To me this looks kind of like ZBrush version for everyone. They said it was going to be streamlined and it sure seems that way. When I think about ZBrush 4R7 it sure has tons of systems in it and itself it could use some streamlining. It’s crazy, it has ZSketch Armatures, ZModeler, Dynamesh and Dynamic Subdivisional modelling engine, just to name a few features. You can do so much with it that it’s mind blowing, and the automatic retopology ZRemesher (post R6 versions) is crazy awesome good. But there are just so many different features that for a newcomer learning this program can be like uphill battle.
ZBrushCore in http://www.pixologic.com
So having more simple to use if less featured program for those who mainly work for 3D prints and such makes sense. And ZBrushCore has new features that the “full” ZBrush doesn’t have, such as one click optimisation for 3D printing and advanced export settings for 3D printing. If you only work for 3D print it doesn’t make much sense to have UV mapping tools I suppose. ZBrushCore still has basic 3D painting capabilities though and it can do basic BPR renders and Keyshot integration which is cool (but it lacks multi-pass export).
The other advanced features that are missing are mainly SSS, AO, and the like, ZSketch, ZModeler, Fibers and Shadowbox and others. The number of brushes is limited to 30 vs 300+ in the bigger brother. The full list of differences is in Pixologic site.
What is ZBrushCore really?
So what is ZBrushCore really? I would say it is entry level ZBrush optimised for serious sculptors who come from art school and want to get into sculpting anatomy and figures. This is great for that and costs about a hundred dollars. So I don’t know, why not I guess, although for game artist, the lack of re-topology and limited texture size would be problematic factors.
ZBrushCore now available for pre-order (discount for a limited time for a $119.95)
Here’s a youtube video I made about this.
What are your thoughts? Please write to the comments below.
https://i0.wp.com/creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Screen-Shot-2016-10-01-at-22.33.52.png?fit=1852%2C1192&ssl=111921852crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-10-01 13:43:272021-10-02 03:48:24ZBrushCore and what we know now
I crossed the 100 subscriber line yesterday. Really, thanks everyone who subscribed. Subscriber amount isn’t the reason why I do this but it feels nice that someone is watching and liking what I do. But no matter how many subscribers or likes there is going to be, I don’t think that the thing what I do will change.
Curves in 3D Coat is a wonderful feature which allows custom spline models to be used with organic curve. Please enjoy this video tutorial to learn how to use this.
You can create chains or any shapes using this handy too. You can use closed or open curves, or use the curve to create a filled shape. There are many instances where this tool can come very useful. This can be used to create tubes on a machine for example.
It is also possible to brush along a curve. I will cover this in another tutorial.
Please watch the video tutorial and I hope you enjoy it.
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-10-01 04:50:332016-10-01 04:51:12Curves in 3D Coat Video Tutorial
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-30 07:29:202021-10-02 03:51:06How to fix chromatic aberration in Lightroom
Here are some thoughts about importance of having a backup. Digital data is so fragile because once it’s gone, it really is, and there’s no way to get it back. I had a bit of issue with my WordPress site yesterday because I ended up making a mistake and overwriting the data. I was able to recover from a backup but this really reminded me how important it is to have one.
I recommend to have automated solution such as Time Machine, which doesn’t require user intervention. Just remember to verify the backup every now and then to make sure it is safe.
Since this blog is so important to me, I decided to invest into Vaultpress backup plan. I had my own home-brew system in place but it is cumbersome and restoring a backup is very slow since it basically depends on moving files via SFTP, and is really quite a hassle to recover.
I had a bit of a glitch today with the site and this was offline for couple of hours during the most important business hours. Granted this glitch was my own fault, I kind of accidentally managed to overwrite data. The worst thing that can happen to a data basically is to be overwritten. Luckily I could recover from my backup, but thought, oh, why have I not made a better backup plan.
What Vaultpress promises is a real peace of mind, plus they also scan the site for security threats, and even throw Akismet key on top. For 9 dollars it isn’t too much I feel, and now I can just fully concentrate making content.
Basically, streamlining everything including the production schedule is always something to think about. We should be able to focus in creating new content and have peaceful rest in between. This is the ideal state of matters. So I think jerryrigging a backup solution might not be something I am interested in doing.
Anyway, setting up Vaultpress was straightforward and fast, so far I have a very good experience with them. I will report more later.
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-29 09:14:022016-09-30 04:19:12Using 3D Coat on a mac? Better not to upgrade to Sierra
Are you going to join 2016 zBrush summit? I can’t make it to LA, but I’ll be there virtually. I’m mostly curious about zBrush Core. Is this a lower cost alternative to the full zBrush or something completely different?
