This type of modeling should be done according to my opinion with the subdivision surfaces, with moi you can also do some of these well, but with Z-brush you have to be an expert.

Some example made with software like Blender 3D

https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/decoration

https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/architectural/decoration/architectural-ornament-vol-04

Hi Zymon,

I second Michael's suggestion: MoI is great for establishing clean and sharp base models, and ZBrush is great for automatic retopology and adding intricate details, using alpha stamping.

It's true that the ZBrush interface is an odd beast, and takes patience and studying to get used to, but once you know what the tools do and where to find them, it really makes sense. Two tips:

1: Watch the many free ZBrush video tutorials at http://pixologic.com/zclassroom/ and YouTube, to get past the initial steep learning curve.

2: Start creating your own custom ZBrush UI as soon as you get the hang of the software, because the default UI doesn't contain many tools. You can search Google (Images) for custom ZBrush UI inspiration.

Regards,

— Metin

———————

visualization • pixel / voxel art • illustration • animation • 3D (print) design — https://metinseven.com

One of the last ZBC Top raw ;)

Thanks for your help. I thought it would be a matter of using a displacment map to make the decorative parts - thats propably my inexperience. But I think you are all right. Make the object in MOI (what about sketchup?) then use zbrush to add texture.

Its rather expensive though, to say that I will not be using all the freeform modelling functions. I wounder if the reduced version would do enough for my uses.

Simon

I am going to try that today!! But with Recap (its free as a student)

Hi Zymon,

you can derive a displacment map from photos with CrazyBump for example and then apply this map to
a mesh. However in order to 3D print the displacement you have to convert it to a mesh. If you can
create alpha maps from yor photos you could use them in ZBrush to obtain a detailed mesh.

Regards
Stefan

While you've already spent a lot of time in Zbrush, you may want to also look at 3D Coat. Because it is a voxel modeler (whereas Zbrush is a surface modeler) 3d Coat will always create manifold objects, which are inherently better for 3D printing. The same is true for MoI as it creates manifold objects too, but without the ability to sculpt.

Like Chip mentioned, 3D Coat is definitely also worth checking out as a much more affordable alternative to ZBrush with similar tools. And like ZBrush, 3D Coat also combines very well with MoI 3D.

Hi everyone!

I want to echo Metin and Chipp.

As some of you already knows, I'm a very enthusiast user of 3DC and I can say that for about 400 USD you can get an amazing and super powerful
companion for Moi :)

Hi Simon,

here is a quick test i was talking about; i used parts of your photos and created a displacement map from them and then used them as alphas in ZBrush. So in case you have already purchased ZBrush, this might give you an idea of how to create quickly simple mesh forms which can be further processed. With 3DCoat, for example, you can also import your color photos and then make planar color meshes* out of it.



Hope this helps a bit or two.

*As an example you can see my fractal images:

https://www.behance.net/gallery/26705181/3D-Fractal-models

Regards
Stefan