Transforming Photos into Stylized 3D Characters

In this tutorial, I will be teaching how to create stylized 3D characters based on photographs.

You will learn a technique for analyzing and breaking down a head into basic shapes. After learning how to break down and simply form we will look at creating it within ZBrush. Finally, we will look at how the same techniques can be used to break down more complex forms and take a sculpt further.

If you would like to get really good at sculpting stylized characters based on photo reference, you will need to practice. This is why I am also including an assignment with this tutorial. Follow this assignment and I guarantee you will see improvement.

Covered in this Tutorial

• Learn how to sculpt stylized 3D characters based on real photo references.
• Learn how to break down and analyze photos.
• Learn how to construct a simple head and manipulate your shapes and proportions into infinite variations.
• Learn the next steps for taking your simple head to the next stage to begin adding secondary forms and details.
• Receive a project-based assignment to improve your stylized character creation.

Files Included:

• Video tutorial teaching you how to create stylized 3D characters based on photo reference (mp4)
• Project-based assignment to improve your stylized character creation (txt file)
• Black and white photo reference for analyzing the head's basic shapes (9 images showing front, side and three-quarter views)
• 3 Example Heads (shown above in the first image) (ZTL and OBJ)
• 2 Simple Heads Created During Lecture (ZTL and OBJ)
• 1 Bonus Sculpted Example Head (ZTL and OBJ)

FAQ

1. Is this tutorial beginner-friendly?

Yes, however, this tutorial will be more beneficial to an intermediate-level sculptor who is familiar with the user interface of ZBrush.

2. Where can I get your brushes, etc?

Follygon's Brushes

ModMesh: Heads + ModMesh: Bodies

Sculpting The Planes of the Head | In-Depth Tutorial

Sculpting a Stylized Female Head in ZBrush

3. What software is used in this Tutorial?

This tutorial uses ZBrush to instruct, however, the information and ideas here will be transferable to any 3D software and even traditional real-world mediums.

4. How long is the video tutorial?

59 Minutes