Digital Tutors or Gnomon for learning Zbrush

#1

Hello guys, i was wondering which do you think is better for learning z brush, creatures and anatomy? Digital tutors or Gnomon?

Thanks

#2

If you’re green I would start with DT to get the basics and then when you feel that you’ve learned enough about the software and tools, then move on to Gnomon and you can simply focus on the art.

#3

Fantastic thank you :slight_smile:

#4

Totally disagree. I attempted to learn ZBrush from Digital Tutors and ended up unlearning all the bad habits and poor artistic choices they’d shown me. Most of their “artists” are terrible at anatomy and creature design and will lead you down the wrong path. Low quality, amateur junk for the most part.

My advice - as you’re interested in creature and character design, learn with Pixologic’s own free tutorials in the Pixologic classroom, go to life drawing classes and take a sketchbook + camera to your local zoo. Learn anatomy from real life and learn Zbrush from the people who make the app.

If you want a solid overview of ZBrush, this is the best tutorial I’ve ever seen: http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/store/product/1119/#.VT31qL5anlc

For creature design and inspiration, join the Stan Winston School.

But you’ll never excel at anatomy by attempting to learn it from the internet. Go and look at people and animals for that.

#5

I don’t disagree with this but the OP was specifically asking about creatures as well as learning ZB between DT and Gnomon. In my experience, DT focuses more on the technical aspects of learning software whereas Gnomon is more artistic. Gnomon tends to be more advanced therefor I wouldn’t recommend it for artists who are new to the software.

I haven’t had a chance to check out the Scott Spencer DVD yet but did buy his books and took his classes at Gnomon. He is a great instructor so you won’t go wrong with any of his material. His ZB anatomy book is hands down my favorite learning book. The accompanied DVD alone is worth the cost because its basically an entire Gnomon video tutorial for free.

But I agree, there are numerous other resources that could prove to be more beneficial than DT.

When learning, rather than focusing on a service provider, one should take a look at the artist doing the teaching as well. Honestly, sending an email to artists that you admire would be a great way to start the learning path because they will undoubtedly have great resources for you to take advantage of. Perhaps strike up some kind of online mentorship or if you’re lucky and the artist is local, build a personal mentorship with them.

It would be a great way to start learning as well as build your network of contacts in the industry.

#6

Hey thanks i am already doing the life drawing classes and observational sketching, so i was just asking about getting to know z-brush and how to sculpt humans and creatures. In regards to that i wondered which site had more anatomical knowledge that would benefit me.

#7

I can more! than recommend the Maggie Scott-Spencer course on ZBrush 4.7 at Gnomon.
It is not only by far her (Scott is actually a transgender woman) best course ever but it is by far the best and most complete course on ZBrush I ever watched. And I have watched many. Even after all the years I use ZBrush I still learned lots of little tricks. But if you are new, it starts from ground level.

Another advantage over DT is that you can either buy the dvd or, like me, download the entire course with all models and assets and watch it wherever you wish without any need offor constant internet connection and subscription fees.
And when it comes to creatures and anatomy, not many are on Maddie/Scott’s level.I can also recommend the bpdf (or book if you prefer) by Uldis Zarins: Anatomy for sculptors

https://www.anatomy4sculptors.com/store.php

#8

DT are good for learning which buttons to press. But the results of some of their ‘professional creative series’ look terrible. Steer clear for anatomy studies.

If I was just starting to learn ZB again, I would defo go for Scott’s new Gnomon DvD. He knows the ZB tools inside/out and his anatomy knowledge is right up there with the best.

you could also look into:

Scott Eaton
Zac Petroc
Rafael Grassetti
Jesse Sandifer

All ZB and anatomy gurus.

#9

Hey thanks, yeah i am currently doing Scott Eaton’s anatomy and just began working through the Scott Spencer Zbrush

#10

Well you’ve made an excellent choice. :slight_smile: Scott Eaton is the closest thing to a modern master.