Category: 3-D Modeling

This article will focus on morph creation in ZBrush from an existing model. For my examples I will be using Daz Models Victoria 4 and Michael 4.

When I first used ZBrush, I found many things confusing. ZBrush doesn’t quite operate the same way as other 3D applications. Its a cross between a painting program and a 3D modeling program hence the name ZBrush; “Z” for depth and brush for painting. This series begins with things that might confuse the new user in the hope of clearing the confusion. I’ll try to avoid more advanced terminology until later in the series. Some of these tips will make more sense in my next article when we actually begin sculpting. I still think its important to keep these tips in mind before you begin.

In a previous post I mentioned that vertex order was critical for creating successful morphs in Poser. Many 3d programs do not preserve vertex order leading to the garbled mess pictured above. There is a method for correcting errors like this using a program called UVMapper Professional.

Displacement Maps add additional detail to a 3d digital object that is too difficult or time-consuming to sculpt. I have constructed a brief tutorial explaining how to get Poser style displacement maps to work with DazStudio. The product used in this example is my popular Wondrous Winter collection available under freebies.

An image I made recently using Vue 7 Infinite. This image is a bit of stereotype complete with elephants and acacia tree but I was trying to create a calming wildlife poster. Click on the image to see a larger version. The final image is actually 72 in x 14.4 in.

…Or 5 More Things I wish I knew before wasting many hours doing the wrong things modeling Poser Clothes!

1. Don’t use triangles in your mesh.
2. Keep your meshes as straight as possible.
3. Group your meshes as you model them.
4. Use Multiple Threads in Poser for your renders.
5. Be careful of exploding Morphs!

Continuing in the tradition of 10 tips for making poser clothes, here are 5 more helpful tips. There is some math involved but don’t worry, you won’t have to do any calculations!

…Or 10 Things I wish I knew before wasting many hours doing the wrong things modeling Poser Clothes!

1. Back-up Everything you create.
2. There is an easy way to make MAT Poses.
3. Remove IK (Inverse Kinematics) Chains from your clothes.
4. Use Morph Manager.
5. The Hierarchy Editor is your friend.
6. Don’t fear the Set-Up Room.
7. Joint Parameters are important.
8. Make your model at actual size.
9. UV maps will save you time.
10. Learn to use Python.

Follow these tips and you will save yourself a great deal of time. Below is a more detailed breakdown of what each of these things mean.

When I first started creating my own 3-D Models, I found the most popular online resources — Morph Manager, UV Mapper Pro, and Cr2Editor — are all PC-Only. With patience and perseverance I discovered some alternatives to these programs that work on the Mac!