Explore production-tested creature modeling workflows that reflect major facility standards. This course covers the practical steps required to transform a base mesh into a fully realized biped creature, with an emphasis on clean topology, displacement workflows, and review-ready presentation. It demonstrates production workflows designed to maintain efficiency and consistency across assets, while still pushing creative detail through sculpting, costume modelling, and early grooming concepts.
Across ten classes, the course follows a complete end-to-end pipeline for creature creation. Beginning with reference gathering and proportion adjustments in ZBrush, the classes progress into sculpting the body and facial features, as well as integrating eyes, teeth, hands, and feet. The workflow then shifts into Maya for clean topology, UV layout, and accessory modelling. The final classes include building reference hair for grooming, posing the model, and rendering for review to deliver a polished, production-ready result.
New Redshift Rendering in ZBrush
In class 10, Adam shares his approach to rendering directly within ZBrush, using tools and techniques he relies on in studio environments. As a member of the ZBrush beta testing team, he’s had early access to the powerful new Redshift integration, allowing artists to create high-quality stills without exporting to external applications. Learn how to set up Redshift renders from scratch, including tips for lighting, materials, and output settings, ideal for showcasing your work at a professional standard. Several of Adam’s renders now appear in ZBrush’s startup menu, demonstrating just how far these native tools have come.
The course is taught by Adam Dewhirst, an experienced lead modeller with over 18 years in film, TV, games, and commercials. Formerly the Head of Assets at UNIT TV & Film and The Mill, and a lead modeller at ILM London, Adam has contributed to projects such as Tenet, Guardians of the Galaxy, and high-profile campaigns for Audi, Nike, and the BBC.