I have been extremely glad about my zBrush 4 investment. It’s been so many years since I bought it and there have been so many upgrades that have been completely free for me. And now there is even 64 bit version. Seeing the difference from the version that came in the cool Anniversary edition metal box is quite something. It feels like I have been part of this software’s development.
a prop being modelled using zBrush sculpting tools
If you are a sculptor or someone who comes from traditional art school, zBrush is definitely a worth to check out, even though recent versions of 3D Coat gives it run for it’s money . It all comes down to the very 3D sculpting tools built into zBrush that just are the best thing there is at the moment.
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-28 22:25:502021-10-02 03:59:07zBrush Summit 2016 and thoughts on zBrush
I love Apogee products. Especially my Apogee One for iPhone and Mac. Its the best audio interface I have ever owned what comes to sound quality. According to their announcement they have featured some of the best A/D and D/A converters so far. This got to sound good. They also have a solid looking clock source aboard to sync the AD/DA process.
The devices look solid and cool as ever. Apogee website says “Built like a beast. Not like a beauty”. But I think their design is quite beautiful and simple.
Element has has full Logic Pro integration and iOS controllers as well as the dedicated control remote.
Entry level model Element 24 starts $595 while the high end Apogee Element 88 is $1495. Even the entry level model has professional features like Word Clock IN/OUT via BNC connections for syncing. Like Apogee One, even this one rocks mighty.
What do you think of Apogee Element? Please feel free to comment below.
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-28 08:05:522016-09-28 08:05:52Apogee Element
Here is a free tutorial I did on using primitives in 3D Coat voxel sculpting room. It’s quite incredible how complicated shapes can be created with these when they are combined and merged with other shapes. You can also bring objects from other 3D packages to voxel room to merge and subtract with your shape. I like to have special set “cutter objects” that I use to build things like panels. Nice way to quickly create detail is to use radial symmetry.
You can use add and subtract and other blending modes. When in voxel mode the shape tries to blend into one seamless piece. Primitives can also be added when in surface mode. Think of this as like equivalent of zBrush’s dynamesh. If the result is too coarse it can be smoothed later.
It’s also nice to have things like nuts in the primitives section which are surprisingly versatile.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you like, please feel free to subscribe to my Youtube channel and share these.
Some parts of this ship were modelled using primitives in 3d coat
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-27 16:25:302016-09-30 04:15:32Primitives in 3D Coat Tutorial
In this Lightroom RAW tutorial I show my most common steps to deal with RAW images in Lightroom. I like to use the Library module to put metadata to the images and sometimes also use the presets or quick edit tools (as I show in the video) for batch of images. This is quick way to correct images which are series.
I also like to flag images by hitting p in the keyboard for Pick and x for Reject. It’s nice non-destructive image to mark images, plus the rejected images become faded so that the good stuff will stand out more. (Hint, if you activate caps lock, you will automatically move to next image, so you can just keep hitting either x or p and move forward like in a slide show. Just pressing two buttons! Try it!)
Develop module
Some of the Lightroom RAW Image Processing settings.
Develop module has similar controls to Camera Raw in Photoshop. You get to adjust Exposure, Tone Curve and Clarity, Vibrance and Saturation settings. Being subtle is the key when adjusting these settings because relatively small adjustments can make a big impact to the image. Same goes for sharpness, I don’t usually like to do it too much here. I rather sharp during export.
Noise reduction is a big feature of Lightroom. It can really reduce noise quite significantly. It’s good to test the settings and see what is best result. I usually like to be aggressive with the color slider which controls the colour noise reduction, but I’m rather moderate with the main noise reduction slider.
There’s also a setting for Lens Corrections which is very nice, it automatically detects the lens you use and comes pre-loaded for presets for each lenses. I forgot to mention about chromatic aberration removal in this window, its very effective way to get rid of the purple fringe.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. Please subscribe to my channel and feel free to share my tutorials in social media.
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-27 15:04:082021-10-02 03:50:56Lightroom RAW Processing Video Tutorial
Oh gosh I miss Steve. Can you remember when did they release a new laptop and did it from this level of dedication and passion for pro users? Don’t even get me started about the state of the Mac Pro.. Oh boy.
https://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svg00crwjaakkohttps://creativewithjaakko.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo.svgcrwjaakko2016-09-27 06:04:572021-10-02 03:59:51Do you remember how Apple was like?
