ZBrush is a new take on modeling by bringing virtual clay sculpting into the realm of 3D modeling software.
The central concept is called “progressive detailing.” Instead of creating a high-resolution mesh right from the start, you build up levels of detail step by step. Start with a primitive, then mold it your 3D design from scratch. You can also load templates (like a generic human body, for example) as a base. First, you define the silhouette (arms, heads, limbs) with broad brush tools. From there, you switch to smaller brushes and sculpt large details, pronounced muscles, fingers, and the like. Only then can you add intricate details like wrinkles or scars using even finer brushes.
Though the idea of sculpting in 3D space may sound appealing to beginners, ZBrush is by no means a 3D modeling software you can master intuitively. It has a steep learning curve and takes many hours to master. Although ZBrush and its competitor Mudbox are both based on the same concept, they implement it slightly differently. With many critics calling Mudbox somewhat friendlier for beginners in 3D sculpting.
On the other hand, there can be no doubt that ZBrush beats Mudbox in the broad array of its tools and brushes. However, Mudbox’s main drawback is its reliance on either Maya or 3ds Max to create base geometry, whereas ZBrush is entirely self-sufficient in this regard. You can block out your silhouette very quickly in ZBrush. Also, it lets you create additional geometry easily and intuitively. Whether you consider Mudbox superior to ZBrush is ultimately a matter of your workflow.
Those who are not sure if the investment is worth it can get their feet wet with ZBrushCoreMini, a free program that offers similar but fewer features than ZBrush.
