| ZBrushR is a graphics software by PixologicR, Inc. that has been around for some time. Its continued popularity is due to its versatility as a 2D paint program and as a 3D modeling, texturing and rendering program. Actually, it is called a 2.5D painting program because of its unique technology which allows the artist to paint with "smart pixels" or pixols. Just what is a pixol? Let's take a look at ZBrush and find an answer to that question. Although the user interface is a little "industrial looking", it is fully customizable and you will find there are many aids to help you find your way around the workspace. Two of the most useful are the Auto-Notes and ZScript tutorials. The Auto-Notes work like tooltips when you hold your mouse over a tool or palette. But instead of just a name, there is also a brief description of the tool or palette. Instead of static text tutorials, the ZScript tutorials are animated within the actual workspace and show you step-by-step what to do. Of course, it is impossible to cover all aspects of ZBrush in this review. However, I want to tell you about some of things that make ZBrush different from the 2D painting programs and introduce some of the ZBrush 3D features. Because ZBrush is a painting and modeling program, it has two main working modes. The first we will discuss is the painting mode and later we will take a look at the edit mode which is used for digital sculpting. PixologicR screen shots used by permission of Pixologic, Inc. PixologicR and the Pixologic logo, ZBrushR, and the ZBrush logo are registered trademarks of Pixologic, Inc. |
