No Certificate / Course on Audit Track
ZBrush Essentials is a comprehensive course designed to build foundational skills in digital sculpting and 3D modeling using ZBrush. Learners will explore the ZBrush interface, navigation, Gizmo 3D, Subtools, brushes, masking, polygroups, and essential workspace settings. The course also introduces Subdivision, Dynamesh, Sculptris Pro, ZSpheres, materials, and Poly Painting techniques. By the end, learners will have the core knowledge needed to confidently create, modify, and sculpt 3D models in ZBrush.
This course has been curated by Riphah International University faculty and staff using publicly available third-party content and Open Educational Resources (OER) for self-paced learning. Learners will engage with curated open-access materials to achieve the course learning outcomes. All third-party content is used under open-access or fair-use policies, while any original materials are developed specifically for this learning experience.
Source and Credits:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
To be successful in this course, learner should be able to:
No prior experience with ZBrush or digital sculpting is required. Basic computer literacy and familiarity with 3D space are recommended. Previous experience with 3D modeling software, such as Autodesk Maya or Blender, is helpful but not mandatory.
This curriculum is specifically optimized for undergraduate and graduate CGI animators, game art students, and visual media practitioners who are absolute beginners to digital sculpting. These learners seek a structured, step-by-step introduction to ZBrush’s unique 3D workspace to transition from traditional flat 2D designs or solid CAD structures into creative concepts.
Interface Navigation & Basic Settings
Starting ZBrush for the First Time (Video)
How to Navigate in ZBrush (Video)
ZBrush Interface and Tablet Setting (Video)
How to use Undo History, Camera View & Import Option in ZBrush (Video)
Gizmo 3D & Sub-Tool Management
How to Work on Gizmo in Zbrush (Video)
Additional Gizmo Tips (Video)
Axis Rotation (Video)
Working with Subtool in ZBrush (Video)
How to Split & Merge Subtools in ZBrush (Video)
How to Add New Tools & Subtools in ZBrush (Video)
How to Work with Folders in ZBrush (Video)
How to Use Transpose Master Plugin in ZBrush (Video)
Foundational Brushes & Settings
Most Used Brushes in Zbrush (Video)
Brush Settings in ZBrush (Video)
How Inverting Brush Effects Works in ZBrush (Video)
How to Smooth Models in ZBrush with Smooth Brush (Video)
How to Use a Brush Without Back-and-Forth Effect in ZBrush (Video)
Foundational Selection & Masking
EHow to Work with Masks in ZBrush (Video)
How to Create Polygroups in ZBrush (Video)
Zbrushses’ Mask, Polygroup, and Selection Tips (Video)
Split Parts by Using Masks, Hidden Parts, and Polygroups (Video)
Subdivision Modeling
Introduction to Subdivision in ZBrush (Video)
How to Sculpt on a Subdivision Model in ZBrush (Video)
Limitations of Subdivision in ZBrush (Video)
How to Work with Dynamic Subdivision in ZBrush (Video)
Dynamesh Basics
Introduction to Dynamesh in ZBrush (Video)
How to Sculpt with Dynamesh in ZBrush (Video)
Limitations of Dynamesh in ZBrush (Video)
How to Combine and Boolean Objects with Dynamesh in ZBrush (Video)
Sculptris Pro Basics
Introduction to Sculptris Pro in ZBrush (Video)
How to Sculpt with Sculptris Pro in ZBrush (Video)
How to Use Snake Hook Brushes with Sculptris Pro in ZBrush (Video)
ZSpheres Foundations
How to Create ZSpheres in ZBrush (Video)
How to Convert ZSpheres to Geometry in ZBrush (Video)
How to Work with Animal ZeeZoo Library in ZBrush (Video)
Materials & Poly Painting
Applying Materials and Colors in Zbrush (Video)
How to Poly-Paint Colors in ZBrush (Video)
Approximately 8.5 Hours
Beginner
Fully Online (Asynchronous)
Self Paced
English Only