The Ultimate Sculpting FlipBox Learning Path

FlipBox Learning Path

We recently released our first FlipBox - The Ultimate Sculpting FlipBox - and we had several requests for a learning path. Simply put, in what order should you watch the tutorials?

FlipBox Contains

• Introduction to Sculpting
• Introduction to Anatomy
• Creating a Full Character in ZBrush
• Introduction to Sculpting in Blender
• Character Concept Sculpting in ZBrush
• FlippedNormals Creature Kit
• Sculpting a Realistic Female Face in ZBrush
• Introduction to ZBrush
• Concept Sculpting for Film and Games
• FlippedNormals Brush Kit
• Modeling & Sculpting a Dinosaur
• Sculpting a Realistic Male Face in ZBrush
• Sculpting the Facial Features in ZBrush

Recommended Learning Path

Step 1 - Introduction to ZBrush - or Introduction to Sculpting in Blender

If you're new to sculpting, this is where to start! The FlipBox contains both Introduction to ZBrush and Introduction to Sculpting in Blender, so regardless of what software you prefer, we've got you covered. Nearly all the remaining tutorials in this FlipBox are software agnostic so you can follow in either software.

Step 2 - FlippedNormals Brush Kit

This brush kit contains 3 excellent ZBrush sculpting brushes. For years, I used the ClayBuildup brush as my default brush, but since creating this kit, the fn_Buildup has become my new default brush. Play around with this brush kit and consider making them your default ZBrush brushes.

Step 3 - Introduction to Sculpting

Start with Introduction to Sculpting and follow the exercises - and then the final project at the end. This gives you an excellent idea of how to get started with sculpting in ZBrush, from understanding how to create good shapes, the basics of anatomy to finally sculpting your own character at the end.

Step 4 - Introduction to Anatomy

Anatomy is essential to know, and Introduction to Anatomy is a great place to start! It covers everything from simple anatomical concepts to complex muscles - like the forearms and the legs. I recommend that you return to this series frequently as you're learning sculpting as there's always more anatomy to learn.

Step 5 - Character Concept Sculpting in ZBrush

Sculpt Frankenstein's monster with over 10 hours of real-time lectures. You can either follow along one-to-one, or make your own character using the same concepts. This is a great series for learning sculpting as all the steps and shown without edits, from the earliest strokes to the final pore details.

Step 6 - Creating a Full Character in ZBrush

You'll learn how to make a full Souls-like boss entirely in ZBrush. Follow along and create your own character. All the sculpting is real time and can be followed stroke for stroke.

Step 7 - Concept Sculpting for Film and Games

This tutorial covers how to sculpt a full creature from scratch, starting from zspheres in ZBrush. Learn design principles and sculpting techniques to create your own creatures and characters.

Step 8 - Sculpting a Realistic Male Face in ZBrush

Learn the workflow for sculpting a male face and the steps involved. It gives you great insight into the specifics of the male face and what makes it unique.

Step 9 - Sculpting a Realistic Female Face in ZBrush

Similar to the tutorial series above, Sculpting a Realistic Female Face in ZBrush focuses on how the female face is unique in its softness. These two series go hand in hand and can be watched back-to-back.

Step 10 - Sculpting the Facial Features in ZBrush

Now that you know the process for sculpting faces, let's dive into the specific facial features. Learn how to sculpt the eyes, ears, nose and mouth from scratch. This becomes your foundation for nearly all human and humanoid characters you'll sculpt.

Step 11 - Modeling & Sculpting a Dinosaur

Learn how to model and sculpt a full dinosaur. Taught by Rowena Frenzel, she has a delightful and holistic approach to art.

Step 12 - FlippedNormals Creature Kit

Now that you've gone through all the tutorials, you're ready to design your own! The FlippedNormals Creature kit is a ZBrush VDM kit that makes designing creatures incredibly fast and fun. It contains a bunch of handy VDMs, like horns, eyes, ears along with body parts.

Keep Learning

These tutorials will for sure provide you with learning for months and years to come! Between the tutorials, I also recommend doing your own independent projects and studies. And remember to check out the FlippedNormals YouTube channel for whole bunch of free training as well!