Collaborate Tutorials 24/03/20

Hi All,

Great to speak to most of you last night and see how well you are all progressing given these unprecedented times that we currently find ourselves in.

What I thought was great about our collaborate session last night was the way people stayed around to listen to the other 1 to 1's and offer advice and tips too!

So many thanks for that.

Once you've had time to think and make your decision about whether to take the extension or not, please let me know as it would help me to know.

Here's some extra info as promised that might also be useful for all of you...

Leanne

Leather texture for Mask: Linkedin learning look at the course: ZBrush: Modeling Footwear  look for Adding leather texture bit

Also,

As discussed Insert Multi Mesh Brush (IMM) (for buckles and straps etc)

Linkedin learning Zbrush Essential Training 2018 by Ryan Kittleson 

Chapt.3 Using tools & Subtools pt5 Using Insert Mesh Brushes & pt6 Creating Insert Mesh Brushes

Also, check out the Zclassroom on Pixologic's own website https://pixologic.com/zclassroom/workshop/insert-mesh

And free IMM downloads here:

https://www.zbrushcentral.com/t/insert-multi-mesh-repository/205636

Also

https://pixologic.com/zbrush/features/insert-multi-mesh/

Toby

Texturing Resources

There are lots of ZBrush courses on linked in learning that have a texturing part here are just a few I found after a quick search:

Linkedin learning: 

Zbrush Essential Training 2018 by Ryan Kittleson 9. Paint, Materials, and Texture Maps

Sculpting a Scarecrow in Zbrush Part 5

Zbrush Poly Paint By Michael Ingrassia

Also, check out the Zclassroom on Pixologic's own website

https://pixologic.com/zclassroom/course/texturing

Have a great week, stay safe and I'll chat with you next Tuesday.

Week 3 Independent Study

You should now be ready to begin the process of sculpting your Character or Creature concept.

This week's independent learning tasks are to continue with the LinkedIn Learning training and begin your character/creature sculpt.

You should by now have been practicing ZBrush and looking at the Essential Training for many hours.

You should now feel comfortable enough in the software to begin using the LinkedIn Learning course Sculpting a Creature with ZBrush and Photoshop by Rayce Bird to begin your character/creature sculpt.

Also...
Look through the entire LinkedIn learning course Sculpting a Creature with ZBrush and Photoshop by Rayce Bird and create a schedule of when you will complete each part of the process and add it to your blog.

By doing this you will be aware of the entire process ahead of you and can, therefore, plan your time appropriately so that you meet your deadline as painlessly as possible.

By having a schedule you will be taking a professional approach to completing this project and improving your time management skills.

I will be checking everyone's blog to make sure this has been done. You have been warned!

Week 1 Independent Study

This week you are to begin your initial research into your character design. For next week's class, you will be expected to present your initial research that will inform your preparatory character design sketches to the rest of the group for tutor and peer feedback. This work should be uploaded to a blog created specifically for this module. This blog should be organized into 12 Weekly Tabs to make it easy to navigate.

Please bring the blog link next week so that your work can be added to this module blog. Remember to create regular blog posts to document your process and progress on this module.

Week 1 Independent Study Checklist

1. Begin ZBrush Training as directed in class on LinkedIn Learning (at least 3 hours).
2. Begin to collect images and reference material (research) into the type of character you want to build and create sketches of your initial ideas. (at least 2 hours).
3. Create a blog and add your research and initial character designs and annotate them with reflective comments and insights. (30 - 45 mins)
4. Make a note of the blog address and bring with you for next week's session and add a link to the module blog.

You will be expected to share your progress with your peers next week in an informal show and tell session.

Total homework time at least 7 hrs

Below are some examples of character/creature design sketch sheets.

 You may also want to start thinking about the colours and textures you will want your character to be and add some colour studies/reference to your character sheets.

Intro to Module

Make sure you have read and are familiar with the Module Guide and Brief.

What is expected of you

At least 10 hours study time

3 in class and 7 independent study

This module uses a Flipped Classroom approach which uses the Coaching Model of Teaching which promotes resilience and self-reliance to create independent learners and creative problem solvers.

