There are certain ways you can handle your model that will accommodate lower end systems. You can organize your model into different sections, using either Subtools or Polygroups. (Polygroups are just different selections of your model, where Subtools actually separates the geometry). Either way, you can turn on just the areas you want to work with and your processor doesn’t worry about what it can’t see. Another method, that is a bit quicker, is to just hide an area simply by mouse-dragging over a section of your mesh, while holding CTRL + SHIFT or CTRL + SHIFT (then release SHIFT) in order to make your selection visible or hidden, respectively. Again, the computer won’t stress what it can’t see and it allows you to focus on just one area. When you want it visible again, simple CTRL + SHIFT anywhere on the canvas, where the mesh is not present. Any of those options will allow you to work around your system, to get the most out of ZBrush.
Value
For ZBrush’s main objective and execution, it is a very powerful program, that can help you create just about anything. For the low-budget filmmaker, who is mostly doing live-action cinematography, it is a bit of overkill unless you are really wanting to come out with some creative 3D effects, or get into 3D animation. However, for those CG artists that plan on entering the film or game industry, it is an indispensable tool, that will make you very competitive when trying to acquire a job. Most of the best CG creature creations and video game asset creations were made with this very program . So,for the $600 sticker price, you really are getting a great resource, considering that most mainstream 3D packages are in the thousands of dollars.
Final Comments
Pixologic’s ZBrush is a fantastic program that offers a lot in the way of empowering artists to approach the screen with “real media” mentality. Probably, because of that fact, a lot of the concepts and workflow take some getting used to, for those that have been accustomed to a more standard layout and for production operations. The workflow takes a while to adapt to, along with a lot of trial and error, in order to gain the experience necessary to execute what you desire. The good thing is that ZBrush has gone a long way in providing ample documentation and video resources in order to speed the learning process. So, if you can climb over the initial learning curve, you will be amazed at what you can create.
