ronmatt

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6165/sentry8qn.jpg

few of you 'old guys' expressed an interest in seeing some more texturing using zbrush2. Many of my previous post have included zbrush texturing but they were just bits and pieces. I thought I'd post a completed illustration (sci fi theme). The sentry was done mostly with zbrush elements, modified in PS7. any particular questions, ask away.

just noticed that the feet were cropped, sorry.

SCync

Sorry I didn't hit this thread earlier, Ron. Ya mon, love this look. The background is marvellously intricate in the number of textures, but what I'm particularly interested in, which may be where Zbrush comes in, are the textures on the chest and thighs. The way you get the lighting is really kick ass. I realize it's two processes, but the textures are what I'm looking for some guidance on.

ronmatt

http://img477.imageshack.us/img477/8739/lesson17aw.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8256/lesson28nd.jpg

OK. I'm going to start some lessons here. Or if we should start a new thread on these, then someone who has the power to do so, go for it. Anyway. these 2 will get you started ( assuming you have ZBrush) ) if not you can get a demo at Pixelogic. There will be a lot of info on this thread, and a firm grip of Photoshop will be required.

I would post the tute directly into the thread, but they're too big.

SCync

Good info, Ron, the 5 grey makes so much sense. Sure, i've used PNG, usually as a request, but why do you particularily prefer them.

Hope you keep up this dialogue, I've always been a fan of your work and it's a pleasure for an old fart like me to learn something from those that know.

ronmatt

don't be givin' me that 'old fart' crap. I'm 65 as of last Wed. Dirt was just a theory when I was born.
I suppose that any file format that preserves a transparent background will do. There's no advantage to .png other than habit. \:/ I will keep this thread going at least until I finish the image shown on page 2.
By then, I will have covered almost everything. Remember one important thing, a lot of techniques I've developed lend themselves to the type of work I've been doing for 40+ years. namely SF illustration. Many are digital adaptations of airbrush techniques. I also don't like using a bunch of layers. I'm old and tend to get confused easily......

By the way, I'll be posting a flock of new stuff soon on DA. Give us a look.

http://ronmatt.deviantart.com/gallery

Also, as we go along, specific questions will help us all.. Also, if you have to work in a demo version of
ZBrush and it doesn't allow you to save, just hit the 'print screen' key and paste it into PS. Be sure your 'Z' image is large enough though. The demo has no time restrictions (at least it never did before)

SCync

OK Ron I'll beg off that line, but I still have nothing but respect for the guys who have been around the block. Likewise, I've been around the block (and hit the curbs REAL hard)

That said, I'm not quite sure how to rip some of the wonderful textures that I can create in Z and apply them in PS. BTW I've owned Z for over a year (fully payed and layed) but, as **** happens, never got into using it.

I'll definitely follow this thread. In fact, I would like to see some of the others like Maya and Lasa, and the boss Mark, ring in.