Tutorial: How to sculpt Hard-Surface Robotics in Zbrush
Many people find it odd to sculpt hard-surface robotics in Zbrush, this is natural, as Zbrush is naturally levitating towards being heavy in organic content, its whole nature within the interface feels like playing in the mud or sand, so doing something hard surface in it may sound strange, but it's totally doable.
- Image done for this project, back when I first started learning this process.
01. Quick video tutorial process on how to sculpt Hard-Surface Robotics:
After leaving the skepticism behind myself, I wouldn't trade Zbrush for any quad-based modeling for hard surface. Here are a few tips to get started, thanks to 80LV for partnering with me on this:
Video legend:
1. On any mesh you have, start working on volume, just use any brush. For this instance, I'm using the default clay brush.
2. Once you think you have enough volume, start chiseling and evening it out and away with the Trim Dynamic Brush, don't worry about getting it right the first time, you won't. Just start working the faces into what looks a bit more hard surface.
3. Rotate it around and chisel the neighbor side until a hard surface side, meets the other, this will start forming a hard edge when they meet and everything starts binding better.
4. Ideally, use a broad brush, so you can take fewer sweeps for a more refined look. Smaller brush sizes may create a damaged/bumpy look.
5. Use the default Polish brush to refine what you had trimmed.
6. You should now have a refined hard surface base to add alphas or any other details!
If you’re looking for more in-depth tutorials, I invite you to check out my tutorial shop.
That's it!
That's very much how I do any of my Hard Surfaces within Zbrush.
Super quick, super simple, super fun.
Now go out there and rock on, make me proud with your Zbrush sketching.
02. Tutorial Store updates
Keyshot Year 1 - All Materials Bundle:
I've now released a bundle of all the Keyshot materials in my store. If you ever wanted them all but didn't want to buy them separately, you can now get them at a discount in the following bundle! I use them religiously for all my concept artworks.
Astronomy Illustrations:
I've also released a second pack of vectorized Astronomy illustrations from ancient 14th-century books. Some of these were quite old and hard to vector, but I do think the result is usable, I've included a tutorial to remove and add grain from them and customize the wear and tear to your liking.
You can find it here as well.
About The Author:
As a freelance concept artist, designer, and storytelling strategist, Miguel Nogueira brings years of expertise to every project. His work has been celebrated in the CGSociety Hall of Fame, on Behance, and featured in Kotaku and 3DTotal. Miguel has also played a crucial role in the success of multiple AAA and AA game releases as a Senior Consultant Concept Artist and Design Lead.
Interested in collaborating or learning more? Explore Miguel's portfolio at www.menogcreative.com and discover how he can elevate your creative vision.