[lmayfield]

So Im working on my 2d skills, and was wondering if anyone things that taking up Zbrush will also help improve my 2D.

The reasoning behind it, is that with 2D, I need to properly display and understand depth and shape. I figured that learning ZB would give me that understand of shape and design since im literally creating it 3D.

Thoughts?

[Rokai]

yes it can improve 2d skill

[MauryRuiz]

Hello,

My thoughts on ZBrush for helping your 2D skills....

I believe for 2D learning purposes, using a 3D software like ZBrush can actually impair your skills because in 2D, you have to understand how lighting creates form, how size, depth, color, value, shape, etc., have an affect on the composition. In 3D, lighting is created for you and knowing how to create realistic light sources on the form you are designing is a great deal of understanding 2D. Having ZBrush create the lights and shadows for you can be a wonderful thing, but it can also give you a big crutch, which if you are struggling in creating the same results with a 2D medium, you may be tempted to rely on those 3D perks.

I suggest drawing from life. (Figure drawing nude models) There is no replacement for a strong foundation in life drawing. I myself have a background in illustration with an emphasis on figurative drawing and painting. Those skills were developed with much practice and then applied to my 3D work. I believe my 3D skills are improved by my understanding based in 2D.

3D can be used as a tool for your 2D. You can create some 3D designs and then try to recreate them in 2D, similar to master copies. One great thing about 3D is that it forces you to think on all axis, that is, it forces you to see the form from all angles and thereby acknowledging the drastic changes that occur when you turn a design around from side to side. This is one strength of 3D design that is rather tricky in the 2D world. (You design all sides at once.)

There are give and takes for both 2D and 3D, but I think you would benefit most from drawing from life than from sculpting in 3D. Given my background in life drawing, I do have a bias, but regardless of that, I know the power a strong foundation in figurative drawing and painting can have on your 2D skills.

Best of Luck and practice, practice, practice.

M

[Zephusees]

Vary it up by doing exclusive work in 3D and 2D and also incorporate both together in one image.
The more you explore both the more you will learn. Simples.