ZBrushCore and what we know now
ZBrushSome details about ZBrushCore are out.
To me this looks kind of like ZBrush version for everyone. They said it was going to be streamlined and it sure seems that way. When I think about ZBrush 4R7 it sure has tons of systems in it and itself it could use some streamlining. It’s crazy, it has ZSketch Armatures, ZModeler, Dynamesh and Dynamic Subdivisional modelling engine, just to name a few features. You can do so much with it that it’s mind blowing, and the automatic retopology ZRemesher (post R6 versions) is crazy awesome good. But there are just so many different features that for a newcomer learning this program can be like uphill battle.
ZBrushCore in http://www.pixologic.com
So having more simple to use if less featured program for those who mainly work for 3D prints and such makes sense. And ZBrushCore has new features that the “full” ZBrush doesn’t have, such as one click optimisation for 3D printing and advanced export settings for 3D printing. If you only work for 3D print it doesn’t make much sense to have UV mapping tools I suppose. ZBrushCore still has basic 3D painting capabilities though and it can do basic BPR renders and Keyshot integration which is cool (but it lacks multi-pass export).
The other advanced features that are missing are mainly SSS, AO, and the like, ZSketch, ZModeler, Fibers and Shadowbox and others. The number of brushes is limited to 30 vs 300+ in the bigger brother. The full list of differences is in Pixologic site.
What is ZBrushCore really?
So what is ZBrushCore really? I would say it is entry level ZBrush optimised for serious sculptors who come from art school and want to get into sculpting anatomy and figures. This is great for that and costs about a hundred dollars. So I don’t know, why not I guess, although for game artist, the lack of re-topology and limited texture size would be problematic factors.
ZBrushCore now available for pre-order (discount for a limited time for a $119.95)
Here’s a youtube video I made about this.
What are your thoughts? Please write to the comments below.
100 Subscribers; Thanks!
UncategorizedI crossed the 100 subscriber line yesterday. Really, thanks everyone who subscribed. Subscriber amount isn’t the reason why I do this but it feels nice that someone is watching and liking what I do. But no matter how many subscribers or likes there is going to be, I don’t think that the thing what I do will change.
I hope to see you soon.
Curves in 3D Coat Video Tutorial
UncategorizedCurves in 3D Coat is a wonderful feature which allows custom spline models to be used with organic curve. Please enjoy this video tutorial to learn how to use this.
You can create chains or any shapes using this handy too. You can use closed or open curves, or use the curve to create a filled shape. There are many instances where this tool can come very useful. This can be used to create tubes on a machine for example.
It is also possible to brush along a curve. I will cover this in another tutorial.
Please watch the video tutorial and I hope you enjoy it.
How to fix chromatic aberration in Lightroom
UncategorizedHere is a little addition to my previous Lightroom tutorial regarding removal of chromatic aberration from RAW images.
Don’t forget to BACKUP (VLOG)
UncategorizedHere are some thoughts about importance of having a backup. Digital data is so fragile because once it’s gone, it really is, and there’s no way to get it back. I had a bit of issue with my WordPress site yesterday because I ended up making a mistake and overwriting the data. I was able to recover from a backup but this really reminded me how important it is to have one.
I recommend to have automated solution such as Time Machine, which doesn’t require user intervention. Just remember to verify the backup every now and then to make sure it is safe.
Data Matters, Vaultpress
UncategorizedSince this blog is so important to me, I decided to invest into Vaultpress backup plan. I had my own home-brew system in place but it is cumbersome and restoring a backup is very slow since it basically depends on moving files via SFTP, and is really quite a hassle to recover.
I had a bit of a glitch today with the site and this was offline for couple of hours during the most important business hours. Granted this glitch was my own fault, I kind of accidentally managed to overwrite data. The worst thing that can happen to a data basically is to be overwritten. Luckily I could recover from my backup, but thought, oh, why have I not made a better backup plan.
What Vaultpress promises is a real peace of mind, plus they also scan the site for security threats, and even throw Akismet key on top. For 9 dollars it isn’t too much I feel, and now I can just fully concentrate making content.
Basically, streamlining everything including the production schedule is always something to think about. We should be able to focus in creating new content and have peaceful rest in between. This is the ideal state of matters. So I think jerryrigging a backup solution might not be something I am interested in doing.
Anyway, setting up Vaultpress was straightforward and fast, so far I have a very good experience with them. I will report more later.
