Getting Started

Here’s my first blog where I actually have accomplished something. I have just started using the new Z-Brush 3.5 Release and am finding it quite handy. This is how I see my pipeline going:

1.) Use Z-brush Z-spheres to model a character.
2.) Use the new Edit Topology Tool to make low res models for torque.
3.) Export as and Obj to Softimage
4.) Use Softimage to tweak shape, Scale for Torque, UVMap, Rig, and Animate
5.) Export as and Obj back to Z-brush
6.) Use Polypaint in Z-brush to make diffuse and Normal maps
7.) Use Softimage to export as Collada into Torque 3D

I’m using an Old version of Sotimage 6.0 something or other. It’s the softimage before Autodesk bought them. If anybody has a dts exporter I would like to try it out. I also own Deled where I could make Dif also but I think Collada would be better.

Here’s a quick Monster Model I made with Z-spheres

The Topology

The Lowpoly that was exported to Softimage

An Untextured Version in Torque


I did have problem installing and getting Torque 3D to work. After the Install whenever I went to run it all I got was the BSoD. I updated everything anyone suggested in the forums. What finally was the problem was my sound card drivers. Once I got the most recent driver everything worked like clockwork.

Moving forward I need to learn how to rig stuff in XSI. I learned Max and Maya in college but afterwards all I could afford was XSI (before Autodesk bought them). Don’t know how different the rigging will be but I’m hoping it’s similar.

I also need to figure out how to export everything to Torque. It’s easy enough to get an untextured shape in there but I need to learn how to get a material and animations to work. Unfortunately I have no coding background. My friend is a computer programmer so I’m hoping with his help I can figure it out.

Let me know if you see any pitfalls you see in how I plan on doing things. Would appreciate any pointers people have.