From the course: ZBrush: ArchViz Cloth Sculpting and Details

Introduction to methods - ZBrush Tutorial

From the course: ZBrush: ArchViz Cloth Sculpting and Details

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Introduction to methods

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- [Instructor] So when it comes to modeling fabric, you usually have two very specific methods that you tend to decide. You either going to sculpt them, or you're going to make a simulation out of it. And we're just going to discuss the best approaches when you have very specific situations, so you can better decide which way is best for you. So when it comes to sculpting, usually when you have very specific shapes, and you don't have a lot of room for it to be different from that, then probably sculpting will work best in this situation, because you will have the same silhouette and you can control exactly how it's going to go, and you'll just sculpt the drapes over it. So roughly speaking, if you have hard surfaces that are covered by tight fabric, that is a great situation for you to just sculpt them, because you can create the drapes and a recourse really quickly, and you're done. This will give you more control over the end result because you are the one creating each wrinkle in the model. Also, it will result in a less spontaneous design, so be aware of that. If you need something more spontaneous then probably sculpting will not be the best tool for you. And you will require or view more knowledge on fabric behavior, because you need to know how a fold behaves if it's from denim or leather, you have to have that knowledge for you to make a scope that looks realistic. So, it will require more study and more reference for you to have a good end result. So I just brought a few examples that is pretty clear that sculpting would be the best approach, because you have that very specific silhouette, and you just want to add some details to make it look like fabric. When it comes to simulation, usually is the other way round. So when you have more freedom in terms of shape, that is a good situation for you to just create a simulation of it. Generally speaking, if you have loose fabric, probably simulation is the best way to go. The design will offer more possibilities because as the simulation is rolling, you can make changes. You can make tweaks, you can pull the fabric around, you can make changes onto the fabric behavior, and it will just update immediately. So it's a good situation for you to play around with your end result. Also, you will require a view less technical knowledge in terms of fabric behavior, because you will have to know the settings inside the tool, but that's it. If you set it to be denim, it will behave as denim. There's not a lot of room for mistakes there. So again just a few examples as you can see, when you have loose fabric or you want a fabric that looks natural and you're not very concerned about the end shape, simulation is the best way to go. But there are other factors that you should take into account. So, your domain of the tool is very important. We are going to try to empower you as much as we can in both tools for you to be able to choose. But if you feel more comfortable in one than the other, then probably that is the best one for you to go. The vision or the briefing is also very important because you have to take that into account in order for you to know what the objective is, and therefore, you know which tool will work best for you. And your personal preference as well. So don't take my word for it in terms of what situations is best, always make a decision, also taking into account, what is your preference, which tool you feel most comfortable with and make a decision on that.

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