Using 3D Coat on a mac? Better not to upgrade to Sierra
UncategorizedIt seems there are some issues. Better hold off upgrading for a while.
zBrush Summit 2016 and thoughts on zBrush
ZBrushAre you going to join 2016 zBrush summit? I can’t make it to LA, but I’ll be there virtually. I’m mostly curious about zBrush Core. Is this a lower cost alternative to the full zBrush or something completely different?
I have been extremely glad about my zBrush 4 investment. It’s been so many years since I bought it and there have been so many upgrades that have been completely free for me. And now there is even 64 bit version. Seeing the difference from the version that came in the cool Anniversary edition metal box is quite something. It feels like I have been part of this software’s development.
a prop being modelled using zBrush sculpting tools
If you are a sculptor or someone who comes from traditional art school, zBrush is definitely a worth to check out, even though recent versions of 3D Coat gives it run for it’s money . It all comes down to the very 3D sculpting tools built into zBrush that just are the best thing there is at the moment.
You can stream summit in http://pixologic.com
Apogee Element
UncategorizedApogee Element introduced
Apogee Element Series Thunderbolt was just introduced for mac with multiple inputs and outputs.
I love Apogee products. Especially my Apogee One for iPhone and Mac. Its the best audio interface I have ever owned what comes to sound quality. According to their announcement they have featured some of the best A/D and D/A converters so far. This got to sound good. They also have a solid looking clock source aboard to sync the AD/DA process.
The devices look solid and cool as ever. Apogee website says “Built like a beast. Not like a beauty”. But I think their design is quite beautiful and simple.
Element has has full Logic Pro integration and iOS controllers as well as the dedicated control remote.
Entry level model Element 24 starts $595 while the high end Apogee Element 88 is $1495. Even the entry level model has professional features like Word Clock IN/OUT via BNC connections for syncing. Like Apogee One, even this one rocks mighty.
What do you think of Apogee Element? Please feel free to comment below.
Primitives in 3D Coat Tutorial
UncategorizedIntroduction to primitives in 3D coat
Here is a free tutorial I did on using primitives in 3D Coat voxel sculpting room. It’s quite incredible how complicated shapes can be created with these when they are combined and merged with other shapes. You can also bring objects from other 3D packages to voxel room to merge and subtract with your shape. I like to have special set “cutter objects” that I use to build things like panels. Nice way to quickly create detail is to use radial symmetry.
You can use add and subtract and other blending modes. When in voxel mode the shape tries to blend into one seamless piece. Primitives can also be added when in surface mode. Think of this as like equivalent of zBrush’s dynamesh. If the result is too coarse it can be smoothed later.
It’s also nice to have things like nuts in the primitives section which are surprisingly versatile.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. If you like, please feel free to subscribe to my Youtube channel and share these.
Some parts of this ship were modelled using primitives in 3d coat
Lightroom RAW Processing Video Tutorial
UncategorizedIntroduction to Lightroom RAW
In this Lightroom RAW tutorial I show my most common steps to deal with RAW images in Lightroom. I like to use the Library module to put metadata to the images and sometimes also use the presets or quick edit tools (as I show in the video) for batch of images. This is quick way to correct images which are series.
I also like to flag images by hitting p in the keyboard for Pick and x for Reject. It’s nice non-destructive image to mark images, plus the rejected images become faded so that the good stuff will stand out more. (Hint, if you activate caps lock, you will automatically move to next image, so you can just keep hitting either x or p and move forward like in a slide show. Just pressing two buttons! Try it!)
Develop module
Some of the Lightroom RAW Image Processing settings.
Develop module has similar controls to Camera Raw in Photoshop. You get to adjust Exposure, Tone Curve and Clarity, Vibrance and Saturation settings. Being subtle is the key when adjusting these settings because relatively small adjustments can make a big impact to the image. Same goes for sharpness, I don’t usually like to do it too much here. I rather sharp during export.
Noise reduction is a big feature of Lightroom. It can really reduce noise quite significantly. It’s good to test the settings and see what is best result. I usually like to be aggressive with the color slider which controls the colour noise reduction, but I’m rather moderate with the main noise reduction slider.
There’s also a setting for Lens Corrections which is very nice, it automatically detects the lens you use and comes pre-loaded for presets for each lenses. I forgot to mention about chromatic aberration removal in this window, its very effective way to get rid of the purple fringe.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial. Please subscribe to my channel and feel free to share my tutorials in social media.
Do you remember how Apple was like?
HardwareOh gosh I miss Steve. Can you remember when did they release a new laptop and did it from this level of dedication and passion for pro users? Don’t even get me started about the state of the Mac Pro.. Oh boy.