subscriptions cost $49/month or $490/year, and there is a free trial.

Read more about Introduction to ZBrush on The Gnomon Workshop’s website


Full disclosure: CG Channel is owned by Gnomon.