Creation of the Bird Head 3DS MAX low-poly model: First I create a low-poly mode, l in 3DS Max, from a box. With extrudes here and there, and a few vertex moves, I export to a .obj format.
Zbrush form refinings: The next step is to import my .obj file to Zbrush. To work on forms I use the Move mode with a very small brush size to move just one vertex at time.
Work on hi poly details: After I achieved the forms I want, I go to Projection Master to add more details. I use deco brush with different alphas to create the main skin texture, then some single spots etc. to make it look more interesting (image 22).
Creating the ocean bottom: Column at the left (primitives, deformations, building, cracks). This column consists of one base primitive - a Ring (with some modifiers applied - mask, inflate, twist) which repeats several times with different sizes and placements. After that I use the deco-brush to add some details to the whole column (image 23).
Sea-weed and ground: Sea-weed is made from a Cube. I move the corners to make them look like something biological, then I copy this and place it in different places at different angles. For the ground I use a Cylinder and Coloured Spray mode (image 24).
Light and rendering options: Some tips for creating the underwater look (caustic highlights in some areas, etc)
To make my scene look like it’s underwater, I use the highlight brush to make some areas lighter and darker (highlight brush + Alt) (image 25).
PostWorks Combining layers, adding blur: After rendering with Zbrush, I got this image - it needs to have some post work done to it to make it look better and give it the right mood (image 28).
So, I start with adding a blur to some areas, and make the Captain’s face lighter by copying and pasting it to another layer. Then I add brightness and contrast, and fade some areas to black with layers by changing transparency to add more mood (image 29).
Adding light rays: It’s easy to add some light rays in Photoshop, or another 2D software. You can create something like this, just by adding transparency and blur for the desired result (image 30).
Well, that’s all I can tell you about the creation of “The Captain”. I hope you’ll find some useful information in this tutorial. (final image).
