// Basic Masking + Cutting //

Full Course: ZBrush Basics in Environment Concept Art

Thurlow Jacobson

Mar 7. 2024

// Basic Masking + Cutting //

For the first masking challenge I originally wanted to create sci-fi pillars, but after a bit of time it slowly transformed into more of a building. Then, using that first building, I used masks to distort and alter the original shape while trying to retain its readable shape language. I am incredibly please with how these buildings turned out, especially the top-heavy one in the middle that feels like its defying physics. I imagine the building's engineers figured out a way to make incredibly wide structures without needing a wide base. I would love to see what these structures look when they are all rendered out in a cityscape.

// Cuts Challenge: Shield //

The first asset I decided to make with the cuts was a shield. I had to remake the shield a few times because I kept trying to create a shield without understanding who is using it and who built it. Once I finalized on the elven aesthetic like Pablo, it was far smoother to sculpt out the prop and its defining shape language.

// Booleans Challenge: Scope //

While learning Booleans, I created a couple sci-fi weapon scopes that helped me solidify my understanding and skills of the aforementioned tool. The first scope was intended to be attached on the side of a futuristic gun, meant for close-quarters engagements fitted with a traditional iron-sight accent. The second scope is intended for long range rifles, and is my favorite of the two; the second's complexity shows a skill improvement in using Boolean functions when compared to the first. I used a combination of masks, Booleans, and cuts to transform the first scope into the second, and I am extremely pleased with the result. I am very much looking forward to the next challenge of creating a hard-surface prop using the skills I've learned in this lesson.