You will be doing the ZBrush training using LinkedIn Learning and ZClassroom as part of your independent study time using the campus machines in the DAC or in Pierson or on your own computers. Using video training in this way allows you to control your own learning, and go at your own pace and pause and rewind the content.

In class, you will be working on your projects and building and sculpting your models with support from me. If you do not do the training each week you will not have the skills to be able to build your model. It is as simple as that!

My Role

Is as a Facilitator or Coach, to point you in the right direction, offer advice, feedback and help you when you are stuck with creative and technical support.

Reasons for this

By taking this approach you get to work at your own pace and if you get stuck on a tutorial at home I can help you in the next class session. With software training, you learn by doing. You will need to look at the training videos over and over until the skills become automatic. Repeatedly practice the modeling and sculpting tools you will need to model your character and continue this process in class with support from me. With time and effort, you will begin to adapt what you have learned from your online training to your own model build. This approach promotes Active Learning.

This method of learning also mimics the way you would be expected to learn new software in the Games and Animation industries.

Creative Problem Solvers, Independent Flexible Learners and Industry

Although it doesn’t seem like it right now, you will soon be entering your 3^rd year.

In your 3^rd year, you will be expected to work more independently most of the time. This class is set up to help you prepare for the level of independent learning and study that will be expected of you next year.

You should treat this module like a job because if the work you do in this class is on a high enough standard it could be added to your first professional portfolio (that you will work on in 3rd year) and be instrumental in you getting a job. 

E.G. Ex-students Rajnita and Alex job interview at Off the Fence in Bristol and Sony Image Works Vancouver.

Industry wants people who know how to access knowledge and learning to, “…to figure it out…”

Knowing how to use ZBrush could make you highly employable.

Attendance

85% of students who fail modules have a poor attendance record.

What you need to bring

Always bring a pad and pen to make notes with.

Bring headphones or earbuds so that you can access Lynda training while working on your model if necessary.

Wacom Tablets

If you don’t have your own tablet, then you will need to book one out for your training and for this class. It’s probably a very good idea to do this a month in advance/at a time.

If you don’t have access to a tablet it will make this module very hard to complete.

You are responsible for this!!

Training Resources

Is everyone familiar with LinkedIn Learning (Lynda.com)

Can everyone access LinkedIn Learning?

Main tutorials for this module:

ZBrush Essential Training with Ryan Kittleson (Great introduction but doesn't look at Dynamesh)

Sculpting a Creature with Zbrush & Photoshop with Rayce Bird (Looks at Dynamesh)
Also look at...
Sculpting a Scarecrow in ZBrush with Michael Ingrassia (Looks at Dynamesh)
Sculpting Cloth in ZBrush with Ryan Kittleson

ZClassroom
https://pixologic.com/zclassroom/workshop/zbrush-introduction (Introduction)

https://pixologic.com/zclassroom/workshop/dynamesh (Introduction to Dynamesh)

This module is Hard work!

ZBrush can be challenging to learn, however you get to sculpt a cool digital character or creature that you have designed! What better way to spend a Wednesday afternoon!!

Look at weekly Schedule

Look at Process - Whiteboard and how to use LinkedIn Learning

Show Character Discovery (part 1 of Sculpting a Creature with Zbrush & Photoshop) on Lynda

Look at week 1 Independent study post

Break 20/30 mins

Start Training and/or Begin initial character research and generating ideas.

Welcome!

This blog is going to be used as a communication tool and a learning resource for the GAMA2004 module. Your projects, activities, and reminders of deadlines will be posted here, so please enter your email address in order to receive notifications. 

There a list of Interesting Links on the Resources page. Please take the time to look at them, as they will help introduce you to the vast subject of CG Modelling and Digital Sculpting. 

I will be adding to this list throughout the year and would like you to contribute so if you find an interesting website about modeling, tell me about it (leave a comment on here or email me) and I will put it on the blog.

Creature Concept by Game Art Student Andra Moisescu