Zbrush learning curve?

[alexx]

How difficult is the Zbrush learning curve and is there a demo available?

I'm one of those guys that got a "real job" instead of pursuing art/art school...so now I draw,etc, in my free time when The Man cuts me loose. Realistically, how difficult is Zbrush to learn when you aren't working with it full time or professionally?

-Thanks.

-A.

[Arshes Nei]

It depends on the user's ability to grasp it and do research?

[Portus]

You definitely could and should watch some demos and tutorials, otherwise it's pretty steep.

There's Sculptris, which is freeware for now and is miles more accessible.

[joeparis]

It's nowhere near as steep as regular vertex modeling programs but it is so packed with features that navigating the unusual interface can be a little tricky at first. You can "easily" be up and running, producing your first sculptures in a matter of a few hours. Learning all the other features takes a bit longer obviously but there are plenty of tutorials and videos to keep you busy. You probably don't need me to tell you that it's such an amazing program that it's worth the effort.

Zbrush has "assimilated" Sculptris now but it's definitely worth looking at the last version of that too.

[alexx]

Arshes, thanks for the profound insight. Hugs.

Portus, thanks...I did hit up youtube and the pixologic site as well as a couple of other cg sites. Lots of info.

Joe, thanks for the comment...so is there still some freeware out there worth trying? Is there a demo of zbrush 4? I have seen references to a demo of version 3.x, but no mention of 4 on Pixologic's site. Bummer, you'd think there was a trial version for software that costs $700.

[joeparis]

I started with v3.1 which I think is still the trial version. I think 90% of what's in v4.0 is in v3.1 so it's still good to explore and get an idea of whether it's for you. It is a little odd that the latest version isn't available for a trial but considering ALL upgrades are free I personally will forgive Pixologic their little eccentricities.

[alexx]

I must have missed that part about all upgrades being free. Thanks, that does make a difference in the long run.

[viizi]

Zbrush is not so bad to learn maybe one week if you follow video tutorials but know this once you don't use it for a while you will forget a lot about it especially the shortcuts because it is very unique set of shortcuts and workflow to anything else haha. Hope this was more help than Arshes pointless reply. Maybe she was asking you a question lol who knows what runs through people like that

[willbrown]

I've been using ZBrush as a production tool since 2006. It's evolving. It has become more powerful and complex. The interface is overwhelming at first.

ZBrushcentral and Pixologic have plenty of tutorials. It depends on what you want to do with it as to learning curve.

I'm still learning the 4.0 upgrade.

Best tool of it's kind.