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Animated Turntable Techniques in ZBrush and After Effects

by Brad Groatman

In this tutorial, we will explore different methods of using the Timeline features in ZBrush to create more dynamic turntable animations. Software required: ZBrush 4R4, After Effects.

What you'll learn

The new animation tools ZBrush offers allow us to approach turntable renders with more of an eye toward presentation: The ability to animate layers, materials, and display attributes opens the door to a host of possibilities in presenting our finished work. This series of tutorials will explore how we can use ZBrush's Timeline features to create a turntable that contains elements of an animated scene that provides more of a context for the models. We will plan out different render passes and utilize different ZBrush materials to create them, and then bring our renders into After Effects, where we'll explore a number of different techniques for bringing the ZBrush renders to life. By the end of the tutorial, the different techniques and ideas we'sve explored will hopefully give us a broader idea of the potential for making the turntable render itself a part of the creative process. Software required: ZBrush 4R4, After Effects.

About the author

Brad Groatman is a freelance animator and modeler with an MFA in Animation and Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He currently teaches 3D Character Design and Character Animation in the northeastern US.

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